List some of the buildings that were important to the ancient Chinese: What purposes did those buildings serve? How were those buildings constructed? Who was responsible for their creation? MAKING CONNECTIONS: What architecture in our current time can be compared to ancient Chinese buildings? (Do we have similar types of buildings? Do we have buildings that are used for the same purposes?) EXTENSION: The Great Wall was built as protection against Northern invaders. The United States has borders, some of which are even patrolled to monitor illegal immigration. Are there reasons to construct permanent architectural borders (walls) around the United States? Why or why not?
List some of the animals that were inspirations for ancient Chinese art. Choose two animals from your list. Why were these animals so important? Complete the chart below. QUESTIONS PORCELAIN POTTERY BRONZE What items were made from this material? What time period was this medium developed? What was the art/artifact used for? Draw a picture of an item made from each material. ANALYSIS: What is the connection between a modern-day toilet and ancient Chinese art?
Complete the table below NAME OF PHILOSOPHY OR RELIGION Who is the founder? What is the primary theme of this philosophy/religion? How did this philosophy influence the culture in China? Confucianism Taoism/Daoism Legalism Buddhism Draw the symbol that represents the universal life-force in Taoism/Daoism and give three examples of where that life-force can be found in the world. Which of the philosophies above is the most strict in its teachings? ANALYZE: Would Legalism be successful in modern-day United States?
Describe (in words, an illustration, or in chart form) the social structure set up in ancient China. Describe the type of government (Who was in charge? How was that person chosen? What role did the government play in the daily lives of the citizens?) What kinds of jobs were there? How was the family structure the same/different than that of today? Research the typical foods found in ancient China and make a list of things that might have been part of a traditional Chinese meal at that time. EXTENSION: What are some ways that our current society is similar to that of ancient China?
Complete the table below based on four dynasties that you find most interesting. Name Time Period Legacy years they ruled What are they remembered for? Choose one of the dynasties from above as the focus of your project: How did the dynasty come into power? What struggles did the dynasty face? How did the leaders handle the difficulties? EXTENSION: Give at least two modern-day, real-world examples of where you see the word dynasty used. For each example, state whether or not you agree that the term dynasty is an accurate description for the scenario. Support your opinion with facts from your research.
Qin Shi Huangdi is responsible for the construction of the Terracotta Warriors. List four interesting details about his life as an emperor (HINT click on the red tile labeled Terracotta Army and then click on his name. You should be directed to a website that gives detailed information about Qin Shi Huangdi.) What year were they discovered? Archeologists have yet to find two identical warrior statues. Explain/describe some of the differences between some of the statues (what do the differences tell us about the individual warriors?). Sketch one of the statues or the tomb in which the warriors were discovered. ANALYSIS What is the connection between the construction of the Terracotta Warriors and modern-day manufacturing?
What physical features allowed China to emerge as one of the most successful civilizations in history? How were those features beneficial? (Suggestion in addition to the blue tiles on Symbaloo, look in the History Alive textbook). Complete the table below about the Himalaya Mountains: PROS (good things) CONS (bad things) Describe the Silk Road. (What was it? Where was it? How/why was it used?) Complete the table below to compare the two major rivers of ancient China: QUESTIONS YELLOW RIVER CHANG JIANG How long is the river? How deep is it? What direction does it flow? Where does it start? Where does it end? What is it used for? What kinds of animals live there? EXTENSION: What bodies of water do we (the USA) rely on for survival? How do we use them?
Complete the table below about three ancient Chinese inventions of your choice: Name of invention Who invented it? How was it used? Who would use it? Why was it important? Could China have survived without it? Why or why not? How has this invention impacted modern-day life? Draw an illustration of the invention EXTENSION: Choose one additional invention from your research and explain a connection it has to your own life. (How would your life be different had this item not been invented?)
REQUIRED INDEPENDENT RESEARCH: List at least three other details from your research that you want to include in your project. This is your chance to share interesting, shocking, gross, funny, and/or unusual information! Set your project apart from everyone else who chose the same topic!