Introduction to Ukraine

Comprehensive Unit80 pagesGrade Level: High SchoolIncludes curriculum unit + CD-ROM As the second-largest country in Europe, Ukraine has always stood at a crossroads of cultural influences. It is a key part of Europe—and the management of its relationships with other countries (in particular, Russia) is key to the future of the whole of eastern Europe. In addition, Ukraine possesses rich farmlands, a well-developed industrial base, a highly trained labor force, and a sound educational system. These factors and more give Ukraine the potential to become a major European economy. Despite its turbulent—and, at times, traumatic—history, Ukraine has emerged as a full-fledged member of the global society. In the first part of the unit, students brainstorm what they already know about Ukraine and try to locate it on a world map. As a class, they answer four initial questions about Ukraine and discuss the answers. Next, pairs of students engage in a fact-finding hunt to discover basic informat