National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 3: On the Road with Marco Polo: From Hormuz to Kashgar
Young explorers examine the route that Marco Polo and his father traveled to reach China. They examine online maps of the Silk Road and harsh terrain of Afghanistan to determine challenges that may have been encountered during travel.
Curated OER
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.
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.
Curated OER
On the Road with Marco Polo: Homecoming
Learners role play as Marco Polo to detail his travels. They include the terrains, foods, religions, people and cultures that were encountered. They write a journal entry as if they were Marco Polo detailing one aspect of his travels.
Curated OER
Marco Polo Takes A Trip
Students 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 culture,...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
On the Road with Marco Polo: From Hormuz to Venice
Learners study the route from Hormuz to Constantinople that was traveled by the Polos. They explain the importance of Constantinople in medieval time and discuss its location, and outer wall structure.
Curated OER
On the Road with Marco Polo: From Venice to Hormuz
Students take virtual trip with Marco Polo from Venice to China. They explore terrain of Iran.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Sharing Beliefs and Ideas
Eleventh graders examine the roles of trading and pilgrimage in promoting exchange of goods and ideas. They appreciate the roles played by Xuan Zang and Marco Polo in the material and cultural exchange among the peoples of the Silk Road.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Modern Marco Polos: Searching for China
Students conduct Internet research to determine information about China's laws, government, philosophy, architecture, inventions, calendar and language. Students create a web site about ancient China and how it has influenced world history.
Curated OER
On the Road with Marco Polo: Crossing the Deserts of China
Students explore the geography of China. They describe the geography of the Taklimakan. Students discover the best route to travel from one end of the desert to the other. They investigate how some of the local inhabitants make a...
Media Smarts
News and Newspapers: Across the Curriculum
Did you know that the Chinese Court Gazette is the longest continuing news paper in history? In addition to some great background information, this resource includes suggestions for activities across grade levels and across the curriculum.
Curated OER
America and the Sino-Japanese Conflict, 1933-1939
High schoolers examine the U.S. stance regarding the Sino-Japanese conflict. In this diplomacy lesson, students analyze the sanctions employed by United States on Japan when they took over Manchuria. High schoolers determine how actions...
Curated OER
Imagining China through Words
When Europeans first came back with tales of China, they provided vivid written accounts and minimal visual imput. This resulted in art rendered mostly from descriptive language. Learners explore this phenomena by listening to...
Curated OER
Imagining China Through Words
Students create a drawing from a written description to examine images of China in European art. In this art analysis lesson, students create a visual image from a written description of an object. Students compare their image to the one...
Curated OER
Factoring Trinomials
Students factor trinomials. For this algebra lesson, students use special patterns and formulas to factor. They utilize algebra tiles as a hands-on method for gaining practice with trinomials.
Curated OER
K-2: The Second Grade World of Louis Armstrong
Second graders explore Louis Armstrong's music. In this language arts lesson, 2nd graders research different resources so that they can write a report on Louis Armstrong and his music. Additionally, students create illustrations of Louis...
Curated OER
Social Studies For Elementary School
Fourth graders become familar with maps and work in groups to get an overview of what Europe is like. The real assignment is in the form of students creating their own trip if it could really be taken.
Curated OER
Understanding Self and Others
Students investigate other people's perceptions and interpretations of the world. They write a letter, taking into account another's historical point of view. The students also compare and contrast differing points of view through...
Curated OER
Times Are Changing
Third graders study the need for trade, cultural and intellectual achievements. They study scientific and technological advancements emphasizing how these achievements affect modern day.
Curated OER
History and Culture of Italy
Italy is the birthplace of countless individuals who changed the course of human history.