This activity can be used as a culminating project to a study of China. Students create an illustrated product as well as summarizing learnings from the completed unit. Time required: 2 or 3 class periods, plus homework. The project can be done alone or with a partner. This project is a variation of the Marco Polo Postcard project

Assume the role of a 12th century trader. You are going to design a traveler's guide for a journey on the Silk Road. Start with an introduction that explains why it is worth taking the trip, as well as advice and information on how to prepare for the trip, what to bring, how to trade, and what to expect on the journey. Include written information on some of the following:

-transportation, food, supplies, weather, geography (landscape and terrain), clothing, weather, protection

-Also include information about people: ethnic groups, traditions, architecture, religion

-Be sure to include some comments on cultural diffusion: products, ideas, inventions, or traditions shared from one culture to another

Working alone or with one partner, create your travel guide in a creative format that makes it visually appealing and easy to read. Ideas:

-a brochure(fold your paper in thirds)

-a flyer (on a single sheet of paper)

Use your notes, textbook, as well as other reference materials (internet sites, encyclopedia, CD-Roms, National Geographics, etc) for additional information.

You must include a title, map, and illustrations.

Your travel guide should be written neatly in ink or typed. Be sure to check your work for language and spelling errors.

The project will be graded as follows:

Research and information

Vocabulary, spelling, punctuation

Neatness and appearance

Originality