By Ann Marie Batista

The Chinese Invention Book is a product of Kathleen Nakamura and Connie Rothstein of Jefferson Middle School. The book's premise is to teach students about the contributions to our world from China. Numerous contributions are still used today or were the basis for improved tools (e.g. seismograph). This book can be used as a culminating activity during the study of China. It is easily integrated between Language Arts and Social Studies and can be modified for grade level and areas of study.

One of the greatest untold secrets of history is that the "modern world" in which we live in a unique synthesis of Chinese and Western ingredients.
- R.K.G. Temple, 1986

• Objective
  • Put research skills into practice and make connections from contributions of the ancient Chinese to our world today.
• Into
  • Mini lessons on reading for information and research techniques (using index, table of contents, library, etc.).
  • Study ancient China.
  • Brainstorm a list of ancient Chinese inventions and ask students to write list on notebook paper for future use.
• Through
  • Gather as many resources as you can for inventions from ancient China. Ask students to visit the school and city library and bring in their own resources. Provide copies of Oracle Bones, Stars, and Wheelbarrows, by Frank Ross, Jr. I allowed students to complete this project during class time and work in pairs or small groups. While students researched I was available to assist readers having difficulty locating information they needed.
  • Lead the class in brainstorm and list inventions from China. Students should have some background from previous reading and discussion. From the lsit, students choose 5, 8, or 10 inventions of their choice depending on the grade they want. To earn an A, a student needs to complete 10 inventions (see sample invention form) with colored pictures for each invention, table of contents, and numbered pages.
  • Peer edit and score each other's work before final copy is turned in to teacher. As a class, review points list and decide what elements are in place for each section.
• Beyond
  • Have students prepare mini-presentations addressing what they thought was the most interesting Chinese invention still used today.
  • For extra credit, prepare a similar book from a country of student's choice.

Ancient Chinese Invention Point Sheet

Sample Invention Form

• What:
• Where:
• When:
• How it was used then:
• Is it still used today? If so, how?
• A description in sentence form:

Suggested Resources

• Ross, Jr. Frank. Oracle Bones, Stars, and Wheelbarrows. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1982.
• Temple, Robert. The Genius of China. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1986.
• Ancient China Thematic Unit

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