Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble Documentary, The Road to Beijing
Free Lesson Plan

In this teacher's guide, students are introduced to the documentary, The Road to Beijing, which features Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Students learn about the Silk Road Ensemble and the Ensemble's musicians. Students also consider some of the musician's reflections on Beijing and China, examine some key themes of the documentary, learn about a musical piece called, "Ambush from Ten Sides," and view some historic sites of Beijing.

For Middle School - Secondary students

The Road to Beijing
Full Unit

These curriculum units introduce students to the modern Chinese city of Beijing through its history, geography, and major attractions and sights. Two documentaries are included with the units. The first documentary was filmed in Beijing and features Yo-Yo Ma and music of the Silk Road Ensemble. The second documentary was filmed by NBC and features comments by Olympians participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

For Middle School - Secondary students

Paperback - $34.95 includes powerpoint on CD-ROM, 2 documentaries on DVD (High School version)
Paperback - $34.95 includes powerpoint on CD-ROM, 2 documentaries on DVD (Middle School version)

NBC Documentary, The Road to Beijing
Free Lesson Plan

Through the NBC documentary, The Road to Beijing, students are introduced to some of the American Olympians participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and some sights in Beijing. This accompanying teacher's guide, encourages students to consider some of the quotes from the Olympians and engages them in small-group activities.

For Secondary students

Bundled Set: Chinese Dynasties Part One and Two
Full Unit

This set inlcudes Chinese Dynasties part one and two, and it covers the Shang Dynasty through to the Qing Dynasty, 1600BCE - 1911.

For Middle School - Secondary students

Hardcover - $99.95 includes 2 CD-ROM of images

Chinese Dynasties Part Two: The Song Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, 960 to 1911 CE
Full Unit

This curriculum unit continues the exploration of dynasties that began in the unit Chinese Dynasties, Part One: The Shang Dynasty through the Tang Dynasty, 1600 BCE to 907 CE. This unit offers students an in-depth view of Chinese civilization from the golden age of the Song Dynasty to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the end of the dynastic system.

For Secondary students

Hardcover - $59.95 includes 47 images on CD-ROM

10,000 Shovels: China's Urbanization and Economic Development
Full Unit

10,000 Shovels examines China's breakneck growth through a short documentary that integrates statistics, video footage, and satellite images. The documentary focuses on China's Pearl River Delta region while the accompanying teacher's guide takes a broader perspective, exploring many current national issues.

For Secondary students

Softcover - $29.95 includes DVD: Ten Thousand Shovels

Along the Silk Road
Full Unit

Along the Silk Road explores the vast ancient network of cultural, economic, and technological exchange that connected East Asia to the Mediterranean. Students learn how goods, belief systems, art, music, and people traveled across such vast distances to create interdependence among disparate cultures.

For Middle School - Secondary students

Softcover - $84.95 includes DVD/Audio CD/30"x 65"laminated wall map of the Silk Road

Central Asia: Between Peril and Promise
Full Unit

A major exporter of oil and natural gas, Central Asia occupies a prominent place in the global economy. While the region has great potential for wealth, most Central Asians remain among the poorest people in the world. This unit explores the extraordinary range of challenges facing Central Asia and encourages students to reflect on what might be done to solve them.

For Secondary students

Softcover - $34.95 includes 10 Images on CD-Rom

Chinese Dynasties Part One: The Shang Dynasty through the Tang Dynasty, 1600 BCE to 907 CE
Full Unit

This curriculum unit introduces students to the first 2,500 years of Chinese history and offers students an in-depth view of Chinese civilization from the nascent years of the Shang Dynasty through the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.

For Middle School - Secondary students

Hardcover - $59.95 includes 47 images on CD-Rom

China's Cultural Revolution
Full Unit

The Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976) was a decade of enormous change and upheaval with a lasting impact on the country, its citizens, and the world. China's Cultural Revolution teaches students about the social, cultural, educational, political, and economic changes through hands-on activities requiring critical thinking skills.

For Secondary students

Softcover - $59.95 includes CD-ROM with 29 images/audio CD/book: Red Scarf Girl

Tea and the Japanese Practice of Chanoyu
Full Unit

In this unit students learn about the origins of tea, its importance in world history, and cultural practices related to tea. Students also learn about chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, by studying its history and evolution in Japan.

For Middle School - Secondary students

Softcover - $44.95 includes CD-Rom (31 images)/DVD: An Invitation to Tea: "Ichigo Ichie"