Browse lesson plans

Bounce into rubber: Natural latex from Thailand

This lesson for grade nine investigates natural latex rubber sources from Thailand. Students complete research and experiments to determine which plants from Thailand are sources of latex, and explore images and audio recordings of rubber harvesting in Thailand.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 and 9 Science and Social Studies)

By Robin Bartoletti.

Describing Japanese screens and scrolls through images

The second part of a larger unit on talking and writing about, as well as creating, Japanese screen and scroll paintings. The purpose of this unit plan is to introduce descriptive aspects of art criticism, while teaching the art and culture of Japan. Students create illustrations of classmates' descriptions of Japanese screens or scrolls.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Visual Arts Education)

By Michelle Harrell.

I, the basket: Writing a first-person story as an inanimate object

In this interdisciplinary lesson for grade seven, students explore the first-person point of view through children's literature and images of Nepal. Students exhibit their understanding of first-person narrative by writing a children's story from the perspective of an inanimate object.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts, Information Skills, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

India's path to independence

This interdisciplinary plan includes the study of the effects of imperialism and India's struggle for independence through history texts, literary works, and online resources. Activities include a seminar, research, and a news broadcast. Although this unit is designed for integrated English II and World Civilizations, lessons can be adapted to other class structures.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Marian Johnson.

A magic carpet ride: Exploring carpet weaving in India

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about carpet weaving in India. Students discuss how this tradition compares to the weaving traditions of other cultures.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

The mountains of Nepal: Scientific investigations

This lesson introduces students to the mountain ecosystems of Nepal. Activities include a brainstorming activity, in which students think about ecosystems and biodiversity; a research activity, in which students use a variety of sources to gather information about the mountain ecosystems of Nepal; and a journal activity, in which students create journal entries based on the information gathered in their research.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 7 Information Skills, Science, and Social Studies)

By Robin Bartoletti.

Of earth, water, and fire: World pottery traditions

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about pottery traditions from around the world. Students discuss how these traditions are similar to and different from one another.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Picturing Vietnam

This lesson plan is intended to introduce students to Vietnam’s geography, climate, culture, history, natural history, arts, economics, and government. Students will view a collection of documentary photographs and use these for making logical observations, drawing conclusions, and as a basis for creative writing.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 English Language Arts, Information Skills, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Regions of Nepal: A virtual trek

This lesson for grade seven helps students understand the connections between geography and culture. Students experience a virtual trek through the different regions of Nepal, conduct research about the ethnic groups living in each region, and maintain travel logs documenting what they've learned.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Salt trading in Asia

In this interdisciplinary lesson, students explore the mineral salt from a variety of perspectives — scientific, geographic, and cultural. The lesson incorporates images of salt production in Nepal and Vietnam. It may be used with grade 4 or grade 7.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 6–7 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

To market, to market: Photograph analysis

In this lesson, students analyze photos of markets from around the world to gain an understanding of the similarities and differences between geographically distant places, to learn about the economic and cultural significance of markets, and to improve visual literacy skills.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Unraveling a cultural mystery: Nepal

In this lesson, students explore two religious festivals in Nepal through audio recordings and photographs. Students begin with a vague knowledge about the festivals and develop a more thorough understanding as more information is revealed through the course of the lesson. The author recommends incorporating these activities into a larger lesson plan of your design.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Social Studies)

By Kristin Post.

Vietnam waterways: Ecology and conservation

In this interdisciplinary lesson for grades 6-8, students will examine the relationship between the physical environment and cultural characteristics of the Mekong River valley in Vietnam. Students will evaluate the current conditions of the Mekong River and suggest long-range solutions for improving, restoring, or preserving the quality of the river.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills, Science, and Social Studies)

By Edie McDowell.

Resources on the web

Coverdell World Wise Schools

Designed to integrate the experience of Peace Corps volunteers with the study world regions, history, and current events. There are also elements designed to promote service learning. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Peace Corps

From Silk to Oil: Cross-Cultural Connections Along the Silk Roads

Developed for high school teachers, this curriculum guide features five sections that explore the geography, ethnic relations and political history, exchange of goods and ideas, religions, and art along the Silk Road. The global studies curriculum begins... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: China Institute

Frontline World: Stories from a Small Planet

Frontline World offers a glimpse into the lives of people across the globe through video and additional resources.Frontline World tells stories in video; each feature is about twenty minutes in length and can be viewed from the... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS

Peace Corps World Wise Schools

Visit the Global Cafe and learn what life is like for teens in other countries. Learn about the culture, geography, government, and economy of other countries and lots more. Also find out what life is like as a Peace Corps volunteer. Teachers, you will find... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Peace Corps