Materials

• Class notes (see bolded text in Instructional Activities below)
• Picture reflecting Chinese paper, porcelain, and silk.

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web resource may be helpful in teaching this session:

• The World Factbook.
  <https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html>.

1. Review content covered to this point in the unit.
   
   
2. Ask students to share their knowledge of China. Remind students that China is the most populated country in the world. Provide some current information on China. (For assistance, see the Web site titled The World Factbook, in the list above.)
   
   
3. Display the following note on the board or overhead:
   Classical China was centered on the Huang He (Yellow River), which isolated it. However, it was invaded from the North. The Great Wall, built by Qin Shi Huangdi, was designed to protect against these invasions.
   
   
4. Provide a few details on the Great Wall of China.
   
   
5. Continue with the following notes:
   • China was governed by a succession of ruling families called dynasties.
   • Chinese culture began around 1500 B.C.
   • Chinese rulers served under the Mandate of Heaven as long as their rule was just.
   • The Silk Road connected China and other cultures as far away as Rome.
   Discuss each note, using the textbook as a guide.
   
   
6. Remind students of the study of the Silk Road from earlier in the year. Check for understanding by asking students to review questions on the Silk Road.
   
   
7. Continue with the following note:
   Classical China contributed:
   • Civil service system
   • Paper
   • Porcelain
   • Silk
   
   
8. Display pictures or samples of Chinese paper, porcelain, and silk.
   
   
9. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.