Ancient China from Above (National Geographic, 2020) - Episode 2: Mysteries of Xanadu — Kublai Khan Worksheet, Answer Key & Google Forms Quiz

Ancient China from Above (National Geographic, 2020) - Episode 2: Mysteries of Xanadu — fill-in-the-blank documentary worksheet for World History grades 6-12

A one-period fill-in-the-blank worksheet for Ancient China from Above (National Geographic, 2020) - Episode 2: Mysteries of Xanadu, the documentary about Kublai Khan, plus answer key. Allan Maca tests Marco Polo's account of Xanadu, Kublai Khan's capital in Inner Mongolia, using drones and satellites to reveal its palaces, granaries and temples, then follows the city's plan to Dadu, the Yuan capital buried beneath modern Beijing. Designed to be completed during the 44-minute episode runtime. Print, hand out, and you're set. Ready as a no-prep sub plan, emergency sub plan, or movie-day lesson.

  • Worksheet: 1 page, 15 fill-in-the-blank questions in transcript order

  • Answer key: 1 page, simple numbered list

  • 44-minute runtime — fits one class period

  • PDF format, two-sided printable, low-ink

  • World History, grades 6-12

  • A self-grading Google Forms quiz - auto-graded the moment students submit

  • Multiple choice, built from the same questions as the printable worksheet

  • Assign paperless through Google Classroom, or by link - works on any device

  • One-click access: the last page of the PDF carries a "make a copy" link that copies the quiz straight into your own Google Drive

  • Use the printable worksheet, the digital quiz, or both

ALSO WORKS FOR

  • Emergency sub plans - leave the episode and this worksheet; a sub needs no prep and no subject knowledge.

  • First week of school - a low-stakes, self-contained assignment while routines are still settling.

  • Movie day with accountability - students have something to complete while the documentary runs.

  • No-prep days - print and go, or assign the PDF digitally.

WHERE TO WATCH

This episode streams on Disney+ and can be bought from Amazon, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. Episode 1 of the series is free on National Geographic Asia's official YouTube channel. Streaming lineups change, so check your own access before you plan the lesson.

Preview of Ancient China from Above (National Geographic, 2020) - Episode 2: Mysteries of Xanadu worksheet — fill-in-the-blank documentary worksheet for World History

Part of the Ancient China from Above (National Geographic, 2020) worksheet set from Response Resources.

Pairs with:

  • The Story of China video worksheets — six episodes on China's history from the first dynasties to today