“Ancient China”

The inspiration for this lesson came from an Instructor magazine from January/February 2003!

Since I teach four different Ancient Civilizations – one each quarter of the year, finding technology-based lessons isn’t always easy, especially in ART!!! This was a really fun idea and the students really enjoyed it!

ART STANDARDS: CREATE – Students will produce artworks based on art issues and values. Students will learn the appropriate use of materials, tools and techniques. Students will be able to identify and use the elements of art and principles of design in their creations. RELATE – Students will be able to convey the meanings and purposes of the art of the period. EVALUATE – Students will be able to determine the quality of their artworks and the artworks of the masters.

TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS: CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION – Concept 1: Knowledge and Ideas – Use technology to generate knowledge and new ideas. PO1. Analyze and evaluate information to generate new ideas, processes or products. RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY – Concept 1. Planning – Plan strategies to guide inquiry. PO2. Determine which information source will provide the desired data. Concept 2: Processing – Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. PO1. Locate and synthesize information utilizing advanced search strategies. PO5. Apply ethical use of information and media by respecting copyrights, intellectual property rights, using information and media responsibly and citing resources appropriately. DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP – Concept 1: Safety and Ethics – Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. PO3. Articulate and practice the school and district rules governing the use of digital tools as defined by school board policy and procedures. PO4. Demonstrate safe online communication practices regarding personal information. PO6. Exhibit legal and ethical behavior when using technology. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS – Concept 2: Applications – Select and use applications effectively and productively. PO7. Identify and use network protocols for moving files and secure web access. Concept 4: Transfer of Knowledge – Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies. PO1. Transfer understanding of current technologies to new and novel learning situations.

At this point of the quarter, the students have been immersed in the Ancient Chinese culture for four and a half weeks! They have studied the geography, created a timeline, compared the dynasties, and made several different art creations (ceramic pots, dragons, weavings, etc.)! Now, they are ready to do a little technological research!

LESSON SEQUENCE:
I. Students will be directed to access their individual laptop computers.
II. Teacher will distribute the “Cyberhunt Reproducible”, Ancient China, from the Scholastic magazine to each student.
III. Students will be directed to follow the instructions on the page (included).
IV. Students will work individually to complete the questions.
V. Students will then discuss as a class the information they have gathered from their cyber-search.
VI. Finally, students will place their pages into their individual portfolios for future reference.

This was a very popular lesson!