Friday, August 15, 2008

Field Trip Friday: China

Obviously, the best field trip for this unit would have been to attend the Olympics in Beijing, or even just an ordinary trip to China. However, since most of us are not afforded the luxury of taking field trips across the globe whenever we like, I have put together a few ideas.


Check your local art museum and see if they have a collection of Chinese art and/or artifacts. When I checked our local art museum (in Rochester, NY), I did not find any Chinese art, but did learn of several upcoming programs including a performance by the National Acrobats of China and Asian Pacific American Heritage Family Day. I did find 2 US museums that do have exhibits of Chinese art, but I am sure there are more.

Seattle Art Museum-Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective
US Chinese Art Museum- Oakland, CA

Another option is to visit any of the Olympic venues that are open to the public.

If none of these options are possible, and I admit most of them are not doable for the majority of us, invite friends over and hold your own Olympics. You can have Olympic-style events like swim races, foot races, long jump, etc or you can hold your own contests such as sack races, three-legged race, etc. Be sure to start with an opening ceremony and don’t forget medal ceremonies. Another option is to hold a Chinese dinner night. You could order out, but it would be more realistic to make it yourselves and dine in. Don’t forget the chopsticks!

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