Middle School Social Studies

Unit 2 :  The Kite Rider; 14th century China

Time:  3 weeks

Materials:

1.  class notebook

2.  The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean

3.  maps of China

4.  ingredients for Chinese cooking

Activities

1.  Students will create a map of modern China showing cities and topographical features.

2.  Students will compare two maps of ancient China developed from the Mongol and the Chinese perspective.

3.  Students will read and discuss the novel The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean and will identify elements of Mongol history, Chinese history and culture as presented in the book.

4.  Students will visit a Buddhist temple and hear an explanation of Buddhism from the monks there.

5.  Students will visit an Asian food store and cook and sample Chinese food.

6.  Students will outline the life of Kublai Khan.

7.  Students will outline basic facts about silk, the silk trade, and the Silk Road.

8.  Students will explore elements of the Mongol culture though individual projects which they will create and share with their classmates and parents.  (This project will span both Unit 1 and Unit 2.)

Objectives:

1.  Students will identify China on a world map, indicate the capital city and major topographical landmarks.   Learning evaluated on quiz and exam.

2.  Students will identify basic elements of Buddhism. Learning evaluated on quiz and exam.

3.  Students will consider the contribution to our community of Buddhists.  Learning evaluated thorough discussion at Buddhist temple and in classroom following visit to the temple.

4.  Students will describe basic elements of Chinese culture from the 14th century as described in the novel.  Learning evaluated though homework, classroom discussion and essay question on exam.

5.  Students will be exposed to some aspects of modern Chinese culture, primarily through visit to Asian market and Chinese cooking experience.  Learning evaluated through participation in these activities.

6.  Students will consider how a conquered people's perspective differs from the perspective of their conquerors, and how this difference affects how history is reported, how maps are drawn, and what language is used to describe events and people.  Learning evaluated through classroom discussion and essay question on exam.

7.  Students will identify basic facts about the life of Kublai Khan.  Learning evaluated on quizzes and exam.

8.  Students will identify basic facts about silk, the silk trade and the Silk Road.  Learning evaluated on quizzes and exam.

9.  Students will explore in depth a element of culture, technology, or history from the Mongol Empire and will present what he or she has learned to the class in the form of an individual project.  Learning evaluated through individualized rubric for project and presentation.  (This project and its evaluation will span both Unit 1 and Unit 2.)