follow this: For Option 1: Chinese Innovations, you will read about Chinese innovations in the textbook (pages 508-510 or Topic 12 Lesson 3 of the online textbook). Reflect on the inventions created by the Chinese as you read.
Next, you will review the video on Chinese Innovations and create a tree map that names 5 innovations invented by China. Provide details for each innovation. Make sure to use the provided video resources and your textbook for this task, as no outside sources are allowed.
After completing the thinking map, you will write a two-paragraph review that describes the innovations of China and how they impact us today. The first paragraph should describe the innovations developed in ancient China, while the second paragraph should explain how those innovations continue to affect us today. Each paragraph should consist of a minimum of 6 sentences and follow the given format (topic sentence, 4 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence). Remember to only use your textbook and provided video resources, and not to rely on outside sources.
Finally, you need to submit the thinking map and the Chinese Innovation two-paragraph review in the dropbox for the Unit 9 project.
Refer to the rubric for a breakdown of how your project will be graded. Remember that this project aligns with specific content standards in California History-Social Studies.
Option 1: Chinese Innovations
Thinking Map:
Innovation 1: Paper
Details:
- Invented during the Han dynasty in the 2nd century BCE
- Made from plant fibers such as hemp and mulberry bark
- Allowed for the mass production of books, making knowledge more accessible
- Created a foundation for modern paper-making techniques
Innovation 2: Compass
Details:
- Invented during the Han dynasty around the 2nd century BCE
- Originally designed as a divination tool
- Consisted of a magnetized needle pointing towards the south
- Revolutionized navigation at sea and on land
- Later combined with the astrolabe for more accurate maritime navigation
Innovation 3: Gunpowder
Details:
- Discovered accidentally during the Tang dynasty around the 9th century CE
- Originally used as a medicinal ingredient
- Later used in warfare for the creation of explosive weapons
- Revolutionized military tactics and warfare globally
- Laid the foundation for modern weaponry and fireworks
Innovation 4: Printing
Details:
- Invented during the Tang dynasty around the 7th century CE
- Wooden blocks were used to create movable type
- First mass-produced book was the Buddhist Diamond Sutra
- Significantly increased the availability of written materials
- Influenced the development of the printing press in Europe
Innovation 5: Porcelain
Details:
- Invented during the Tang dynasty around the 7th century CE
- Made from a mixture of finely ground clay and other materials
- Known for its strength, durability, and translucent quality
- Exported along the Silk Road to far-reaching regions
- Continues to be widely used today in various forms such as fine china
Review:
The innovations developed in ancient China have had a profound impact on the world and continue to influence us today. The Chinese invention of paper during the Han dynasty revolutionized the spread of knowledge, enabling the mass production of books. This innovation laid the foundation for modern paper-making techniques, which we still rely on today. Additionally, the invention of the compass during the same era transformed navigation at sea and on land. By providing a reliable means of determining direction, it revolutionized maritime exploration and trade, shaping global history.
Another influential innovation from ancient China is gunpowder. Originally discovered accidentally during the Tang dynasty, it went on to be widely used in warfare, completely transforming military tactics. This invention not only impacted ancient China but also had a lasting effect on warfare globally. It laid the foundation for modern weaponry and continues to shape military strategies today.
Printing, another notable Chinese innovation, revolutionized the dissemination of information. Invented during the Tang dynasty, the use of movable type made it possible to mass-produce books. This innovation greatly increased the availability of written materials and influenced the development of the printing press in Europe.
Lastly, the invention of porcelain during the Tang dynasty revolutionized ceramics. Known for its strength, durability, and translucent quality, porcelain became highly sought after and was exported along the Silk Road to distant regions. Today, porcelain continues to be widely used in various forms, such as fine china.
In conclusion, the ancient Chinese innovations of paper, the compass, gunpowder, printing, and porcelain have had a lasting impact on the world. These inventions transformed the spread of knowledge, revolutionized navigation and warfare, made information more accessible, and revolutionized ceramic production. The influence of these innovations can still be seen in our modern society, demonstrating the incredible contributions made by ancient China.
Do it again as a 7th grader
Chinese Innovations
Thinking Map:
Innovation 1: Paper
Details:
- Chinese people invented paper during the Han dynasty.
- They made it using plant fibers like hemp and mulberry bark.
- Paper helped in making more books, so more people could learn and share knowledge.
- We still use paper today in books, notebooks, and other types of writing.
Innovation 2: Compass
Details:
- The Chinese made the compass during the Han dynasty.
- Originally, it was used for fortune-telling.
- It had a magnetized needle pointing towards the south.
- The compass helped sailors know which way they were going, making navigation easier.
- Today, we use compasses for hiking, camping, and finding directions.
Innovation 3: Gunpowder
Details:
- Gunpowder was accidentally discovered in ancient China during the Tang dynasty.
- Chinese people used it as medicine first.
- Later on, they used gunpowder for making fireworks and explosives.
- Gunpowder changed how wars were fought and helped develop modern weapons.
- Fireworks shows are still enjoyed today, and gunpowder is used in guns and explosives.
Innovation 4: Printing
Details:
- The Chinese invented printing during the Tang dynasty.
- They made wooden blocks with movable type for printing.
- The first mass-produced book was the Buddhist Diamond Sutra.
- Printing made it easier and faster to make books, making knowledge more accessible.
- It influenced the development of the printing press used in Europe.
Innovation 5: Porcelain
Details:
- Porcelain was created by the Chinese during the Tang dynasty.
- It was made by mixing ground clay with other materials.
- Porcelain was known for being strong, durable, and translucent.
- It was exported along the Silk Road to other countries.
- Even today, we use porcelain in different forms like fine china dishes and artistic pottery.
Review:
Ancient Chinese innovations have had a big impact on the world, and we still benefit from them today. For example, the Chinese invention of paper made it easier to spread knowledge. Thanks to paper, more books were made and more people could learn. We still use paper for books and writing today. The compass, another Chinese invention, helped sailors navigate the seas during ancient times. Now, we use compasses for camping and finding our way. Gunpowder, discovered accidentally, changed the way wars were fought and led to the development of modern weaponry. We can still enjoy fireworks because of gunpowder. The Chinese invention of printing made it faster and easier to make books, making information more accessible. It even influenced the printing press in Europe. Porcelain, known for its strength and durability, is still used today in things like fine china dishes. These ancient Chinese innovations have had a long-lasting impact on our lives, and we should appreciate the contributions made by ancient China.