Silk+Road+Traders

=Silk Road Traders=

Level: **Grade 7, Social Studies Content, appropriate for 6 - 7 grade.** Language: **Mandarin Chinese** Author: **Martha Murray, Bedford Middle School, Westport, CT**

Please send comments or questions to: murrayang@optonline.net

__Guiding Essential Questions__ How did the resources available in China and surrounding regions influence international trade in the region?

__Summary__

This unit is based on a CT Social Studies Content standard for 6 and 7 grade students. During the course of the unit, students will be introduced to key cities of China and surrounding countries along the ancient Silk Road. They will be provided with opportunities to explore and gain an understanding of the products that were traded along this important international route. Students will learn how to ask and answer questions about nationality and the origin of products, and vocabulary and language functions related to shopping and trading. To assist students in gaining an understanding of why certain products were traded along the Silk Road, items found in students' daily lives will be examined to determine what is a //luxury// and //necessity.// Students will then apply their understanding of this concept to examine and categorize products traded along the Silk Road. By the end of the unit, students will be able to take on the role of a trader and participate in a Silk Road trading experience where they successfully negotiate the trading of goods.