Free Lesson Pack
The Silk Roads
A Grade 6 inquiry lesson on routes, envoys, and exchange.
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Inside the free pack
Four classroom-ready resources. Download together or pick individually.
Teacher brief
Teach the 60-minute core
Maps, source analysis, relay trade, and an evidence-based exit ticket. Teach the Silk Roads as connected networks, not one continuous route.
Slides 1–16: core lesson · Slides 17–21: optional extensions · Slide 22: teacher reference
Inquiry & evidence
How did land, government goals, and many travelers turn routes into a network of exchange?
Students read route maps, investigate Zhang Qian’s mission, and build a claim using geographic and source evidence. Keep adapted source text distinct from a verbatim quotation.
A practical sequence
Launch 5 min · Map lab 16 min · Source lab 16 min · Network lab 12 min · Route challenge 8 min · Exit ticket 3 min.
Use handout pages 1–6 for the core lesson; page 7 is optional. Answer keys are on teacher guide pages 21–22.
Curriculum fit: World history units on trade networks, cultural exchange, and Han-era connections across Eurasia.