Knowledge
Students will know ….
1. The origin of the lunar calendar, dates, customs and traditions for 4 major holidays celebrated in China
2. The 12 animals for the Chinese zodiac
3. Calligraphy brush, ink and paper and their functions, the historical development of some of the games in China
4. The importance and special attractions of the city of Beijing and its surrounding areas
5. Some major historical figures and their contributions and influence in different aspects
6. Some of the popular games and activities in China
7. The symbolism and significance of Chinese lion and dragon, the lion dance and dragon dance
Skills
Students will be able to
1. Celebrate the Moon Festival by making moon cakes, the Chinese New Year with the lion dance and the dragon dance, and the Lantern Festival with a lantern parade
2. Name the 12 zodiac animals
3. Write Chinese characters with calligraphy brush and ink
4. Name the major attractions in Beijing and surrounding areas and the Olympic sites in Beijing
5. Name the contributions and influence of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China and Confucious, the master teacher in China, on China and its people
6. Play pull bells, shuttle cocks, ribbons, and different tops, etc.
7. Perform the lion dance and dragon dance
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
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Performance Task(s):
1. Research Project and Cooperative Learning on China and Chinese Culture
a. Write a 1000-word research paper in English
b. Prepare a power point presentation on the research paper
c. Prepare 3 questions and answers in writing to the questions to check on understanding after presentation
d. Present and teach a mini lesson to peers based on his/her research with a power point presentation and check on peers’ learning with the prepared questions and answers
2. Demonstration of the following Chinese cultural activities
a. Pull bells
b. Shuttle cock
c. Lion Dance
d. Dragon Dance
e. Calligraphy
f. Chinese Songs
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Other Evidence:
1. Writing a research paper, preparing a power point and oral presentation to teach a mini lesson to share with peers in class
2. Sharing the research information on different aspects of China and all the cultural activities learned in class with 1200 students, staff, family and special guests from feeder schools and community at the “Chinese Kaleidoscope” programs on February 12, 2010 for 9th and 10th grade class and February 26, 2010 for 11th and 12th grade classes.
3. Demonstration and performance of all the cultural activities learned in class at the “Chinese Kaleidoscope” program to share with 1200 students, staff, and special guests
Stage 3: Learning Plan
Learning Activities:
1. Make moon cakes to celebrate the Moon Festival after learning the origin and significance of the holiday
2. Learn Chinese songs
3. Learn to use a calligraphy brush to write characters after learning the stokes, structure and the forming of Chinese characters
4. Study the city of Beijing through Olympics 2008 and major attractions in Beijing and surrounding areas
5. Study the contributions of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, and some other figures who affect China and Chinese people through mini-lessons
6. Learn to do the most popular games and activities for Chinese people
7. Learn how to do the lion dance and dragon dance for Chinese celebrations
8. Celebrate Chinese New Year with 1200 peers, staff, and special guests at the “Chinese Kaleidoscope” programs
Differentiation
1. Working with students who have special skills in music or martial arts individually to apply multiple intelligences principal.
2. Students with music talent are provided Chinese music for the “Chinese Kaleidoscope” programs, such as flute, oboe, piano and guitar band.
3. An emotionally disturbed 12 grade student with learning disabilities and marital arts background is provided with individual instruction on martial arts outside of class and an opportunity to shine on stage for all three “Chinese Kaleidoscope” programs to help build up his self esteem and to improve social acceptance from peers.
Integration of Technology
Computers are used by both students and teacher for different purposes throughout the unit.
Resources
1. Shuttle cocks
2. Pull bells
3. Ribbons
4. Dragon flag and Chinese flags
5. Chinese lanterns
6. Lions for lion dance
7. Dragons for dragon dance
8. Chinese songs and music for different instruments
9. Resource materials on DVDs
10. Moon cake recipes and moon cake molds
11. Calligraphy brushes, ink and paper