Geogra3: Three documentaries on China to use in the classroom

Are you teaching about China?

In this blog, I’m sharing 3 great documentaries that are a useful way for students to explore and understand China.  

The first documentary is from “60 minutes Australia” and it spends about 14 minutes exploring China’s Three Gorges Dam.  It considers the reasons why the Chinese government felt it was necessary to build but then focuses on the environmental and social costs of the project.  It serves as a useful way to explore the pros and cons of hydro-electric power and could then lead onto discussions of alternative renewable energy sources.  This video would be suitable for students from 11 years upwards.

Here’s the link to the documentary: World's biggest dam: China's engineering masterpiece or environment disaster?

The second programme explores the growth of the Chinese economy and is probably more suited to ages 15-18 years.  It considers how the political ideology was pivotal in changing China’s role in the world economy and help both education and foreign investment played major parts in China’s long term progress.  I also like the way it gets the viewer to consider what the future might look like for China.

Here’s the link to the documentary: How China Got Rich

In this final documentary, a totally different part of China is explored.  This programme looks at the Xinjiang province and the cultures found here.  Although the region is climatically harsh, there is evidence that this could soon be an area of huge growth as China builds the “belt and road” initiative.  A fascinating watch!

Here’s the link to the documentary: China's Secret Lands: Xinjiang - A Modern Oasis

I hope these videos prove to be of interest to you and your students.  If you would like the lesson resources that can be used alongside the documentaries, you might like to consider joining the Geography Teacher Box vault.  Each month Powerpoints/Google Slides and worksheets with answers are added to the GTB vault, linking to at least 3 documentaries.  You can get a feel for the GTB vault on my Youtube channel or you could head straight there and to sign up today!

I love nothing more than supporting Geography teachers as we are a pretty awesome bunch.  

So here are five ways that I might be able to help you….

• The FREE question and answer booklet - 15+ Q and A worksheets linked to documentaries 
• The GTB Vault - Classroom-ready powerpoints and worksheets so you never need to feel guilty about showing a video in class again! New pick up and go lesson resources added every month.
• The Geography Teacher Box bookstore - boost your subject knowledge while supporting local independent bookshops
• Tote-ally Geography - A newly created store with tote bags designed specifically for geography teachers.
• Connect with other like-minded Geography teachers and share resources (suitable for teachers of students aged 11-18) - The GTB Facebook Group