All About Asia

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 6
Activity Page ▶ pages 7
Practice Page ▶ page 8
Grade Level: 3 – 6

Homework Page
Answer Key
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page 9
page 10 - 12
 Classroom Procedure:
1. Display images of landmarks or attractions in Asia. Ask
students where they might find it in the world.
2. Allow for responses. Ask students why they think it is an
important landmark.
3. Allow for responses and discussion. Ask students what
countries in the world have the most people.
4. Allow for responses. Once China and India are identified,
ask students to name the advantages and disadvantages
of large populations.
5. Allow for responses and discussion. Introduce All About
Asia.
6. Distribute All About Asia content pages. Read and review
the information with the students. Use a map of Asia during
the content reading, identifying different countries and
geographic features of the continent for the class. Save
the final question for the lesson closing. Use the additional
resources to enhance understanding.
7. Distribute Activity page. Read and review the instructions. Pair
students. Students create their own maps. Distribute colored pencils.
Allow students time to outline and label each country (and capital)
in Asia using an Internet resource or other source.
8. Once completed, announce a country aloud, and students
will identify the region where the country is found and its
capital city. This may be conducted using teams of students.
9. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’
responses.
10. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, check and
review the students’ responses.
11. In closing, ask students: Choose a country in Asia, and tell
why you would like to live there.
12. Allow for responses and discussion. Encourage students
to be specific with the reasons.
Approximate Grade Level: 3 – 6
Objectives:
The students will be able to locate the continent
of Asia on a map, list some of the countries and
characteristics of Asia, and explain some of its
history.
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.3, 7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3, 7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3, 7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.3, 7
Class Sessions (45 minutes):
At least 2 class sessions.
Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
All About Asia content pages (3), Activity pages,
Practice page, Homework page
Student Supplies:
Colored pencils, Internet access, handouts
Prepare Ahead of Time:
Map of Asia for lesson. Pair students for activity,
Internet access. Copy handouts.
Options for Lesson:
Students may work alone or in groups for the
activity. For the activity, distribute larger paper
for students to draw a map and identify countries
of Asia. Assign one or two countries to each
student to research and present to the class.
Students research the various landforms and
other attractions and present information to the
class. Invite a person to speak with the class
who may have visited one or more Asian coun-
tries. Plan an “Asia Day” with foods from Asian
countries, dress, etc. Locate a school in Asia for
students to write and find a pen pal.
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 Teacher Notes
The lesson introduces students to the continent of Asia. Students are familiar with the seven continents but
may not have much knowledge of each continent, the countries, people, attractions, and other information
about the continent. This is one lesson in a series of lessons related to each of the seven continents, when
students can “travel” around the world learning about other cultures and peoples. It is recommended students
view one or more videos to enhance their “trips” to the continent.
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Additional Resources:
Content:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/asia/
http://www.softschools.com/social_studies/geography/asia/ (and Interactives)
http://www.ducksters.com/geography/asia.php
https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia
http://www.naturalhistoryonthenet.com/Continents/asia.htm
Worksheets:
http://www.schoolexpress.com/fws/cat.php?id=2729
http://www.englishworksheetsland.com/topics/socialstudies/asia.html
https://www.montessorinature.com/asia-free-printables-resources-for/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/asia/
https://www.studenthandouts.com/world-history/ancient-east-asia/worksheets/
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-LFOkGfyZM (5 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cekU_MvrkEs (15 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBAnI31VTNY (3 min-song of Asia’s countries)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw16FE3Uqek (22 min-Animals of…)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYsYu86m0H8 (1 min)

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The Continent of Asia
Biggest, largest, tallest, the most, and other superlatives are used
often to describe a continent covering about 30% of all the Earth’s land
area—Asia. Asia is so large it is separated into six regions: Northern,
Central, Eastern, Western, Southern, and South-East Asia. Asia is
almost entirely in the northern and eastern hemispheres of the Earth.
It is the largest of the seven continents covering over 17 million square
miles, and as a comparison, Asia is almost two times the size of North
America.
Two of the most populated countries in the world—China and India—help add to Asia’s population of over
4 billion people, which is approximately 60% of the world’s population. In other words, 6 out of every 10
people in the world live in Asia.
The continent is bordered by the Ural Mountains to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific
Ocean to the west, and Indian Ocean to the south. It is also home to the highest point on Earth, Mount
Everest (29,029 feet), situated in the Tibetan region of the Himalayan Mountains, and the lowest point on
land, the Dead Sea (1,410 feet below sea level).
The longest river in Asia is the Yangtze River (3,915 miles). It is the third largest, but the longest in the world
flowing through a single country, China. The Caspian Sea is the biggest lake and its coastline is shared by
five countries, and it is one of the deepest lakes in the world with a maximum depth of 3,300 ft. Finally, the
driest place is the Gobi Desert¸ the fifth largest in the world, and it is a cold desert, mostly covering north
and northwest China, and southern Mongolia.
Because of the large size, Asia is a diverse country, rich in its races cultures, and languages. In addition,
many of the world’s major religions originated in Asia, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and
Buddhism. Geographically diverse as well, it includes eight different climate types:

Deciduous Forest Coniferous Forest Alpine/Mountain Rainforest

Four different seasons, Known as Taiga, cold Windy, snowy; winter High temperatures and
warm summers, cold and dry, snowy winters, temps below freezing, high rainfall amounts
and wet winters warm summers summer in the 50s (F) throughout the year
Desert Tundra Grassland Savanna
Very little rainfall, warm A layer of permafrost Above average rainfall, Very high temperatures
to high temperatures (frozen soil), winters and hot summers and cold throughout the year, rain
throughout the year summers, little rain winters only during summer

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The desert, mountain and tundra regions are the least populated, and most people live in Eastern, Southern,
and South-East Asia. China, India, and Japan are the most economically developed countries, and throughout
Asia, the living conditions have improved. However, there are many pockets of poverty with a growing gap
between the rich and the poor, even though several large oil-producing nations—Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates—are part of Asia.
In all, there are 48 countries, which includes two countries that are also a part of Europe-- Russia and
Turkey. In addition, there are some places not recognized as official countries by the United Nations, but
may be technically a part of another country, such as Taiwan, a part of China, though it recognizes itself as
a separate country.
In addition to its large population of people, there are a wide variety of animals
and plants due to its diverse climates. Reindeer, foxes, and wolves are found
in the tundra region, camels and lizards live in the desert, bears are found in
the coniferous forest, and the mountainous region of China is home to the
giant panda. Other animals include snow leopards, polar bears, Komodo
dragons, and Asian elephants, which are much smaller than African elephants.
Plant life variety includes grasses and shrubs; cacti; pine, fir, and spruce
trees; small plants and mosses; and of course, there are the jungles of dense, wet forests.
Finally, the major resources found in Asia include minerals such as tin, coal, aluminum, gold, and iron ore.
The Arab countries are rich in fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil, with Saudi Arabia being the world’s
largest oil producer. The country of Bhutan produces most of its energy through hydropower.

The Countries of Asia

As stated earlier, there are 48 countries on the continent of Asia, and each contribute uniquely to the region
and the world. The major cities include Tokyo, Japan; Jakarta, Indonesia; Delhi and Mumbai in India; Manila,
Philippines; Shanghai, China; and Osaka, Japan. Five Asia countries summarized below:

CHINA
• 1.4 billion people (most in world), capital city is Beijing, communist country
• Longest international land border, borders with 14 countries and Pacific Ocean
• Home to Great Wall of China, Giant Panda, Mt. Everest on its border

INDIA
• 1.3 billion (2nd most in world), 1/3 the size of the U.S., capital is New Delhi
• Country forms a peninsula, surrounded by 3 bodies of water
• Home to the Taj Mahal, Ganges River, and the birthplace of Gandhi

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 JAPAN
• Over 126 million people, capital is Tokyo, 73% of Japan is forested
• Nation of islands in east Asia, over 6,800 of them along the Pacific coast
• Home to Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sky Tree (tallest tower in the world)

VIETNAM
• Over 93 million people, capital city is Hanoi, location of Vietnam War (1955-75)
• Borders: China to the north, South China Sea to the east
• Best known for its beaches along the South China Sea coastline

QATAR
• About 2.7 million people, capital city is Doha, follows Islamic law & traditions
• Only land border is Saudi Arabia, about the size of Connecticut
• A desert country, only 5% of the land is used for farming, richest in the world

Of course, there are many other countries in Asia including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei,
Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen and several others, such as the
smallest country in Asia, Maldives. In the Indian Ocean, home to 1,192 coral islands, famous for its white
sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

The Attractions of Asia

Asia is a large country and is home to many attractions and landmarks. To see them all, a person could spend
a lifetime visiting each of the 48 countries. However, below are just four popular and common attractions
and landmarks found in Asia.

Mount Everest is 29,029 feet, in the Himalayas, The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial
on the borders of Tibet and Nepal, known as the palace between 1420-1912, located in the center
“Mother Goddess of the Sky”. of Beijing, China.

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Located in Japan, the Great Buddha In Tehran, Iran is the Freedom Tower, or Azadi
of Kamakura, seated on the grounds of Tower, built in 1971, it is 54 feet high, modern and
a Buddhist temple, it is nearly 44 feet high. ancient architectural styles.

Asia is an extremely large and diverse continent with a long history and interesting past. With its population
of over 4 billion people, and its resources and attractions, Asia will continue to be an important focus and
resource for many countries throughout the world.

Choose a country in Asia, and tell why you would like to live there.

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Draw and label each country of Asia. Include its capital city.

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 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Write in the climate type next to its description.

Deciduous Coniferous Alpine/Mountain Rainforest
forest forest
Desert Tundra Grassland Savanna

1 Windy, snowy, winter temperatures are below freezing, highs in the 50s

2 Includes a layer of permafrost during winter and summer, little rain

3 Very high temperatures, high rainfall amounts

4 Above average rainfall, hot summers and cold winters

5 Little rainfall, warm to high temperatures all year long

6 Also known as a taiga, cold and dry, snowy winters, warm summers

7 Four different seasons with warm summers and cold, wet winters

8 High temperatures and rainfalls throughout the year

Complete each superlative as it relates to Asia.

9. The largest continent is________________________________________________________________
10. The most populated country is _________________________________________________________
11. The second most populated country is ___________________________________________________
12. One of the deepest lakes in the world is __________________________________________________
13. The lowest point on land is ____________________________________________________________
14. The highest point on Earth is___________________________________________________________
15. The largest ocean on Earth and bordering Asia is __________________________________________
16. The longest river in Asia is_____________________________________________________________
17. The fifth largest desert in the world is ____________________________________________________
18. The most populated continent is________________________________________________________
19. The largest oil producer in the world is ___________________________________________________
20. The smallest country in Asia is_________________________________________________________

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 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Match the facts to the correct Asian country.

1 Desert country, only 5% of the land is used for farming A China
2 Tokyo is its capital, home to the tallest tower in the world B India
3 One of the 2 countries with its land a part of Europe C Japan
4 Capital city is Beijing, home to a Great Wall and Giant Panda D Maldives
5 Located in the Indian Ocean, home to 1,192 coral islands E Qatar
6 1/3 the size of the U.S., capital is New Delhi F Taiwan
7 Best known for its beaches, capital city is Hanoi G Turkey
8 A peninsula with surrounded by 3 bodies of water H Vietnam
9 Capital city is Doha, only land border is Saudi Arabia
10 Longest international land border, borders 14 different countries
11 A part of another country, though recognizes itself as a country
12 73% is forested, nation of islands with over 6,800 of them

Answer each question.

13. What country would you visit to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura?___________________________
14. Name five animals found in Asia:_______________________________________________________
15. What Asian country uses hydropower for its energy source?__________________________________
16. What is the difference between Asian and African elephants?_________________________________
17. In what country will you find the Forbidden City?___________________________________________
18. What two country’s borders are home to Mt. Everest?_______________________________________
19. What ocean is north of Asia?___________________________________________________________
20. What mountains border Asia to the east?_________________________________________________
21. Name 3 oil-producing countries in Asia besides Saudi Arabia:_________________________________
22. If you randomly met 10 people in the world, how many would likely be from Asia?_________________

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 Activity Answer Key (may vary)
Name __________________________ Date _________

Draw and label each country of Asia. Include its capital city.

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 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Write in the climate type next to its description.

Deciduous Coniferous forest Alpine/Mountain Rainforest
forest
Desert Tundra Grassland Savanna
1 Alpine/Mountain Windy, snowy, winter temperatures are below freezing, highs in the 50s
2 Tundra Includes a layer of permafrost during winter and summer, little rain
3 Savanna Very high temperatures, high rainfall amounts
4 Grassland Above average rainfall, hot summers and cold winters
5 Desert Little rainfall, warm to high temperatures all year long
6 Coniferous forest Also known as a taiga, cold and dry, snowy winters, warm summers
7 Deciduous forest Four different seasons with warm summers and cold, wet winters
8 Rainforest High temperatures and rainfalls throughout the year

Complete each superlative as it relates to Asia.

9. The largest continent is Asia
10. The most populated country is China
11. The second most populated country is India
12. One of the deepest lakes in the world is Caspian Sea
13. The lowest point on land is Dead Sea
14. The highest point on Earth is Mount Everest
15. The largest ocean on Earth and bordering Asia is Pacific Ocean
16. The longest river in Asia is Yangtze River
17. The fifth largest desert in the world is Gobi Desert
18. The most populated continent is Asia
19. The largest oil producer in the world is Saudi Arabia
20. The smallest country in Asia is Maldives

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 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Match the facts to the correct Asian country.

1 E Desert country, only 5% of the land is used for farming A China
2 C Tokyo is its capital, home to the tallest tower in the world B India
3 G One of the 2 countries with its land a part of Europe C Japan
4 A Capital city is Beijing, home to a Great Wall and Giant Panda D Maldives
5 D Located in the Indian Ocean, home to 1,192 coral islands E Qatar
6 B 1/3 the size of the U.S., capital is New Delhi F Taiwan
7 H Best known for its beaches, capital city is Hanoi G Turkey
8 B A peninsula with surrounded by 3 bodies of water H Vietnam
9 E Capital city is Doha, only land border is Saudi Arabia
10 A Longest international land border, borders 14 different countries
11 F A part of another country, though recognizes itself as a country
12 C 73% is forested, nation of islands with over 6,800 of them

Answer each question.

13. What country would you visit to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura? Japan
14. Name five animals found in Asia: panda, elephant, Komodo dragon, polar bears, snow leopards, etc.
15. What Asian country uses hydropower for its energy source? Bhutan
16. What is the difference between Asian and African elephants? Asian elephants are smaller
17. In what country will you find the Forbidden City? China
18. What two country’s borders are home to Mt. Everest? Nepal and Tibet
19. What ocean is north of Asia? Arctic Ocean
20. What mountains border Asia to the east? Ural Mountains
21. Name 3 oil-producing countries in Asia besides Saudi Arabia: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, U.A. Emirates
22. If you randomly met 10 people in the world, how many would likely be from Asia? 6

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