This learning activity provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history behind the Terracotta Warriors and practice the historical skill of presenting information.
Engage
- Watch the introductory video from National Geographic entitled The Terra-cotta Warriors and the video from PBS, Secrets of the Dead | China's Terracotta Warriors below.
- Create a 5Ws and H list (Who, What, Where, When, Why & How). You can work with a partner or team to help you capture as much information as possible.
- Design one to three questions you would like to explore. If you can't think of any (after trying really hard!), you can use this question from the Australian Curriculum:
- What emerged as the defining characteristics of ancient societies?
Explore
- Use the information links below to examine:
- what life was like in China during this time
- Qin Shi Huang's life and achievements (both positive and negative)
- how Qin Shi Huang was perceived by his contemporaries and later generations.
- Use the media links to create a multimedia history report that provides reliable information and insights on specific features of the Terracotta Warriors and Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Consider using Tackk* or Prezi as well as presentation software you might already have.
* Note: If the Chrome browser does not work with Tackk, try Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Resource links
Media links
Reflect
Qin Shi Huang was one of the most important figures in Chinese history and one of the most powerful leaders in the history of the world. Given unlimited wealth and power, he assembled his terracotta army to protect him into the mystery of the afterlife.
You may choose to reflect on what you have learned in one of two ways: historically or personally.
Historical reflection:
- What lessons can we learn from this ancient society and its leader?
Personal reflection:
- What insights did you gain about unlimited power and wealth?
- Would you have done anything differently if you were Qin Shi Huang?
- Write reflective paragraphs exploring either of these topics.
- Share these as a class.
It is recommended that teachers preview websites and videos to ensure they are suitable for their students before they are used in class. Content accessed via these links is not owned or controlled by Asia Education Foundation and is subject to the terms of use of the associated website.
Related resources
Australian Curriculum alignment
Learning area: History
Year level: Year 7
Country: China
Content descriptions:
The Asian world: China
The role of a significant individual in ancient Chinese history such as Confucius or Qin Shi Huang (ACDSEH132)
Explanation and communication:
- Develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations that use evidence from a range of sources that are acknowledged (ACHHS213)
- Use a range of communication forms (oral, graphic, written) and digital technologies (ACHHS214)
Cross-curriculum priority: Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia
OI.1 The peoples and countries of Asia are diverse in ethnic background, traditions, cultures, belief systems and religions.
OI.3 The peoples and countries of Asia have contributed and continue to contribute to world history and human endeavour.
General capability: Intercultural understanding – Recognising culture and developing respect
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