silk road

On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever when Al Qaeda terrorists launched an aerial attack on the United States. On that same day, Kay and Kerry Danes were secure in an embassy after a terrifying 11-month hostage situation in Communist Laos. In the years since, Kerry returned to active duty with the Special Forces of Australia and Kay turned her energy towards social justice and international humanitarianism. In November 2008, Kay faced her haunting memories of the Laos ordeal and embarked on a humanitarian mission to the people of Afghanistan. Kay and her companions drove the ancient Silk Road amidst kidnappings, suicide bombings, carnage, and chaos to bring hope and supplies to the courageous Afghan people determined to persevere against overwhelming odds.

Travel the deserts and mountain passes of Central Asia with From Silk to Oil: Cross-Cultural Connections Along the Silk Road. This book of global studies curriculum, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and produced by China Institute, begins in the second century BCE and ends in the contemporary period. Units consist of a lesson plan, written and visual documents, maps, tables, and even a Silk Roads board game. There is also a glossary; lists of additional resources; and a CD with the entire text and color images-including hotlinks to relevant websites-in PDF format. From Silk to Oil is directed at teachers of high school world history, global studies, social studies, geography, literature, and art. Some units will also be suitable for advanced middle school, community college, and lower level university survey courses.