1. Walk-In
Take out notebook, folder and pencil box.
Copy the question and answer in sentences:
Based on the civilizations you have studied, what do you predict would be needed for a civilization to begin in China?

2. Some answers… Write these down!
For a civilization in China, they would need:
A source of freshwater, like a river or lake
Fertile soil for growing crops
Some kind of leadership to guide the people
Possibly a religion to unite the people
New technology and inventions to make life easier.

3. Turn to the front of your notebook. Write the title:

4. Ancient China Discuss with your group, then share with the class:
What do we hear about China in today’s world and in the news?
Do you have any connections to or experience in Chinese culture? Describe them!
Have you heard of any historical facts about China? Share them!

5. Building Background About Ancient China
From this map, what similarities in geography do you predict we will see that other ancient civilizations
shared?
What differences
might exist?

6. Take notes… China was surrounded by seas on oceans on its east coast.
This could make it possible for them to travel to other places and to trade.
They could also learn new ideas and share theirs.
China was a large area of land, so it likely had many landforms, like deserts, mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests.
We can predict people will have cultural differences depending on the conditions in which they live.
People had to learn to grow crops and domesticate animals in a variety of conditions.
Villages and cities probably developed near sources of water.

7. Video Clip to Build Background
Make a heading in your notebook for the video title:
Ancient China – Contributions to the World
Watch this video and listen for contributions made.
After the video, write down as many things as you remember, and be ready to share your ideas during the class discussion!

8. Video Link