China’s Innovative Past

This audio segment from PRI's The World Science Podcast explores the roots of China's creative past and examines why China, a country that over 1500 years came up with some of the most important inventions the world had ever seen, might have lost its innovative edge to the West.

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The Columbian Exchange

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students explore the movement of plants, animals, and diseases that characterized the Columbian Exchange and learn how it changed the world.

Deciphering the Maya Code

This video segment adapted from NOVA examines the ancient Maya writing system and looks at what they recorded in their writings.

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Three Japanese Swords

In this video from Antiques Roadshow Asian Arts expert Dessa Goddard examines three Samurai swords worn during the Tokugawa (also known as Edo) period in Japan.

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The Voyage of Zheng He I

This video segment adapted from 1421: The Year the Chinese Discovered America? introduces the theory that the Chinese discovered America prior to Columbus.

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The Voyage of Zheng He II

In this video segment adapted from 1421: The Year the Chinese Discovered America?, learn more about the theory that the Chinese discovered America prior to Columbus.

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Writings of the Ancient Maya

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students explore what we can learn about the ancient Maya civilization from their writings.