On the Road with Marco Polo: Sea Voyage to India

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.

In this social studies reading comprehension worksheet, students read a page long detailed biography of Marco Polo. Students complete 12 multiple choice questions and one essay.

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.

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.

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.

Students 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.

Students 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.

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.

A brief account of the voyages and travels undertaken by Marco Polo who was one of the first Europeans to travel from Italy across Asia to China.

In this first lesson of an 8-lesson curriculum unit, young scholars will learn about Marco Polo's experiences in Venice. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials.