Chinese Inventions
The Chinese invented many goods because for a long time they were isolated: separated from the rest of the world.
The Chinese were great traders because of their inventions that no one else knew how to make. Once the Silk Road was created, they stopped being so isolated and started trading around the world.
The Big Four
Magnetic Compass Eventually used on ships to allow sailors to navigate by knowing north.
Gunpowder Gunpowder was invented in China by accident; they were trying to make pills of immortality. Boom! Boom! Used for fireworks and signals, not generally used for military.
Paper Chinese were the first to make paper from hardwood. (Bamboo) * Supplementary Reading
Woodblock Printing Worked like a giant stamp Made copying calligraphy much easier Led to China being very literate (able to read).
Other Chinese inventions
Movable Type Made printing much faster Carved letter could be rearranged and reused.
Silk A very important Ancient Chinese invention. Made them $$$$$$$$ *Supplementary reading
Iron Plow
Wheelbarrow Increased productivity since heavier loads could be carried easier.
Seismograph Measured the strength of earthquakes and indicate the direction of the earthquake.
Umbrella
Porcelain Thin, beautiful type of pottery
Yoke
Kites Commonly used in military.
Toilet Paper
Noodles
Chopsticks A Brief History
Create an Ad. Choose 1 of the Chinese inventions and create an advertisement persuading someone to buy. Your ad. Should have: –1. A title, –2. A catchy slogan (Chinese Rice, It Is So Nice!!) –3. A persuasive paragraph (at least 5 sentences with an intro and conclusion) that tries to convince someone to buy that invention. –A picture of the invention.
Example Title: Chinese Rice Slogan: Chinese Rice, It Is So Nice!!! Paragraph: Chinese rice is so delicious. If you have never tried Chinese rice you don’t know what you are missing. You can eat it with chicken, beef, or pork. Chinese rice is so great to eat. Chinese rice is such a delicious treat!