An exploration of South and Southeast Asia. Students also study Hinduism and Buddhism in addition to core topics.
South Asia unit contains 7 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in South Asia Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
South Asia: Geographic Passport
Students are introduced to the physical geography of South Asia. They read about and look at maps of the region. Then they create their own maps to depict several aspects of the region. Finally, they consider two specific regions in the area—Kashmir and Punjab.
India: Population Challenges
Students learn about India's huge population. They work with population data to calculate population density and review other measures of a country's development. They use layered maps to explain settlement patterns. Then they discuss the question of "overpopulation or underproduction?" and take a stand on the issue.
Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of Hinduism and Buddhism
Students explore the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. They learn the origins, beliefs, important people, and key features. They compare and contrast the two religions. Finally, they learn about the holiday Diwali and consider what it might be like to participate in such a celebration.
South Asia: History and Its Influence
Students learn an overview of South Asian history from its earliest civilizations through independence and partition. Then they research one era of history to gain a greater understanding and share that knowledge with others. Finally, they explore what it might be like to live in one of the historical eras by writing a diary entry.
South Asia: Government and Economy
Students create economic passports for three countries in South Asia—India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—and consider the implications of some of their findings. Next, they create a map that compares economic aspects of the region with the United States, drawing conclusions about what they find. Finally, students explore the topic of child labor as a part of the economic system of South Asia and consider what they and others can do to help stop it.
South Asia: Society and Culture
Students are introduced to Malala Yousafzai and the story of her love of education, her blog, the Taliban attack on her, her Nobel Peace Prize, and her ongoing work for girls' education throughout the world. Then they will write their own blog post or op-ed piece explaining why girls' education matters.
