Zheng He Webquest
Using the research links on the MPMS Media Center page, complete the
questions/assignments in each part. You should not use any other sites – do
not use any search engines to assist you with your research. Use only the links
provided.
Use notebook paper to record your responses. Answers should be at least 4-6
sentences in length. Be sure you write your information into your own words:
don’t just copy! You have to be able to understand and explain it! Take turns
writing the responses with your partner so one person isn’t writing all of the
answers.
You will NOT finish this assignment in one day. Please take your time with the research and discuss the
information you find with your partner.
1) The timeline of the life of Zheng He
What were the major events in his life? What was his greatest accomplishment?
2) Zheng He’s fleet
What type of ship did Zheng He use in his fleet? What did they look like? Describe them. How were they alike or
different from European ships? How many sailors were with him?
3) How many expeditions did Zheng He lead?
Where were these expeditions? Take the attached map and draw in the expeditions. Use a different color if there is
more than one.
4) Did Zheng He reach America?
Yes or no? Find the 1418 Chinese world map. Examine what is found on the map. Support your decision with facts
and direct quote.
5) Ma Huan
Who was he? What did he do? Why did he do it? Support your position with direct quotes from their works.
6) Why didn’t Zheng He go to Europe?
What was the Chinese opinion of Europe? Why didn’t his fleet go there?
7) Shipwreck!
Zheng He lost a ship off of the coast of Kenya in Africa. What happened to the sailors? Did any survive? What is the
myth of those sailors and Pate Island?
8) Chinese colonies?
Did the Chinese colonize any of the areas that they visited? Why or why not? What happened in China during the
1500’s that ended the era of Chinese exploration/colonization? Support your answers.
9) Find TWO shocking/interesting/ educational facts not yet discussed/researched in this web quest and explain why
you find them to be so. What does it indicate about Zheng He?