Chrysanthemums, centipedes and needles: Oh my!

What do these things have in common? They were part of a Grade 2 lesson on Traditional Chinese Medicine at Western Academy of Beijing on Thursday.

Students had the chance to explore a variety of tools, herbs, medicines and teas that are used in ancient and modern Chinese medicine.

They went around to four tables, each one focused on a different aspect of the traditional practices.

"With China Engagement as a core value of WAB, the China Studies Department strives to provide more enhanced, interactive and meaningful programs to meet the learning needs of the students," said Wenjing Wang, WAB's Head of China Studies.

Students had the chance to see Chinese medicinal treatment in action, with a doctor on site demonstrating different ways to detect illnesses. They saw models and listed to explanations about the connectedness of different parts of the body. Students explored the different types of natural ingredients that are used in Chinese medicine, like centipedes, lotus leaf and wax gourds. And, at the last table, they tasted Chinese herbal teas made with chrysanthemum, lemon, Chinese dates and rose.

Students filled out worksheets, taking notes on the things they learned and writing down questions for a chance to speak directly with the doctors about what they had learned.

Read more on our website about how WAB engages with its host country, China.