About "Dangerous Straits" An introduction to the FRONTLINE documentary
		Background Historical context in which to learn about U.S.-China relations, an overview of the key issues between the two countries, and information on the recent strains in the United States' relationship with China
		Lesson Plan Students are asked to prepare policy briefs for their U.S. representatives; to learn about the art and practice of diplomacy; and to engage in meaningful debate about U.S.-China relations.
		Resources Where to go, on the Web and in the library, for more information
		Glossary Short descriptions of the key terms and historical figures

This teachers' guide provides background information and lesson plans that teachers can use together with the FRONTLINE documentary to help students understand many of the complicated issues affecting U.S.-China relations. The guide can be used in connection with the following National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) thematic standards:

II. Time, Continuity, and Change
III. People, Places, and Environments
IX. Global Connections

The background section gives students historical context in which to learn about U.S.-China relations, along with an overview of the key issues between the two countries, and information on the recent strains in the United States' relationship with China.

The lesson plan includes three classroom activities that can be used individually or as a group. The goal of the activities is to encourage students to consider multiple perspectives on U.S.-China relations, learn about the art and practice of diplomacy, and engage in a debate to focus on different aspects of U.S.-China relations. The guide also includes a resource section and a glossary.

This teachers' guide was written by John R. Watt, Ph.D., of Primary Source, a nonprofit educational center located in Watertown, Mass. It was developed by Simone Bloom Nathan, Ed.M., and Anne Kaplan, M.A., of Media Education Consultants, with input from Jessica Smith and Kimberly Tabor of FRONTLINE, and the advisory panel: Jan Berris, vice president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations; Merle Goldman of the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research at Harvard University; Deborah Quitt, social studies curriculum coordinator at Brookline (Mass.) High School; and Amy Shaw, education coordinator at WSIU-TV in Carbondale, Ill.

FRONTLINE is produced by WGBH Boston and broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS Viewers. National corporate funding provided by NPR and EarthLink®.

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