Chinese Discoveries and Inventions

Ancient China
Contributions & Inventions

The Legacy of Ancient China

Early Chinese achievements, including inventions, cultural contributions, and ideas, left the world a lasting legacy.

Main Idea

Identify and understand the legacy of early Chinese achievements.

Objective

China is officially said to have invented paper in 105 AD. The invention transformed writing. The ancient Chinese made paper from tree bark, plant fibers, and old rags. This invention was easy to write on!

​​1. Paper

During the Han Dynasty, the ancient Chinese also invented the first compass. This led to the development of the navigational compass, which made exploration of distant lands possible.

​​2. Compass

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Multiple Choice

The navigational compass made exploration of distant lands...

• Impossible

• Possible

• Difficult

• Confusing

​The Chinese developed the technique for making silk and kept it secret for thousands of years. Demand for silk grew until it became China's most traded good. It is still prized textile today.

​​3. Silk

Chinese Philosophies remain one of ancient China's greatest legacies. One of these philosophies - Confucianism - got a boost from the invention of paper. Confucian ideas were among the first spread by China's new writing material, paper!

​​4. Chinese Philosophies

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not an invention from Ancient China?

• Paper

• Small airplanes

• Compass

• Silk

You must get 8/10 correct on the quiz!
You can retake the quiz until you get 8/10 (80%).

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Quiz: Ancient China - Inventions and Technology

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Open Ended

Which ancient Chinese invention or idea do you think is the most important? Think of the inventions that we still use today!

Choose from: paper, silk, compass, gunpowder, or printing