- From Silk to Oil: Cross-cultural Connections along the Silk Roads [China Institute]
This downloadable curriculum guide provides a comprehensive view of the Silk Roads from the second century BCE to the contemporary period. The curriculum units underscore the patterns and networks of economic activity linking East Asia with the Mediterranean world through Central Asia. Included are five introductory essays, maps, and 23 curriculum units divided into the following five topics:
The entire guide can be downloaded in PDF format, section by section. The geography section (Geography along the Silk Roads [PDF]) is especially strong.
- Trading Nations: Analyzing the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Global Economy [The New York Times Learning Network]
For grades 6-12. This lesson plan helps students analyze the impact of a global economy on the workers, business leaders, and governments of China and the United States through views of economic, geographic, and historical factors.
- International Trade in a Global Village [National Geographic]
For grades 9-12. Not only do interdependent trade networks epitomize contemporary life in the Global Village, they also provide conditions that affect the spread of diseases such as AIDS, avian flu, and SARS.
- Korea's Trade Balance and Global Interdependence: A Treasure Hunt Activity [Asia Society]
For grades 3-8. Students will construct categories to organize a list of various products manufactured in Korea and locate on a map sources of major industrial raw materials. They will explain the term "balance of trade" and discuss the concept of global interdependence using specific examples.
- Research Exercises: Japan's Economy and Trading Patterns [Asia for Educators]
First read the Japan's Economy and Trade Fact Sheet, then complete Exercise 6 (Japan's Food Imports/American Food Exports), Exercise 7 (Japan's Energy Imports in Comparison), and Exercise 8 (Japan's Imports and Exports by Region). Use this page for research on the exercise questions: Economy and Trade: Japan: Internet Resources.
- Studying Locally, Teaching Globally: Role Playing to Understand Outsourcing [The New York Times Learning Network]
For grades 6-12. In this lesson students work in small groups to create outlines and mind-maps that demonstrate their understand of the effects of outsourcing on economic relationships and the U.S. economy. (This resource can be used with examples from East Asia rather than those given, as necessary.)