Curated OER
Ancient Trade Routes
Students research details about ancient trade routes such as the silk, amber, tin, and incense routes. They make a map showing the trade routes and add details to maps, such as keys and samples of products traded. They compare ancient...
Curated OER
In Celebration of the Silk Road
Sixth graders explore the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road with a focus on a province in China to identify artifacts and research how these items arrived in the city of Turpan.
Curated OER
The Silk Road
Students explore the Silk Road of Asia in this multi-day lesson that includes a "Silk Road roll play" and a mapping activity. This lesson can be used in a social studies or language arts classroom.
Curated OER
The Silk Roads Big Map
Students generate oversized rendition of the Silk Roads from Europe to East Asia, apply elements such as political and topographic features, the Silk Roads, products of the regions, and the routes of key travelers.
Curated OER
Belief Systems of the Silk Roads
Students review, compare, and contrast belief systems of the Silk Roads. They analyze primary texts of sacred and philosophical writings. Finally, students recognize the rich diversity of belief systems along the Silk Roads.
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Trading in the Silk Road Cities
Students explore elements of trade along the Silk Roads by examining the products of various locations along the route.
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Belief Systems Along the Silk Roads
Students reflect on similarities and differences among belief systems. Using excerpts of translated religious texts, they organize these quotations into broad themes. The quotations will be posted on a Silk Roads map as reminders of how...
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The Silk Road
Students research the geography of Asia from Xian to Istanbul. They explore the intricacies of ancient trade, including trade goods and policies. They study minorities within and outside of various Chinese and other Asian empires.
Curated OER
A Caravan Of Camels
Fourth graders discuss the role the Silk Road had in trade and commerce practices in China during different Chinese dynasties. The lesson evaluation consists of individual student writing assignments.
American Museum of Natural History
The Ancient City of Petra
Anyone who has seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will recognize the entrance to the Nabataean city of Petra. Young archaeologists don't need horses or camels to travel through the Sig and tour this fascinating city, however. With...
American Museum of Natural History
A Walk Through the Ruins of Petra
Walking through the ancient Nabataean city of Petra can be a challenge. A tour begins with a 20-minute walk down a rocky slope through the narrow Siq to get to the famous Treasury known to Indiana Jones fans. But that is just the...
Curated OER
Geography of the Silk Road And the Tokaido Road
Students examine the geographical features of the Silk Road and the Tokaido Road in this introductory lesson on Chinese geography. Small group learning is emphasized and encouraged.
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
"Medieval Travels, The Mongols and the Silk Road Across Asia"
Eleventh graders are able to take information obtained from the various readings of primary and secondary sources and classroom discussions directed by the instructor and relate it to the student's curretn real life experiences. They...
American Museum of Natural History
Make Your Own Paper
Paper, paper everywhere. Paper is so prolific that few think about where the idea for it originated and how it is made. Introduce young readers to the paper-making process with an activity that lets them create their own.
Curated OER
Treasure of the Silk Roads
Students generate world maps that act as creative writing prompts. The prompts reflect on the cultures and history of the past through their own experiences. Students create an original writing sample.
Curated OER
I'm Dreaming of a Sustainable Christmas
Students examine global trade. In this global economics lesson, students visit websites to learn about trade with China and the environmental damage of global trade.
Curated OER
The Golden Rule of Reciprocity
Students explore The Golden Rule of Reciprocity from various religions. In this religious beliefs lesson, students examine various religious quotes and summarize the idea of The Golden Rule in a sentence.
Curated OER
Should the Ming End the Treasure Voyages?
During the first century of Chinese Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the government sent out a total of seven voyages into the Indian Ocean. Young historians will discuss, explain, role play, and compare the decisions made by rulers during the...
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
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
Eleventh graders 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
Monsoon Winds to the "Land of Gold"
Students recognize environmental factors that influenced maritime trade routes and the establishment of major trading centers in classical times. They evaluate perceptions of the ancient world through ancient maps and primary source...
Curated OER
Porcelain And Trade Economics
Students discover the concepts of importing and exporting through the study of Asian luxury goods, in particular porcelain. This lesson plan includes resource links to primay source images.