National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 1: On the Road with Marco Polo: A Boy in 13th Century Venice
Learners investigate Marco Polo's life as a young boy in 13th century Venice. They analyze maps, explore various websites, complete a chart and answer discussion questions, and create a travel brochure about visiting 13th century Venice.
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On the Road with Marco Polo: Marco Polo in China
Students trace Marco Polo's route into China and use the Internet to research major products fabricated in 13th century China. They discuss their findings and write a report on either: silk, porcelain, jade, lacquerware or tea.
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On the Road with Marco Polo: Marco Polo in China
Students investigate who the Mongols were and where their empire was located. They research Kublai Khan and the region he ruled. They study the major products of 13th Century China.
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On the Road with Marco Polo: Sea Voyage to India
Students examine Marco Polo's route from China to Sumatra. They investigate the geography and climate, the religions and architecture of modern Indonesia. They study the use of spices and why they were so important in medieval times.
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Marco Polo Takes A Trip
Young scholars identify Marco Polo and discuss why he took his trip, indicate on map routes Marco Polo took to China and back, describe challenges of traveling along Silk Road, list several interesting aspects of 13th Century Chinese...
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On the Road with Marco Polo
Students follow Marco Polo's route to and from China. They explore the geography, local products, culture, and fascinating sites of those regions. They record their findings.
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Everyday Objects As Artwork
Students examine everyday Chinese objects and analyze why they are
considered artwork today in this multi-subject lesson for Middle School. Small group colaboration is emphasized.
Cornell University
Alka-Seltzer Rockets
Blast off! An engaging hands-on activity has pupils create rockets powered by Alka-Seltzer. They learn about the physics behind these rockets throughout the process.
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Sharing Beliefs and Ideas
Students examine how cultural ideas and thought were exchanged as travelers and traders of the Silk Road met, interacted, and traded with different peoples from different regions and cultures along the Silk Road.
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What Is the History of the Consumption of Rice?
Sixth graders research the history of rice consumption. In this rice consumption lesson, 6th graders read a study guide and answer comprehension questions about two rice dishes and rice cultivation.
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You Can't, but Genghis Khan
Students study the life of Genghis Khan from his childhood to adulthood as a conqueror. They write poetry for two voices. They investigate how rules and laws are made and work together to problem solve.
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Spontaneous Britishstrokes
Students are introduced to Chinese painting and they examine how Daoist phiolosophy influenced artistic style. They discuss how art and artistic technique as a reflection of Daoist culture. Students discuss how art is a reflection of...
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Understanding Cultural Diversity
First graders examine different types of art to help them explain the idea of cultural diversity. This is a unit focusing on works of art.
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Mongolia: Land, History and Culture
Middle schoolers examine the land, culture and history of Mongolia. In groups, they use the internet to determine what groups held power and during what time periods. They also identify the most important parts of their culture and why...