Monday, February 13, 2012

Marco Polo Study: Tibet

Tibet
~photo courtesy of Google maps
The region of Tibet has many yak that move in wild herds. The yak provides the people with many foods:  meat, butter tea, butter, and yogurt.
Yak
When Marco traveled through Tibet he reported on rivers with gold dust, dogs the size of donkeys, wild oxen, musk animal (ox), falcon, tigers, bamboo, and "numberless towns and castles in a state of ruin."
Bengal tiger

Tibetans enjoy momos. They are fairly simple to make. We made 2 cups of meat mixture (Ours had taco meat, red beans and rice, and cheese-not traditional for Tibet, but a yummy combination. For a more traditional blend, see this site).


Then we made the dough: 3 cups flour and 3/4 cup water. Once the dough is at a good texture, break into 12 pieces, and roll into circles.


Next, we stuffed them with meat and twisted the dough on top. Then we greased our double boiler, heated the water, placed our momos in the pot in a single layer, and steamed them for 10 minutes.


They were a perfect lunch!



Photos courtesy of wikipedia.org. See our References for more information.
I am working on a year long series on the Polo family travels and thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy and please post any additional information you have for us or corrections.

Previously: China and Chinese Inventions Next Up: Indian Ocean
Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany

Monday, February 06, 2012

Quilling

January was the month for quilling at our house.

We quilled dragonflies...

and flowers... 

 and insects...

and giraffes 

 and cats...

Do you have any quilled projects?

Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany

Marco Polo Study: Chinese Inventions

The Chinese were the first to give a vaccine for small pox, to use a chain suspension bridge, use gunpowder, use a magnetic compass, use a seismograph, use porcelain, use clocks, use wheelbarrows, use umbrellas, use fishing reels, use cast iron, use steel, use paddle wheel boats, eat noodles, know the earth was round, dig for oil, fly kites, use the abacus, and drink tea.

To wrap up our study of China,

we made moon cakes:

I would recommend flashlights for lighting them.

And played games from China:

Rock, paper, scissors

Eagle and Chicks
The eagle tries to steal the chicks,
but the chicks are safe
with their momma or in the nest (like pictured).

Jug or Narrow Neck
Each person tries to throw the ball into the jar
while making one bounce.

This post is part 2 of our Marco Polo Study of China.

I am working on a year long series on the Polo family travels and thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy and please post any additional information you have for us or corrections.

Next Up: Tibet 

Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany

Valentine's Garland

Valentine's day is quickly approaching
and we've been busy making hearts.

First, we made painted paper
with red, pink, orange, and yellow.

Then we cut out hearts.
 

 Using pink yarn,
 we taped the hearts
to the length of yarn
that we needed to stretch across
the front of our fireplace.


 Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Marco Polo Study: China

China
~photo courtesy of Google maps
Kublai Khan was in power in the regions of far off Cathay when Marco arrived on the scene. 
 
Kublai Khan was a Mongol. Mongols were fierce warriors. Ghengis Khan started invading and taking land. Kublai was his grandson. Kublai possessed an empire stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

During the 13th century, silk, ceramics, carved jade, lacquerware, and tea were the major products. 
Jade: polished and unworked

China has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the highlights that Marco may have seen...
early bank note with printing plate and lacquerware...

 
 Chinese Rhubarb and the terracotta army (okay, he didn't see the army, but it is totally cool)...

jasper and silkworms .... 

Chinese characters and giant salamander... 
art and coal...   

storks and cheetahs...

fireworks  and tea (ancient tea urns)...

lanterns and early printing...
  
crocodiles and the great wall...

cloves and ginger...


elephants and yaks.

For our activities, we are going to make paper lanterns, make moon cakes, and play games (eagle and chicks and jug).  

And watch this video...




Photos courtesy of wikipedia.org. See our References for more information.
I am working on a year long series on the Polo family travels and thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy and please post any additional information you have for us or corrections.

Previously: Mongolia  Next Up: Tibet 

Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany

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