Chinese Discoveries and Inventions How have medieval Chinese discoveries and inventions influenced the modern world? P R E V I E W In this activity, you will learn how to draw Chinese characters. Drawing the Strokes of a Chinese Character Strokes are drawn from top to bottom and left to right. Strokes are also drawn in one continuous motion. Do not lift your pen until you have completed an entire stroke. Follow your teacher s directions and the numbers in the diagram for each character below to reproduce each stroke. Then practice writing each character. Character Meaning Practice Writing Your Character Here 3 2 1 Day 4 1 2 3 4 Wood 2 1 4 Mountain 3 Teachers Curriculum Institute Chinese Discoveries and Inventions 1
R E A D I N G N O T E S Social Studies Vocabulary As you complete the Reading Notes, use these terms in your answers. movable type mass-produce gunpowder inoculate Sections 1 to 5 Part One If your class is doing the activity for this lesson, complete all steps in Part One. (Note: If your class is not doing the activity, skip Part One.) As you analyze each placard in the activity, do the following: 1. Look at the title of the placard, then skim through Sections 1 to 5 to find the section or subsection that discusses the placard. 2. Record the placard letter and the name of the discovery or invention. 3. Write a one-sentence summary of the discovery or invention. 4. Write a one-sentence summary of its influence on the modern world. 5. Draw the Chinese character(s) using the method you practiced in the Preview activity. Section 1 Section 1 2 Chinese Discoveries and Inventions Teachers Curriculum Institute
Section 3 Section 3 Section 4 Section 4 Section 5 After completing the Reading Notes for all placards, place each placard letter in the appropriate place on the spectrum below, based on what you think its influence is on the modern world. Least Influential to the Modern World Most Influential to the Modern World Teachers Curriculum Institute Chinese Discoveries and Inventions 3
Sections 1 to 5 Part Two Skim Sections 1 through 5. Then, find 11 Chinese discoveries and inventions that match the descriptions below. Draw a symbol to represent the invention, and write the name of the invention on the blank line, as shown in the example. Section 1 Speeded up travel on rivers and lakes. paddlewheel boat Improved boat construction. Made bridges flatter and stronger. Made from bark; became an important industry. Led to the printing of modern style books. Stronger and lighter than iron. 4 Chinese Discoveries and Inventions Teachers Curriculum Institute
Section 3 Made from gunpowder mixed with oil. Caused a loud sound when exploded. A slingshot-like war machine to shoot artillery shells. Small bomb thrown by hand. Section 4 Made from woodblock printing on thick paper. Section 5 Poisonous smoke used to kill germs. Teachers Curriculum Institute Chinese Discoveries and Inventions 5
P R O C E S S I N G Create a scroll that celebrates Chinese discoveries and inventions. 1. Review your Reading Notes to determine the four Chinese discoveries or inventions that you believe have had the greatest influence on the world. 2. On a separate sheet of paper, write a short paragraph that gives at least two reasons why you selected each discovery or invention. 3. Create a scroll from a piece of drawing paper and partially curl the ends of the paper to look like a scroll. 4. Write the Chinese character and the English word for each discovery or invention. Also create a colorful illustration or symbol for it. Draw a decorative border around each discovery or invention. Your scroll should look something like this: Compass 6 Chinese Discoveries and Inventions Teachers Curriculum Institute