National Endowment for the Humanities
Lu Shih — The Couplets of T’ang
Writing poetry in ancient China was the modern equivalent of sending a greeting card. Scholars learn about the ancient Chinese poetic form called the lu shih. They read about the context of poetry during the T'ang Dynasty and complete a...
Indiana University
Asian Literature: “The View in Spring” by Du Fu
Over the course of the activity, your pupils read and analyze a translated eight-line poem from the Tang Dynasty written by Du Fu, a poet caught behind enemy lines during the An Lu-Shan rebellion (755-763). Literary/historical context is...
Curated OER
Contributions of Chinese Dynasties
Students recognize the contributions that major Chinese Dynasties have made that we still use today. They replicate and create their own timeline using the major dynasties.
Curated OER
Geography and Culture of China
Take out a map, a paper, a ruler, and those coveted colored pencils for a lesson plan on Chinese culture and geography. This is a multifaceted approach to basic geography skills that incorporate story telling, class discussion, primary...
Curated OER
Great Wall of China
Students investigate the construction of the Great Wall of China. In this Chinese history lesson, students research print and Internet sources about the contributions of the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming Dynasties. Students use their...
Curated OER
Zhou Dynasty
Students research the contributions of the Zho Dynasty. They identify the Mandate of Heaven, and the growth of the economy under the Zhou. They research the history of the discovery of silk and its role as an export. Finally, they...
Curated OER
Wushu Were Here
Students create a fan-shaped story screen that explains 4 major points surrounding various facts, myths, expressions, or story elements in Chinese history, culture and/or literature.
Curated OER
China: How to Put Some "Tang" in Your Medieval Dynasties
Fourth graders label the countries that border China and the physical features of Asia. They discuss the physical features of Asia and label them on the other map.
Curated OER
Woman Holding Plum Blossoms
Students contrast and compare the definition of beauty in Tang dynasty China with that of America today in this high school Social Studies lesson. The lesson concludes with a small group activity.
Curated OER
Geography of Early China
Students research and identify the primary geographic features of China. They investigate which features isolated China, and identify the significance of the Hwang River to Early Chinese civilizations. Finally, they research the Silk...
Curated OER
Pottery, Porcelain, And Posterity
Middle schoolers research and discuss the various ceramic techniques foudn throughout China's history using primary source documents and internet resources. This activity emphasizes small learning groups.
Curated OER
Chinese Games
Students investigate the concepts related to the development of Chinese Games. They work with the teacher to point out important events in history that are related to their development and the influence of games upon the Chinese culture.
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.
Curated OER
The Silk Road
Learners 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.