An examination of China, Japan, Korea, and neighboring countries. Students also study ancient and recent Chinese history and China's ethnic groups.
East and Southeast Asia unit contains 15 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in East and Southeast Asia Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
China and Its Neighbors: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of China and create a geographical passport for the country. Then they create a map that compares China to Taiwan and Mongolia. Finally, students research either Taiwan or Mongolia to learn more about one of those countries and describe a place they would like to visit and why.
China and Its Neighbors: History and Its Influence, Part 1
Students use an interactive to explore an overview of Ancient Chinese history, with a specific emphasis on the First Emperor and his initiatives. Next, they learn about the Great Wall and its significance at different points in history. Then they make a timeline to represent this history. Finally, students learn about Genghis Khan and analyze his role in history.
China and Its Neighbors: History and Its Influence, Part 2
Students begin by comparing a Chinese propaganda poster from the Great Leap Forward with an actual photo of the time. Then they move into an exploration of Chinese history starting in 1912. In small groups, they research specific events and present their findings to the group. Next, small groups consider how the modern history of Taiwan and Mongolia are connected to China. Finally, they create an infographic that depicts important elements of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Mongolian history.
China and Its Neighbors: Government and Economy
Students learn the history of the Chinese market in order to see how its current state has evolved. They investigate facts about certain elements of the Chinese market today. Then they research and report on a specific element of that market. Finally, they consider how "shopping is always more than just shopping" in a written reflection.
China and Its Neighbors: China’s Ethnic Groups
Students work together to develop a definition of "ethnic group." Then each student researches and prepares a brief report on one of ten ethnic groups in China. Next students consider what problems ethnic groups may face. Finally, they consider whether the material they used in their research was biased or not.
China and Its Neighbors: Society and Culture
Students consider the cause and effect relationship between technological advancement and the environment. Then they learn about six of China's primary environmental concerns and discuss how societies should weigh the issues. Next, they explore the Three Gorges Dam—the reasons behind it as well as the environmental and social costs. Finally, they write an opinion piece about their position on the Three Gorges Dam.
Japan and the Koreas: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea. They label a map with geographical elements of all three countries. They also create a map to reveal and compare elements of each country. Then they create a geographic passport of each country, comparing and contrasting their features. Finally, they explore the effects of limited space in Japan.
Japan and the Koreas: History and Its Influence
Students explore timelines of Japan and the Koreas. Then they learn more details about the history of the Korean peninsula, particularly the division between North Korea and South Korea after World War II. Next they read more about the history of Japan and focus on Article 9 of the new constitution adopted after World War II. Finally, students consider what the world would be like if other countries had an Article 9, as well.
Japan and the Koreas: Government and Economy
Students learn about the government and economy of Japan and compare it with the United States. Then students explore the deep differences between the North Korean and South Korean governments and economies and consider how they affect the daily lives of citizens. Finally, students consider which of the three countries they would prefer to live in and explain why.
Japan and the Koreas: Society and Culture
Students watch a video on the Japanese education system and compare it to their own. Then they learn about traditional elements of Japanese culture, including theater arts, tea ceremonies, and floral arranging. Next, students explore Japanese pop culture, researching and reporting on anime, manga, and Pokémon. Finally, students compose a letter to a Japanese student describing their own culture and asking questions about Japanese culture.
Southeast Asia: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of Southeast Asia. They explore maps and create their own in order to understand geographic features of the region. They learn about the Ring of Fire and its effect on Southeast Asia. Finally, they focus on the connection between geographical setting and human patterns of movement.
Southeast Asia: History and Its Influence
Students are introduced to the complex history of Southeast Asia. They explore the history from the ancient past to today, paying special attention to the period of Europe colonization and independence. Then students work in groups to investigate conflicts in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia in the 20th century. Finally, students develop questions they might ask in an interview with someone who survived one of these conflicts.
Southeast Asia: Government and Economy
Students learn the type of government of each of the countries of Southeast Asia. Then they research and write their own definitions for those types of government. Next, they investigate the economy of the various countries in Southeast Asia including important imports and exports as well as key events or factors in the economy. Finally, students write a news report on a current event in one country's government or economy.
Southeast Asia: Society and Culture
Students create a map to explore the languages and major religions of Southeast Asia. Then they focus on the diversity it represents. Next, they learn about some of the most well-known foods in Southeast Asia. Finally, students choose a food from one country and research its historical, religious, and cultural significance.
