Materials

• Blank maps of the Eastern Hemisphere
• Atlas and/or other geographical resources

Instructional Activities

1. Ask students what continents are in the Eastern Hemisphere. Gauge knowledge of hemispheres by students’ responses.
   
   
2. If necessary, conduct a brief review of the Western Hemisphere/Eastern Hemisphere. Explain that the next session will examine civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere.
   
   
3. Distribute blank maps of the Eastern Hemisphere containing major bodies of water and mountain ranges. Instruct students to examine the maps and select the best land/water route from a teacher-selected point in Europe to a point in Asia. Remind students that the mode of transportation is by horse or on foot. Allow a few minutes for students to develop their routes and trace them on the maps. Encourage students to use an atlas or other available resources to identify climate and animal obstacles that may be encountered during their journey. (NOTE: This activity can be done in groups of 3 or 4 students or individually.)
   
   
4. Ask students to determine how long their journey will be in distance over land and then over water. Instruct students to estimate how long the journey may be by foot, horseback, or boat.
   
   
5. Ask several students to share their trip information.