Unit Title: Impact of Chinese Inventions

Name: Laurie McLoughlin

Grade: 4

Discipline: Primarily Social Studies but Language Arts, Math & Technology are evidenced as well. Purpose: The purpose of this unit is to increase student’s awareness of ancient Chinese inventions and realize the impact that the inventions had on Ancient China and our world today while incorporating technology.

Description: As a whole group teacher will introduce each invention through literature during language arts block. Children will then complete activities using the Internet in the instructional mode stated. A final project will be completed at the end of the unit. The curriculum objectives for students, in conjunction with History and Technology Frameworks, are 1) to learn 8 ancient Chinese inventions, 2) realize the impact of invention on Ancient China and U.S., and 3) to utilize various technologies within the unit.

Essential ?’s 1) What is one Chinese invention? 2) How did this invention help people in China? 3) How is this invention being used today in U.S.?

Activity

Standard

Umbrella Kidpix

Essential ?’s 1 & 2
Students will go to 2 sites: http://central.k12.ca.us/akers/inventions.html

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blumbrella.htm

and then they will use Kidpix to divide the screen in half and draw a picture to show how an umbrella is used today and how it was used in China. Words can accompany the picture if need be.

Instructional Mode: Independent

Length of Activity: 45 minutes

NETS (PreK-4) 1.9 Explore the use of drawing and painting applications for class projects.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.
ELA 13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics,

and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Wheelbarrow Venn Diagram

Essential ?’s 1, 2, & 3

Students will go to the following sites :

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://central.k12.ca.us/akers/inventions.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/frameset.html and then they will complete a Venn Diagram in Word comparing and contrasting the uses of the wheelbarrow now and in Ancient China.

Instructional Mode: Small group (4 students)

Length of Activity: 1 hr.

NETS (PreK-4) 3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, diagrams, and charts.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

ELA 13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

13.12 Summarize main ideas and supporting details.

19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

 

Kite Friendly Letter

Essential ?’s 1, 2, & 3

Students will go to the following sites:

http://www.internet-at work.com/hos_mcgrane/china/eg_china_3a.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://zone.cps.k12.il.us/Showcase/Student_Projects/China/Kites/kites.html

http://www.chinapage.com/festival/qingming1.html

and then in Word they will write a friendly letter thanking the Chinese for this invention. They will answer the questions, Why it is important to them?, How it has helped them?, How their life would be different without it?, & How they use a kite versus how the Chinese used it.

NETS (PreK-4) 3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, diagrams, and charts.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

ELA 8.17 Distinguish fact from opinion or fiction.

13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Instructional Mode: Independent

Length of Activity: 1 ½ hrs.

Abacus in Excel

Essential ? 1

Students will go to the following sites to read about:

http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/china/eg_china_3a.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/abacus.htm%7F

http://www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions/abacus2.html

then they will take part in a virtual counting class at :

http://www.alohama.com/vclass/index.shtml

and then students will create their own replica of an abacus on paper first following this lesson http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/Anthropology/ANT0200.html and then use Excel to creating a colorful replica.

Instructional Mode: Partner

Length of Activity: 3 hrs.

NETS (PreK-4) 3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, diagrams, and charts.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Math 4. P. 4. Use pictures, models, tables, charts, graphs, words, number sentences, and mathematical notations to interpret mathematical relationships.

4. D. 2. Match a representation of a data set such as lists, tables, or graphs (including circle graphs) with the actual set of data.

Paper Webquest & Mock Debate

Essential ? 1 & 3

Students will complete a webquest on the invention of paper and then they will be using the information learned in the webquest to be part of a mock debate on the importance of paper. Sites included in the webquest are:

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-PAPER.HTML

http://www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/Paper%20Making%20Lesson.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/frameset.html

http://chineseculture.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.com%2FTokyo%2FIsland%2F3268%2Finvention%2Fpaperinvention.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/10662/normal_inv.htm

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/info/current/inventions.html

If there is extra time children can follow this lessson: http://www.myweb3000.com/Lantern.html

NETS (PreK-4) 1.6 Collaborate with classmates to use teacher-selected Websites.

ELA 3.3 Adapt language to persuade, to explain, or to seek information.

3.4 Give oral presentations about experiences or interests using eye contact, proper place, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

3.5 Make informal presentations that have a recognizable organization (sequencing, summarizing).

3.7 Use teacher-developed assessment criteria to prepare their presentations.

History Learning Standard 1: Chronology and Cause.

Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Instructional Mode: Small Grp. Webquest (pairs) Debate (4)

Length of Activity: 3 hrs.

Gunpowder Timeline

Essential ? 1 & 2

Students and teacher will go to the following sites to read:

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-GUNPOWDER.HTML

http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/frameset.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/10662/normal_inv.htm

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/info/current/inventions.html

http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/connections_n2/chinese_inventions.html

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/teachingaids/china/trad/timeline.htm

http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/bb000412.htm

& then teacher will use Timeliner 5.0 to create class generated timeline of invention of gunpowder.

NETS (PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

(PreK-4) 3.5 Collaborate with teacher and classmates in creating a multimedia presentation with existing template.

ELA 13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

History Learning Standard 1: Chronology and Cause

Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Instructional Mode: Demo

Length of Activity: 2 hrs.

Compass Powerpoint

Essential ?’s 1, 2, & 3
Students will go to the following sites:

http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/frameset.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/10662/normal_inv.htm

http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/china/eg_china_3a.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/info/current/inventions.html

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-COMPASS.HTML

& then use Powerpoint to show when a compass would be used and import pictures and Chinese directions from .http://ocrat.com/chargif/compass.html

Instructional Mode: Partner

Length of Activity: 3 hrs.

NETS (PreK-4) 1.8 Collaborate with teacher and classmates to create a slide presentation with existing template.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

(PreK-4) 3.5 Collaborate with teacher and classmates in creating a multimedia presentation with existing template.

ELA 13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research.

27.2 Create presentations using computer technology.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding. Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Silk Inspiration Web

Essential ?’s 1, 2, & 3
Students will go to the following sites:

http://library.thinkquest.org/10662/normal_inv.htm

http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/china/eg_china_3a.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

and then use Inspiration to create a WEB on silk.

Instructional Mode: Whole class

Length of Activity: 2 ½ hrs.

 

 

NETS (PreK-4) 3.2 Explore the use of application programs (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet) for organizing information into charts, tables, diagrams, and charts.

(PreK-4) 3.3 Explore and develop understanding of how to gather information from a variety of electronic sources, including teacher-selected Websites, CD ROM encyclopedias, etc.

(PreK-4) 3.5 Collaborate with teacher and classmates in creating a multimedia presentation with existing template.

ELA 13.9 Locate facts that answer the reader’s questions.

19.11 Write brief summaries of information gathered through research.

27.2 Create presentations using computer technology.

History Learning Standard 2: Historical Understanding.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View.

Learning Standard 6: Interdisciplinary Learning: Natural Science, Mathematics, and Technology in History.

Learning Standard 14: Today’s Economy.

Final Project: Create your own invention

Students will use the knowledge they gained on how valuable inventions are and create their own invention. They will create either a brochure detailing their new invention, or they will create the front page of a newspaper announcing their invention and present it.

Instructional Mode: partner or independent

Length of Activity: one week

http://www.myweb3000.com/SendChallenge.html send invention challenge http://www.gigglepotz.com/stmarys_inventions.htm speech about invention

  • Scanner, digital camera, speech, & Rubric
  • History Standard 3 : Research, evidence, Pt. of view
  • ELA 27.2 Create presentations using computer technology

NETS 3.5 Collaborate with classmates in creating a multimedia presentation with existing template.

Tools and Resources:

Software: Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word,

Inspiration, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Timeliner 5.0, Grolier’s Multimedia Encyclopedia CR-ROM

Hardware: computers with Internet connection, computer lab, disks, TV with computer connection, digital camera, scanner, color printer

Literature Tools for Teacher:

Adshead, Robin. (1986). China Multimedia Publications LTD.

Bernstein, Vivian. (1997) World History and You. Steck-Vaughn.

Beshore, George. (1998) Science in Ancient China. Watts LB.

Heyer, Marilee. (1986). The Weaving of a Dream. A Chinese Folkale. Viking.

Hills, Ken. (1993) Visual Factfinder World History. Scholastic.

Hitz, Demi. (1999). Kites Magic Wishes that Fly up to the Sky. Crown Publications.

Jacobson, Karen. (1990) China A New True Book. Childrens Press.

Lee, Jeanne M. (1995) The Song of Mu Lan. Front Street Publishers.

Scher, Linda & Johnson, Mary Oates. (1996) Culture Kit China. Scholastic.

The Nature Company Discoveries (1996). Ancient China. Time Life Books.

Yoten, Jane. (1998). The Emperor and the Kite. Paperstar.

Websites:

http://central.k12.ca.us/akers/inventions.html

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blumbrella.htm

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/abacus.htm%7F

http://www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions/abacus2.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/chinainventions.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/frameset.html

http://www.internet-at work.com/hos_mcgrane/china/eg_china_3a.html

http://zone.cps.k12.il.us/Showcase/Student_Projects/China/Kites/kites.html

http://www.chinapage.com/festival/qingming1.html

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-PAPER.HTML

http://www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/Paper%20Making%20Lesson.html

http://chineseculture.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.com%2FTokyo%2FIsland%2F3268%2Finvention%2Fpaperinvention.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/10662/normal_inv.htm

http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/info/current/inventions.html

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-GUNPOWDER.HTML

http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/connections_n2/chinese_inventions.html

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/teachingaids/china/trad/timeline.htm

http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/bb000412.htm

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/CHINA-COMPASS.HTML

Assessment: There are ongoing assessments of each activity in the form of rubrics, teacher reflections, and complete/incomplete. There is a rubric for the final project.

References:

Aloha Mental Arithmetic, (2002). Aloha Virtual Classroom, {Online}. Available: http://www.alohama.com/vclass/index.shtml d

Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, (1994). Abacus, {Online}. Available: http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/Anthropology/ANT0200.html n

ISTE, International Society for Technology in Education. (2000). National Educational Technology Standards for Students-Connecting Curriculum and Technology. International Society for Technology in Education: (ISTE) NETS Project.

Massachusetts Department of Education. (2001). Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework.

Massachusetts Department of Education. (1997) The Massachusetts History/Social Science Curriculum Framework

Massachusetts Department of Education. (2000) The Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework.

MyWeb3000.com, (no date). Chinese Lanterns, {Online}. Available: http://www.myweb3000.com/Lantern.html

Ocrat.com, (no date). Compass Directions, {Online}. Available: http://ocrat.com/chargif/compass.html

Rubistar. 2001 High Plains Regional Technology in Education Consortium. 22 April

2002. http://rubistar.4teachers.org

Credits: Laurie McLoughlin @ [email protected]

To return to the Ancient Chinese unit on inventions click on the following link: teachers_only.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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