Students investigate the Pure Land sect of Buddhism in an attempt to better understand how Buddhism has adapted itself to fit into the constantly changing religious, cultural, political, and economic climates of China and Japan.

Students examine Buddhism and the role of the Dalai Lama. For this world religions lesson, students research the history and teachings of the Dalai Lama. Students discuss how to apply the Dalai Lama's teaching to teen dilemmas.

Students study American transcendentalism through readings of Emerson and Thoreau. They make cognitive connections to the similarities to Buddhism in these writings. The connection of the literary movement is explained in the art of the...

How is religious freedom connected to the conflict between China and Tibet? After reading an online passage of background information, your learners will divide into groups and both read and view an interview with the Dalai Lama. They...

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...

Students describe the belief and practices of the three major religions of China. Using primary source documents, they compare and contrast the three religions and present their findings to the class in the form on a PowerPoint...

Students examine Tibetan history and geography. In groups, they analyze and discuss different perspectives regarding the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Students discuss current events and their significance. They write an article and...

Students investigate the historical Bodhidharma and focus upon the founding of Buddhism in China. They create two-dimensional Daruma dolls and define the term of enlightenment using simple language. Students read about the legend while...

Americans may think of Mount Everest as a region dedicated to adventurous hikers, but many cultures have flourished there! Learners read informative books, watch videos, participate in classroom discussion, analyze folk tales, and...

High schoolers identify Chinese inventions that are widely used today and explore how these inventions influenced social development in the West in this Social Studies lesson using cooperative learning techniques.

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.

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...

Eighth graders explore the sites and attractions of Hong Kong.  In this Geography lesson, 8th graders research the different forms of transportation and major landmarks.  Students create a travel brochure for Hong Kong. 

Students explore the state of Sub-Saharan Africa. In this geography skills lesson, students examine the work of the Carter Center in Africa as they investigate the strengths and weaknesses of linguistic, tribal, and religious...

Students explore the history of Gandhi and his viewpoint and example of nonviolence.  In this World History lesson, students complete numerous research assignments and activities over the course of nine lessons to expand their...

High schoolers compare and contrast Buddhist sculpture in varying materials through in-class discussions and small cooperative learning groups. This activity includes possible activity extensions.

Students discover the challenges of translating poetry written in a character-based language through the study of Lao-tzu's work, Daodejing. This instructional activity includes possible extensions and evaluations.

Students discover the basic principles and beliefs of Daoism through investigation and in-class discussion in this High School lesson for a Social Studies, Humanities, or Asian Studies class.

Sixth graders imagine themselves to be, in turn, a follower of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Legalism. They are given a handout that lists seven questions. Direct students to write down how they feel an individual would answer...

Sixth graders research the history and development of Korea as a culture and nation. This lesson plan is unique in that the focus is upon the neighboring countries of China and Japan in order to see their contributions to Korean society.

Students examine the Chinese calendar and Zodiac signs in this early elementary instructional activity on calendars and culture. Discussions on cultural beliefs and values are emphasized and could be controversial.

Learners explore the power of the Church in government. In this literature lesson, students read Sir Thomas More's Utopia and Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince. Learners respond to questions regarding the works and discuss them.

Students read a text about Korea's literary tradition. In this literary tradition lesson, students read the multiple page text to learn about Korea's literary tradition.

Young scholars explore, analyze and study the religions that originated in Japan, including Shintoism and Zen Buddhism. They assess the beliefs of each religion and compare/contrast all the Eastern Religions and view their people and...