Warm-UpMarch 1, 2010

1. What is the name for a body of land that is surrounded bywater on three sides?

A. islandB. isthmusC. swampD. peninsula

2. What is the longest river in Southern and Eastern Asia?A. Yangtze RiverB. Volga RiverC. Ganges RiverD. Chao Phray River

Activator: Sentence FrameComplete the following sentence frame:

I have learned ___(2 concepts)___ about Asia. Japan has ______ and _____. I would like to find out more about __(2 things)__.

Be prepared to share your responses!

StandardsSS7G11 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics, distribution of natural resources, and population distribution on Southern and Eastern Asia. b. Describe how the mountain, desert, and water features of Southern and Eastern Asia have affected the population in terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel.SS7H3 The student will analyze continuity and change in Southern and Eastern Asia leading to the 21st century. d. Describe the impact of Communism in China in terms of Mao Zedong, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, and Tiananmen Square. e. Explain the reasons for foreign involvement in Korea and Vietnam in terms of containment of Communism.

Today I will learn about the geography and history of Asia because as a society changes, conflict is often the result. EQ: How does location affect a society’s economy, culture and development?

Work PeriodYou will work in groups of 3 using the partner reading strategy and read informational articles on China and their economy, history, government system and geographical features.

Student Practice Once done reading the informational articles, use the Jigsaw strategy and have a discussion with your group and then answer the discussion questions based on the information from the articles and the standards we are currently working on.

Work PeriodRead the article “The China Challenge” with your group using the partner reading strategy. Then, choose five of the following questions to answer on your own notebook paper and in complete sentences.

1. Why do you think Chinese students have such a grueling schedule, including “cram school” on Saturdays?

2. Why does Yanbo feel pressure to do well in school?3. How is China’s economy doing so well even though here in the US it is not?4. How has reform after 1978 helped China’s economy? Give two examples from the

article.5. A totalitarian government is similar to what government system we have studied?6. What was the Great Leap Forward? What was the result of the program?7. The Cultural Revolution can be compared to what other dark period in history that we

have studied?8. Why is pollution so bad in Chinese cities?9. How would you feel if your thoughts, education, and movements were controlled by the

government? Would you fight back? How?10. Using the information in the yellow box on pg. 13, create a flow chart showing how the

Chinese government in set up.

Closing: Dear Teacher

You will compose a letter to your teacher explaining the social studies standards relating to China’s government, economy and geographical features based on what was read today. You also need to discuss the standards that you are still unclear about.