Discover China: Learn Chinese History, Geography, & Culture
We'll take a virtual trip to China to learn about Chinese history, geography, and culture
Clark Vandeventer
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(654)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This is a one time class where we take a virtual trip to China. When I think about learning about history, culture, geography -- these social studies activities -- there’s no better way to learn this stuff than to travel to these places. In this class we’ll be planning a trip to the Chinese capital of Beijing. A few years ago I was in Beijing and I was walking down the street and talking with two people from Beijing and they were trying to get their mind around American history. We were walking and the Forbidden City was right behind us. The Forbidden City was finished in the year 1420 and I told them, “72 years after you guys finished building that, Europeans discovered America.” China is a fascinating country. We’ll be learning about their long and rich history, meeting huge figures in world history like Confucius, visiting the Great Wall of China, and much, much more. In class we'll talk about the basics. How do we get there? Do we need a visa? What will we want to see? When we talk about what we want to see, we begin to discover the history. Why was the Great Wall built? Who was Confucius? Why was he important? How has he shaped Chinese culture? This one-time class is a great introduction to my longer Social Studies class that goes over several weeks. Maybe you saw that class -- Journey around the World -- and it’s 12 weeks -- but you want to make sure you like the concept before enrolling in the whole course. Well, this class on China is a great start for you. Or maybe you are just interested in learning about China. This class is for you! I’m passionate about introducing kids to the world around them and sparking that interest. I’m a world traveler myself having traveled or lived in seventeen different countries so far. This class is similar to a class I’ve offered in my home for a group of local homeschoolers for a number of years. It’s hugely popular with these kids, and I know your kids will love it too!
Learning Goals
This is a one-time class similar in structure to my Journey Around the World Social Studies Class. This class focuses specifically on China and we will explore China first through planning a trip to Beijing.
Students will develop a good understanding of global geography, historic trade routes, political ties and colonization. Why is Spanish predominantly spoken in Central America? Because it was colonized by Spain. Why is Portuguese spoken in Brazil? Same answer. French in Morocco? That's an interesting one...
This is a true social studies course in how it is interdisciplinary. We cover geography, history, culture, religion, political structures, natural wonders and wildlife, foods. What would you want to do if you went to Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo or the Gobi Desert? These will be the things we talk about as we go to those places.
Over time, the kids will be exposed to lots of different cultures, religions, political structures. They'll have a sense for where these places are in the world. They'll learn tips and clues for finding different places on a map. In this class, we will focus on China and Chinese history, geography, and culture.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents, please note this class is designed for kids ages 10-14. I have a separate section of this class for younger students, ages 6-9. If you have a younger student, you are free to enroll them in either class. Just be aware that this section is designed for kids ages 10-14.
Supply List
Students will be provided with a field guide with highlights from our virtual trip and parents with questions to ask their kids to continue the conversation. Parents looking for materials to submit as work assignments are always happy with the materials I provide.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2019
4.8
654reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
We live in a big and fascinating world and one of my goals with my classes is to help kids develop an interest and appreciation for the world around them and different cultures. My classes draw from my own experiences as a world traveler. I've visited and lived abroad in seventeen countries -- and I have visited China. Much of what we do in my classes is the same type of research I would do on a destination before I would travel to that country. I'm also the former deputy director of the historic home of President Ronald Reagan and in 2010 was a candidate for United States Congress.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 123 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-15 learners per class
