Lesson Plans: China - Science

Preparation: Study the unit link for China for information that might be used here such as vocabulary and presentation materials.

Activity 1: Chinese Inventions Introduction: A common stereotype is that the Chinese traditionally lack scientific and technological ability. But somehow they came across papermaking, printing, soap, gunpowder, and the compass, to name a few. They actually thought Europeans 'Stunk' when they came to China!

Objectives: Through this activity, students will be able to: recognize the length and depth of Chinese technological history understand that the 'West' learned new technology from the Chinese understand that the 'West' learned of new luxuries from the Chinese

Materials: Information on Chinese inventions, computer, internet, clipart

 

Evaluation: Included information requested Sited other information used Overall understanding of the assignment Overall neatness and organization of paper

 

Procedure: Begin your study of China by arranging students into groups and providing each group with the list of inventions below. Ask each group to research online and library resources to learn when and where the items were invented. Provide an appropriate reward (fortune cookies, for example) for the group that completes its list first.  gunpowder paper paper money  wheelbarrow seismograph kite matches parachute silk compass horse collar rockets abacus umbrella Research process: students may use the information page provided at this site, library resources, text, or online sites, such as http://www.askasia.org/frclasrm/lessplan/1000019.htm http://www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/Our%20Inventions         %20Inventions%20Lesson.html http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_megrane/china/eg_china_3a.html 1. For each of the items, ask students to record when it was invented, where it was invented, and when it arrived in the west. 2. When all are finished, go through the items one at a time and record student responses on the board. 3. What do all of these things have in common? 4. Hypothesize: How did these technologies get to the West? Why did it take the time it did? 5. Have students pick 1 of the inventions from above. (Try to have each student pick a different one.) 6. Students will make a sign advertising there product for sell in the west. They can use word and find approiate clipart, or draw their own symbols in paint.

 

Evaluation: Teacher created rubric including: student participation in group activity student participation in research questions answered sign with invention

As of 12/31/01

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