Students can extend their research on the animals and geography of Asia in several other Museum halls.

The Hall of Asian Mammals/The Hall of Biodiversity
Many Asian folktales are based on the animals of Asia — the panda, the tiger, the water buffalo, the Asian elephant, or the peacock. The dioramas provide dramatic representations of these animals as well as information on their situation in the biodiversity of Asia.

The Guggenheim Hall of Gems and Minerals
Precious jewels — pearls, jade, and the famous Star of India — are also a part of many in Asian folktales. Let students visit the Hall and research a gem and its mythology.

The Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth
Mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanoes are part of Asian geography. After studying maps, students can discover the forces of nature that created the Asian landscape and the methods scientists use today to understand them.

Birds of the World
Students can study and sketch examples of deserts in Mongolia and the landscape and seasonal foliage of Japan.

Review the Museum Experience
In the field journal sheets the students are encouraged to make notes about and drawings of their observations, just like Marco Polo. Back in the classroom, students can work together in teams to create theater performances or murals of street scenes.
Student activity - standards: SS2, ELA1

Re-create the Silk Road
Divide students into teams of merchants from various cultures represented along the Silk Road. Discuss some of the inventions and foods that were traded along this route. Assign each team to be one of the countries that participated in the silk trade. Have students bring in spices and food, or make items to trade, and have a bazaar.
Student activity - standards: SS3, MST6, A4, ELA4

Relate the Past to the Present
Encourage students to bring in photos of modern cities in Asia from calendars, tourist agencies, or magazines. Students can discuss the lifestyles of the people in the past and in the present. If they visited Asia today, which objects from the Hall of Asian People would be seen or used? Discuss the occasions when we wear traditional clothes.
Student activity - standards: SS2, MST6, ELA4

Celebrate Asia
Let students research the food and activities surrounding different Asian festivals. If possible, visit sections of the metropolitan area with large Asian populations during one of these community events with your students and encourage them to sketch festival objects and art.
Student activity - standards: A4