The Great Wall of China --- Now Online

The Great Wall of China is an architectural wonder, extending more than two thousand kilometers from Heilongjiang province north of Korea to the westernmost province of Xinjiang. Often cited as a one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, the Great Wall’s reputation reached astronomical proportions through the popular – but mistaken – belief that it was visible from the moon. Nonetheless, the popular tourist destination is the longest man-made structure in the world, with a history that has fascinated and continues to fascinate students of all ages.

Through EDSITEment’s lesson plan “Following the Great Wall of China,” teachers have access to interactive exercises, websites that have been reviewed for content and accessibility, and other educational resources that will aid in teaching about this historic structure.

Users will learn that although initial fortifications were begun in the 3rd century BCE, the Great Wall was predominately built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), totaling at least fourteen centuries to construct. The lesson plan also reveals that the wall, built as a response to the possibility of invasions by neighboring nomadic peoples, was actually meant to keep people in as much as it was meant to keep people out.

An EDSITEment interactive map designed to supplement the lesson plan allows students to test their knowledge of the Great Wall of China: With each correct answer, students can “build” a section of the wall. This feature is particularly valuable for middle school students.

To access EDSITEment’s lesson plan of the Great Wall of China, click here.