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.

First drafted in the year 996, The Pillow Book contains reflections of those met by a lady-in-waiting in the Japanese court. A brief summary, historical context, and discussion questions are provided on the first two pages. Then, two...

Students compare and contrast life in Beijing, China within the walls of the Forbidden city during the last imperial dynasty to that of city life after the Cultural Revolution. They research and write a footnoted paper that is peer...

Japan's Taisho Period was a time when authors like Akutagawa and other Japanese modernists began to experiment with point of view and literary form, making the literature produced during this time period a natural choice for teaching...

Dazai Osamu’s short story, “A Sound of Hammering” is the focus of a three-day investigation of modern Japanese literature and life in post-World War II Japan. The events in Osamu’s story mirror those in his own life, and give a...

Young scholars create an invitation to the Chinese Emperor Qianlong's birthday party using historical knowledge of the Emperor and customary practices of the time. This lesson suggests using Microsoft Publisher for creation of invitations.

Learners 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.

Students comprehend the major events that occurred in the final centuries of the Roman Empire. They explore the different reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. Students write an editorial about one reason for Rome's fall.

Young scholars gain an awareness of the diverse habitats of the 17 species of penguins. Standard: 4.4 Interdependence of Life Changes in an organism's habitat are sometimes beneficial to it and sometimes harmful.

Students explore the Forbidden City of ancient China. In this world history lesson, students examine China's history and its dynasties. Students research symbols embedded in China's Forbidden City.

High schoolers examine the history of ancient Rome. In this ancient Rome lesson, students examine primary sources regarding Rome's growth from a republic to an empire. High schoolers discover details regarding the emperors of Rome.

Young scholars read the story of The Emperor and the Kite examining new vocabulary and working on comprehension skills. They examine how to summarize the story after reading it.

Young scholars understand the origins of Valentine's Day. For this injustices lesson, students read a story and recognize the injustices done on Valentine's Day. Young scholars write about grade appropriate topics regarding injustices.

Students discover the various styles, form, beauty, and grace of Chinese calligraphy by examining works of art from different eras in China's history. This lesson includes two possible enrichment activities.

Students investigate how symbols of power, the dragon and the tiger, are portrayed in the art of China and Japan and compare and contrast this with the Western conception and portrayal of the dragon.

Seventh graders define dynasty and examine through research how Chinese dynasties functioned politically and militarily. They examine the effects that the Mongols had on China and describe how Mongul rule and strict social hierarchy...

Students recognize the meanings and symbolism of the Olympic Flag and Torch and apply this to their own feelings of the classroom by creating their own symbol/flag to represent these feelings.

Students explore Greek and Roman symbolism in art. In this visual art lesson, students draw portraits of ancient leaders based on the written descriptions they read about them. Students also design campaign posters using Greek or Roman...

Learners discover propaganda.  In this Greek mythology lesson plan, students discuss meanings of ancient art work with their class.  Learners investigate the dishonesty behind propaganda.  

Sixth graders learn team building, fair play, keeping an open mind towards others' opinions, U.S. government policies, and a better understanding of the meaning of censorship as they debate the merits of censorship.

Students discuss the position attained by the shoguns of feudal Japan, who replaced the emperor as the main source of political power and examine how this power was reflected in art.

Students listen to stories and view video about penguins. In this penguins lesson, students research penguins in groups and present a report using their choice of technology or artwork presentation.