Core Knowledge Foundation
Early Asian Civilizations Tell It Again!™ Read-Aloud Anthology
Eighteen lessons make a read-aloud anthology all about early Asian civilizations. Scholars listen to and discuss stories about the Indus River Valley, Hinduism, Silk, Buddhism, the Great Wall of China, Diwali, and more, alongside stories...
Curated OER
To Live
Students explore Chinese life during the Cultural Revolution. They read and discuss a brief historical essay on 20th century China as well as viewing a fictionalized film account of the time period titled, "To Live". They write 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...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Ancient and Medieval China
This is a thorough lesson on Chinese history that includes readings from primary and secondary sources, guided reading questions, videos, and a take-home final assessment. While it indicates an audience from 9th through 12th grade, it...
Women in World History Curriculum
Women and Confucianism
Young historians consider the far-reaching effects of traditional teachings on the debates about the current attitudes toward women in society. The discussion begins with a list of New-Confucian sayings and expands to a global perspective.
University of California
The Mongol Empire
Scholars review eight sources to learn about the impact of the Mongol Empire and their leaders, such as Genghis Khan. Academics learn how the Mongols destroyed states but also increased connections with the rest of the world. To finish,...
Curated OER
Advanced Art – Cultural Place-setting Still life
Upper graders view a series of films that depict rituals or celebrations as they occur in different cultural settings. They conduct a cultural investigation about one culture, brainstorm and research objects that have cultural or...
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
East Asia--The Asian Holocaust
Ninth graders study the effects of the Asian Holocaust by comparing it to the Nazi Holocaust. They view a Power Point and discuss the comparisons between both Holocausts. As they compare and contrast both, they discuss their reactions...
Curated OER
The Daoist Immortals
High schoolers discover the basic principles and beliefs of Daoism through investigation and in-class discussion in this High School activity for a Social Studies, Humanities, or Asian Studies class.
BBC
Words In The News: Japan Textbook Back In Spotlight
High-interest articles are a great way to get struggling readers to tackle difficult vocabulary. Here is a instructional activity that includes such an article. It is focused around a very interesting and controversial article about the...
Lee & Low Books
Classroom Guide for Sacred Mountain: Everest
The most famous climbers of Mount Everest could never have made it to the summit without the assistance of the local Sherpa. Christine Taylor-Butler's nonfiction children's book Sacred Mountain: Everest is the focus of an extensive...
Curated OER
Word Play
Students examine the Japanese folktale, Monkeys Grasp for the Moon. In this multicultural literature lesson, students discuss the theme of the folktale. Students choose animal folktales from other Asian cultures for comparison.
Curated OER
Confucius: Words of Wisdom
Students view a documentary on Confucius. He is revered as one of the greatest teachers in history. Confucius' name is synonymous with ageless wisdom. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then complete writing and art activities...
Curated OER
The End of United States' Occupation of Japan
Ninth graders examine and discuss reasons for end of U.S. occupation of Japan in 1952, locate surrounding Asian countries on map, explore changes to Japan after World War II, and discuss how changes in Japan impacted other countries.
Curated OER
Stolen Property or Finders Keepers
Learners explore the questionable acquisition of priceless artworks gained as spoils of World War II. They become investigators and reporters looking into the matter of ownership of the world's greatest art.
Curated OER
Nutrition: How important is rice to the world?
Fourth graders point out places on a map that grow rice around the world. In this rice growing lesson plan, 4th graders read about the importance of rice and use a map to see where it comes from.
Curated OER
Role of "Outsiders" And Traders in Society
Students examine the Chinese and Japanese conceptions of "insiders" and "outsiders" and how this affects the attitude toward foreign traders from the 6th to the 16th centuries. Lesson extensions are included.
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.