Pathfinder: Ancient China
Melissa Bledsoe
EDSL 560
Topic:
The topic I chose is Ancient China because all Virginia second grade students are required to be
taught about the contributions and understand the heritage of the people of Ancient China
from ancient times through modern day. The purpose of this pathfinder is to make students
and teachers aware of the history of Ancient China through a myriad of library resources.
Reinforcement of map skills will also be taught along with locating China on the map.
Virginia Standards of Learning, Grade Two
History
2.1 The student will explain how the contributions of ancient China (and
Egypt) have influenced the present world in terms of architecture,
inventions, the calendar, and written language.
2.3 The student will identify and compare changes in community life over
time in terms of buildings, jobs, transportation, and population.
Geography
2.4
The student will develop map skills by
a) locating the United States, China (and Egypt) on world maps;
Introduction:
Second grade students will use this pathfinder to develop an understanding of Ancient China
and the importance of its contributions to the modern day world. They will be able to provide
examples of architecture (Great Wall of China), inventions (silk and paper), the calendar
(Chinese Zodiac), and written language (Chinese Characters). They will use and locate
information of maps. They will use both print and electronic resources in the library. Students
will make ancient scrolls (using Popsicle sticks and brown paper bags) with various facts and
information from their research. Students will cite sources on the scroll. Students will write
their name in Chinese characters on the scroll using a website provided. A rubric will be given
so student expectations are clear. Gifted students may work on building a “Great Wall of Powell
Valley” in the hallway and down the wall so that others may enjoy what we are learning in the
library. Special education students will be paired up with regular education students and will
collaborate on the research projects.
Collaboration:
The library media specialist and the second grade classroom teacher(s) will review the
pathfinder and assignment requirements together. A list of responsibilities of each party will be
recorded on a joint planning sheet. The classroom teacher may send home a parent letter
notifying of the history lessons in progress. The teacher will initiate and introduce the lesson
about Ancient China in the classroom, reviewing the Virginia Standards of Learning for History
and Geography of Ancient China. Then, the classroom teacher will introduce the collaborative
assignment. During library class, the library media specialist will distribute the rubrics to
students. Since we have open library checkouts as well as a fixed class schedule, the teacher
may allow students to work on the project in the library at various times throughout the week.
The librarian will also provide art supplies to students for completion of the projects. Students
will be reminded of The BIG 6 research model, and be given a handout to gather needed
information, citing sources, and for decorating the scrolls. After completion of the project, the
classroom teacher and the library media specialist will meet to discuss any possible changes or
improvements for future reference and to evaluate and grade student projects.
Impact on Student Learning:
Through collaboration, this pathfinder will serve as a means of reinforcing the Second Grade
History Standards of Learning for Ancient China. Students will use and evaluate both print and
non-print resources to gather information and classify it to complete the pathfinder project.
Students will meet 21st Century Informational Literacy Standards through this partnership, as
well as develop skills needed for future research. Students will show appreciation for the
contributions of Ancient China such as silk, or a type of calendar called the Chinese Zodiac. Also,
as a result of learning in the library, the students will be able to recall factual information about
the history of ancient China on the Virginia Standards of Learning tests.
List of Formats:
Dictionaries- Students will access print and online to check meanings of unknown words as well
as check spelling for information going on the scroll.
Encyclopedias- Students will access print and online to locate information about Ancient China
such as architecture or invention of the Chinese Zodiac. Students will also observe the flag of
China and its colors.
Ready Reference- Students will access Almanacs for locating fast facts related to Ancient China.
Geographical-Students will use maps and globes to location the continent of Asia and the
country of China. They will use this information on the scroll as well.
Library Catalog- Students will use the online Destiny card catalog as well as the public library
catalog to locate nonfiction books about Ancient China.
Database- Students will access databases to locate periodicals allowing research on Ancient
China.
Websites- Students will be provided with a listing of appropriate websites on the pathfinder.
They will have access to research and information as well as other interactive activities like a
website which allows them to type their given name in and receive a Chinese translation name.
Neat!
The Contributions of Ancient China
Mr. Clark’s Second Grade Class
History Sols 2.1, 2.3, 2.4
Have you ever wondered why Chinese food includes fortune cookies or where fireworks
came from? Have you heard of The Great Wall of China and wondered about the history behind
this tremendous architecture? Well, we are going to explore ancient China and some of the
modern day contributions from the Ancient Chinese culture. This pathfinder will help you
explore all about China and understand the contributions and how they affect our modern
world. In your classroom, you have already discussed some basic information about China.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the topics that are on the rubric. These are inventions, language,
architecture and location on the map. Please list your sources on the rubric as you go because
you must list your sources on the back of the scroll that you make and decorate. Your scroll
must include all of the things discussed on the rubric, and there will be a sample scroll behind
the rubric. You may ask for help anytime from me or your teacher because we are working
together with you on the scroll project.
Pathfinder Resources
Dictionaries:
Enchanted Learning’s Little Explorers Dictionary
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Dictionary.html
This is an easy online picture dictionary for young children. It allows access to pictures, a simple
definition and is great for students that need extra help.
Scholastic First Dictionary
REF 423.1 LEV
This print dictionary has entries that include pronunciations, simple definitions, sentences, and
plurals and other forms of the words. It is geared toward Grades K-3.
Encyclopedias:
World Book Online
http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Login?ed=wb&subacct=O3658
This is the link to our County’s subscription to an online encyclopedia. It has simple navigation,
colorful illustrations, activities for young students, and more. It provides factual information
about China.
My First Britannica Vol. 1-13
REF 031 ENC
Volume 7 is dedicated entirely to Asia and related China factual information. The set is easy to
browse through and does include an index.
Grolier Online Kids
http://www.go-kids.grolier.com
This is an online encyclopedia designed for children to navigate and search easily.
Ready Reference:
Scholastic 2010 Almanac for Kids: Facts, Figures, and Stats.
O31.02 BRU
This basic well-known almanac provides thousands of facts on various topics for young readers,
including China.
World Almanac for Kids
http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com
This online almanac is loaded with facts about a variety of topics such as China and just about
anything else you want to know.
Geographical:
Atlas of the Seven Continents (Vol. 7 ASIA)
AR 915 VIE
This atlas covers Ancient Asia through modern times. Children can learn about the climate,
people, plants, animals, and even how to read a map. An index is included for easy navigation.
National Geographic China
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/china/
This online atlas covers facts about China, its people, famous places, and even a video.
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Library Catalog:
Powell Valley Primary Library Catalog
http://destiny.wise.k12.va.us/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home
This is a collection of all items contained in each library in the county. Using Destiny software,
students may search from home, or school for books and other items on various subjects.
Lonesome Pine Regional Library
http://www2.youseemore.com/LPRL/default.asp
This is the catalog of the public library. Students may access and obtain a variety of sources by
various search strategies.
Database:
Thompson Gale Infotrac
http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com
This is a database that may be searched easily by subject or topic of interest. It includes
illustrations, maps, photos, and journal articles which may be printed.
Websites:
http://www.mandarintools.com/chinesename.html
Patrons of the site are able to type in their name to get a Chinese name.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/china/inventions_technology.php
Find facts about Ancient China and complete a crossword online.
http://pbskids.org/buster/blog/cn_beijing_bl.html
Go with Arthur as he visits China. Hear Chinese words spoken and watch a video of noodles
being made.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/asia/china/
A very trusted educator site with lots of activities and information related to China.
http://www.chinavista.com/travel/greatwall/greatwall.html
Take a virtual tour of the Great Wall of China.
RECOMMENDED LITERATURE LINKS
Contributions of Ancient China and Egypt to the world (architecture, inventions, language).
Cotterell, Arthur. (2005). Ancient China (Eyewitness Book). New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley
Publishing Incorporated.
Although this book is higher than the second grade reading level, it includes a comprehensive
history of Ancient China and its contributions to the world.
Degen, Bruce. (2005). Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Imperial China. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
The teacher, Ms. Frizzle is invited to celebrate Chinese New Year with her student Wanda's
family, and manages to find time before dinner to travel back in time one thousand years to
ancient China where she and her young friends embark on a journey to speak to the governor
and learn a lot about Chinese culture.
Sherman, Joseph. (2004). Your Travel Guide to Ancient China. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner
Publishing.
This book takes readers on a journey back in time in order to experience life in ancient China
during the Han Dynasty. It gives descriptions of clothing, accommodations, foods, local
customs, transportation, a few notable personalities, and more.
Teague, Ken. (2001). Growing up in Ancient China. Mahwah, NJ: Troll Associates.
This book describes daily life in Ancient China, discussing life in the country, city, the nature of
the schools, festivals, and other interesting facts.
Citing your Sources
While you complete your research, please don’t forget to cite your sources. We had a lesson on
citations and how it’s wrong to take credit for the work of others. Let’s remember this and
please ask your teacher or librarian for help at any time during the process. I have provided a
list of online resources for use if needed.
Online Citation Sources:
Easy Bibliography www.easybib.com
Son of Citation Machine www.citationmachine.net
Duke University Library Citation Helper http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/