Council for Economic Education
Why Didn't China Discover the New World?
Who was Zheng He and why haven't we heard of him? Scholars consider the question as they compare his vast expeditionary force to that of Christopher Columbus. Young historians then ponder the intersection of science, economics, and...
Curated OER
Sailing West: Admiral Zheng He's Voyages
In this Zheng He worksheet, students read about the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He and answer fill in the blanks and short answer questions about him. Students complete 22 questions total.
Curated OER
Trade in the Indian Ocean: Should China End Zheng He's Treasure Voyages?
Students examine the amount of trade that occurs in the Indian Ocean. Using China as an example, they discuss the reasons why it ended its treasure voyages in the area and predict what would have happened if the voyages continued. They...
Curated OER
Christopher Columbus Who?
Students recreate a "60-minutes" interview using cue cards and historical information on the Chinese explorer Zheng He. This lesson is an excellent introduction to World History during the 1400's.
Curated OER
The Age of Early European Explorations & Conquests
Your students' world will literally take shape in this presentation, which chronicles the growing edges of the (flat) earth during European Exploration of New Worlds. Dias, da Gama, Magellean, and Columbus are key players in this game of...
Curated OER
Imperial China: Qin to Ming Dynasties
Looking for a way to supplement a unit on ancient China or world cultures? Look no further than this presentation, which combines rich information with entertaining pictures of Chinese artifacts. China's glorious dynasties provide a...
Curated OER
The Hunters and the Hunted: The Search for China's Past
Students discover the history of Ancient China, specifically the period beginning with the Qin Dynasty and ending with the fall of the Ming Dynasty. They study the building of the Great Wall and the defeat of the Great Khans.
Curated OER
Breaking News: Chinese Writer to Have Shakespeare's Face
Students explore current events by completing a list of worksheet activities. In this William Shakespeare lesson, students identify a resident of China who wishes to undergo plastic surgery to give himself the face of William...
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension Worksheet: China
In this reading comprehension instructional activity, students read a passage about kites in China, then answer 3 short answer questions related to the passage.