LESSON 7.9 What is the heritage of ancient China?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to describe ancient China’s inventions and scientiýc ideas that inþuenced the world.
Tune in China’s civilisation has lasted a long time. But do you know how much we owe to ancient China? For example, they were the ýrst to invent the compass. 1. How do you think the compass shown in SOURCE 1 would have worked? 2. Refer to the list in 7.9.1 and pick three inventions. Think about how they might have been invented. What needs did they meet? How do you think the ýrst versions compare to our modern ones? 3. In what ways do ancient Chinese inventions still impact our lives today?
SOURCE1 A replica of an ancient Chinese compass
7.9.1 Some great Chinese inventions Ancient China left many legacies. One was rule by emperors, lasting until 1911. Modern Chinese leaders still have similar powers. China’s heritage includes the Great Wall and discoveries from Qin and Han tombs. Many important inventions also came from ancient China, long before they appeared in the western world. Some of the more important ones are shown in SOURCE2 .
SOURCE2 Many things we take for granted today were invented by the people of ancient China.
Seismograph
Rocket
Printing
Silk
Parachute
Umbrella
Wheelbarrow
Paper
Ancient Chinese inventions
Matches
Acupuncture
Kung fu/wushu
Cannon
Compass
Horse collar
Helicopter rotor and propeller
Chopsticks
Decimal system
Fan
Gunpowder
TOPIC7 Ancient China 215
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