TeachersFirst's Ancient China Resources
Treat your students to an eye-opening journey through the foundational eras of Chinese civilization with our extensive collection of resources on the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties. This curated list offers a rich tapestry of materials spanning nearly two millennia of China's formative history, from the bronze-working Shang (circa 1600-1046 BCE) to the culturally influential Han (202 BCE-220 CE). Delve into the extensive galleries of art, technology, and archaeological discoveries along the Silk Road. Whether you're a student researching Chinese history or an educator crafting engaging lessons related to the roots of East Asian civilization, this collection provides a window into the political, social, and cultural developments that shaped one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations.

29 Results | sort by:
6 Early Human Civilizations - History.com
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): china (80), egypt (50), india (32), mesopotamia (32)
In the Classroom
Students can create a chart comparing the key characteristics (including government, agriculture, writing, and religion) of the civilizations in the article. The chart can also be made digitally using a tool such as Infogram, reviewed here. Using an online mapping tool like Google Earth, reviewed here, have students locate the geographic regions of the earliest civilizations and analyze how natural features (rivers, mountains) influenced their development. Students can design a mini-museum exhibit on a chosen civilization using posters, models, or dioramas showcasing key features like artifacts, buildings, and cultural practices. Students can also write a creative story imagining a day in the life of someone living in one of the early civilizations, incorporating details from the article.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China - PBS's East Meets West: The Impact of Trade on Europe and China
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): china (80)
In the Classroom
Students can create a trade timeline from Ancient China to the Western World by using Timeline Maker, reviewed here. Students can create a 3D diorama of the trade route from east to west. Students can research all the items that were traded, who created them, and who purchased them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) | The Story of China - PBS's Influence of Buddhism (Cultural Diffusion) | The Story of
Grades
3 to 12In the Classroom
Students can compare Buddhism to another religion using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research the impact of Buddhism in Ancient China. Finally, students can create a timeline of how religion changed over time using Timelinely, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China - PBS Islam in China in Qing | The Story of China
Grades
3 to 12In the Classroom
Students can compare Islam to another religion using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research the impact of Islam in Ancient China. Students can create a timeline of how religion changed using History in Motion, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS Learning Media: Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The Story of China - PBS Learning Media: Inventions and Science: Movable Type | The
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): china (80)
In the Classroom
Students can continue researching more about printing in ancient times. Students can compare and contrast printing from Ancient China to other civilizations. Have students compare by creating a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Finally, students can create a timeline of how printing has changed using History in Motion, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China - PBS's Silk Roads and Trade: The Story of China
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): china (80)
In the Classroom
Students can continue researching the Silk Road, create a 3D diorama on the Silk Road Trade route, and investigate more about the materials that were traded during this time by studying the material itself, who created it, and to whom it was sold.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Duckster's Ancient China - Duckster's Ancient China
Grades
3 to 10In the Classroom
Have students read the website and take the ten-question quiz. Students can pick a dynasty to learn about and share the information via a video (using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here), Google Slides (reviewed here), a podcast (using Adobe Podcast reviewed here), or a digital story using Sway, reviewed here. Finally, students can debate the impact of each dynasty and which was the most influential on modern history.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road - Coffee House Historian's The Silk Road
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Students can follow the unit provided to learn more about the Silk Roads. Students can create a video diary sharing the information they have learned as they complete the activities. Use a video tool like Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here. Finally, students can flip the classroom by teaching others about topics they explored.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Britannica Kids Silk Road - Britannica Kids Silk Road
Grades
3 to 10tag(s): china (80)
In the Classroom
Students can read the information to learn about the Silk Road. Students can research the cities along the Silk Road and how the Silk Road created their existence. Students can investigate more about the UNESCO World Heritage sites or Silk Road created by Yo-Yo Ma. Finally, students can debate the impact of the Silk Road then and now.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OER Project's The Silk Roads - OER Project's The Silk Roads
Grades
6 to 10In the Classroom
Students can watch the video, read the articles, and complete the stimulation activity. Students can video record themselves doing the stimulation activity, showing others how the Silk Roads goods and services traveled. Students can share their experiences and debate the value of the Silk Road to trade. Finally, students can compare the Silk Road to other ancient civilizations' trade.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
EdYouToo's Ancient China - EdYouToo's Ancient China
Grades
3 to 10In the Classroom
Students could pick one of the dynasties to research more about and create a Google Slide presentation or a podcast using RedCircle reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast each of the dynasties. Finally, students can debate which dynasty was the most influential. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Asia for Educators - Columbia University
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Introduce the Chinese Zodiac. Students learn about the animals and the characteristics of each sign. Have students create masks or drawings of their zodiac animals and share how their traits might influence their personalities. Teach students the history of the Great Wall of China using the website's lesson plans. Have them construct a model of the Wall using craft supplies. Simulate the Silk Road by assigning students roles as traders, buyers, and travelers. Use replica trade goods like silk, spices, or ceramics (real or paper props).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Khan Academy- Silk Road - Khan Academy
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Create a classroom simulation where students act as traders along the Silk Road. Assign groups specific goods (ex., silk, spices, glass) and cities, and have them "trade" with each other, considering the challenges of travel, costs, and demand. Divide students into groups to design a mock museum exhibit about the Silk Road. Each group focuses on one aspect: trade goods, religions, technology, or geography. Use digital maps or printed maps to trace the routes of the Silk Road. Have students identify key cities, trade items, and geographical challenges. To enhance learning they can use an online tool such as Google My Maps, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
List of Rulers of China - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Grades
4 to 12In the Classroom
Have students research the historical context of one artifact and present how it reflects the dynasty's culture or achievements. Create mystery "case files" for each dynasty with clues like significant rulers, inventions, cultural contributions, or conflicts, then divide the students into teams and have them identify the dynasty based on the clues. Students can create chronological timelines to visualize the sequence of dynasties and key events. They can use an online tool such as Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Silk Road Exhibit - American Museum of Natural History
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): asia (109), china (80), cultures (171), museums (51)
In the Classroom
Show students a map of the Silk Road and have them work in pairs to locate major cities, landmarks, and trade routes. Ask them to predict what goods might have been traded in each region. Present images of artifacts from the Silk Road and have students analyze them in groups. They can discuss what the artifacts reveal about the cultures, trade, and people who used them. Divide the class into groups, each representing a different region along the Silk Road. Have students "trade" goods (using pictures or items) and experience the flow of products, ideas, and culture as they negotiate with other regions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
An Introduction to Ancient China - Asian Art Museum
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): asia (109), china (80), cultures (171), museums (51)
In the Classroom
Assign students to research a specific aspect of ancient Chinese culture (such as the Silk Road, Confucianism, or ancient inventions) and present their findings through a slideshow, poster, or oral presentation. Students can use a resource such as Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva reviewed here. Have students design their versions of ancient Chinese artifacts, such as bronze vessels or pottery, using modeling clay or drawing tools. Include explanations of their designs' cultural significance. Create a large map of ancient China and have students label key geographical features and regions mentioned in the resource to understand the connection between geography and culture. Make the maps using Google My Maps, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
PBS Learning: Know Your Dynasties | The Story of China - PBS Learning: Know Your Dynasties | The Story of China
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): china (80)
In the Classroom
Students can take the quiz that is provided. Next, have students research the questions they missed. Students can write facts that were shared via the quiz from each of the dynasties. Finally, students can share the new information they learned from the quiz.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Beyond Mulan - Using Literature to Learn About Ancient China - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): asia (109), book lists (166), china (80)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the resources in this article to introduce Ancient China to students of all ages. For example, when sharing YouTube videos with students, use Timelinely, reviewed here, to create an interactive learning experience by adding comments, highlighting important information, or linking to Google Map locations. Enhance instruction using Nearpod, reviewed here, to create and share interactive lessons available to use as live presentations or as flipped or blended learning activities. Finally, be sure to visit Nearpod's library to find several Ancient China presentations to use or modify to fit your needs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Historical Photographs of China 1850-1950 - University of Bristol
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Share with students on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to view actual images taken in China from 1850-1950. Allow students to explore keywords such as fashion, specific cities or locations, or schooling to view images taken over the 100-year time span. Challenge your students to use a site such as Timetoast to create timelines of images found using keyword searches. (Most images offer a version available under a Creative Commons Share-alike license.) Be sure they include image credits!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
China - Mr. Donn - Mrdonn.org
Grades
1 to 12In the Classroom
Save this site as a favorite and use it as a resource to find supplementary materials or lesson plans for a lesson or unit on China. Several of the activities would make great learning centers or stations as a review tool before an assessment or after immediate instruction. Be sure to save the sites as favorite on classroom computers, making it easier for students to navigate there.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form