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 worksheet, students read a passage about kites in China, then answer 3 short answer questions related to the passage.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The Voyages of Zheng He
Read about the Chinese explorer, Zheng He, who lived from 1371 to 1433. He commanded massive fleets and made seven voyages, traveling to East Africa, India, and Arabia, making stops in other regions along the way. He even brought a...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Explorers for Kids: Zheng He
Kids learn about the biography and life of Chinese explorer Zheng He. Commander of giant treasure ships.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Voyage of Zheng He I
This video segment adapted from 1421: The Year the Chinese Discovered America? introduces the theory that the Chinese discovered America prior to Columbus.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Age of Exploration
Examines the Age of Exploration by looking at Christopher Columbus, the Columbian Exchange, the explorer Zheng He, the conquest of Mexico, and pirates who roamed the Caribbean.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: An Age of Adventure
Learn about the adventures of Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and Zheng He on this site. Compare their journeys with charts and maps that are found here.
PBS
Pbs Nova: Ancient Chinese Explorers
Discusses the different voyages of Zheng He and their significance in Chinese history. Includes good historical background and pictures.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Activity: An Age of Adventure
A website detailing the biographies of Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, and Zheng Hehis. Learn about their inspiration for their voyages here.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: The Ages of Exploration: Age of Discovery
This Age of Discovery page presents naval artifacts and explorers of the 15th century to the early 17th century. It looks at European explorers who journeyed to North and South America, the search for the Northwest Passage, and...