ABSTRACT
This inquiry leads elementary students through an investigation of the different ways in which dragons are represented in the West and in Chinese history and culture. Namely students investigate and answer the compelling question “What is the difference between the Chinese dragon and its depiction in the West?” Using the depiction and representation of the dragon as a case study, students wrestle with and investigate multiple perspectives. The presented formative tasks allow students to apply several disciplinary lenses to explore the inquiry’s compelling and supporting questions. The sources featured here purposefully reflect viewpoints from various geographic regions, as to foster student thinking that considers different global perspectives. Teachers are encouraged to supplement or replace sources as needed to meet the needs of their students.
