Inventions
Ancient China for Kids
The ancient Chinese invented many, many things - things we still use today. Their inventions include paper, silk, matches, gunpowder, porcelain, lacquer ware, fireworks, medicines, kites, tea, the umbrella, jump ropes, tangrams, dominoes, musical instruments, ink, the crossbow, decimals, the compass, tangrams, folding screens, and my personal favorite - ice cream!
What the ancient Chinese did not do was make many advances in labor saving devices. There were so many people in ancient China that they had no need of labor saving devices. They had lots of labor. So, there was no need for the development of factories. Instead, the ancient Chinese people concentrated on making handmade individual items.
Hear Ancient Chinese Musical Instruments
Art - Performing Arts, Paper, Paintings, Statues
Explore Ancient China
Ancient China Occupations, Professions
The invention and importance of tea
Superstitions in Ancient China
Taoism - An Ancient Philosophy
Comparison of Beliefs - Taoism, Confucianism, Legalism
The 3 Teachings - Confucius, Taoism, Buddhism
Myth: Why Chinese dragons have five toes
Myth: Nian, the Horrible Monster
Ancient Story: Wang the Peddler
Ancient Story: The True Story of Mulan
Ancient Story: The Warrior Well
Legend: The Story of Shadow Puppets
Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age (for kids)
Achievements & Ancient Inventions
Take the Quiz, interactive with answers
Interactive Games about Ancient China for Kids
For Teachers
Ancient China Lesson Plans, Classroom Activities, Projects
What is the difference between a proverb and a fable? (1-2 class periods)
The Three Doctrines & Legalism
Debates on Censorship (2-3 class periods)
The Silk Road Game (1-2 class periods)
Several Lesson Ideas for Ancient China
Free Use PowerPoints about Ancient China for Kids and Teachers
See Also: