The world’s progress is due largely to inventions. Whenever a new method, machine, or gadget is invented, it helps humankind to live a little easier or better or longer. China has contributed many renowned inventions to science, mathematics and technology that were unknown to the Western World.
The “Britannica: Ancient Civilisations” series features bite-sized activity sets to help students explore in-depth, cultures, industries and empires from the ancient world. See other lessons in this series.
Resource
Use this Britannica School (Australia) Primary Level Resource Pack ↗ to help students learn about Chinese culture and some of their inventions. It contains articles and multimedia. For more advanced learners, a Middle school version↗ of this resource pack is also available.
Teacher Tip:
Schools in New Zealand and Asia can also access these resource packs at:
Britannica School (New Zealand) Primary level resource pack ↗
Britannica School (New Zealand) Middle level resource pack ↗
Britannica School (Asia) Elementary level resource pack ↗
Britannica School (Asia) Middle level resource pack ↗
Activity
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- Explore the materials in the Resource Pack, select four inventions. Write a short paragraph explaining how life would be different if each of four inventions were never created.
- Examine each invention in more depth. Select one invention and complete an In-Depth Research Summary identifying detailed information about the invention and its historical significance.
- Are Chinese inventions the greatest inventions of all time? Students explain why they do or do not believe these inventions to be the greatest.
These activities and resources have been created using content from Britannica School, the go-to site for safe, comprehensive student research. Contact your librarian to find out if your institution already has access. Find out more about Britannica School or set up your own free trial.
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