Exploring Ancient China: Key Aspects of a Rich Civilization

• Social Studies

Exploring Ancient China: Key Aspects of a Rich Civilization

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify key aspects of ancient Chinese civilization.

Introduce the learning objective of the lesson to the students.

Geography

China is the third-largest country in the world, with a diverse landscape and climate. The Yellow River and Yangtze River are the two major rivers in China.

Introduce the geography of ancient China to the students.

Dynasties

The ancient Chinese civilization was ruled by different dynasties for over 4,000 years. Some of the most notable dynasties include the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties.

Introduce the concept of dynasties in ancient China to the students.

Philosophy

Ancient Chinese philosophy had a profound impact on Chinese civilization. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were three of the most important philosophies that influenced Chinese culture.

Introduce the philosophy of ancient China to the students.

Inventions

Ancient Chinese civilization was known for its many inventions, including paper, printing, the compass, gunpowder, and silk.

Introduce the inventions of ancient China to the students.

Art and Literature

Ancient Chinese art and literature were highly developed, with a focus on calligraphy, poetry, and painting. Some of the most notable art forms include landscape painting and porcelain.

Introduce the art and literature of ancient China to the students.

Architecture

Ancient Chinese architecture is known for its intricate designs and beautiful structures. The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven are some of the most famous examples of ancient Chinese architecture.

Introduce the architecture of ancient China to the students.

Food and Agriculture

Ancient Chinese civilization had a strong agricultural tradition, with rice being the staple crop. Other important crops included wheat, soybeans, and barley. The Chinese also developed a wide variety of cooking techniques and dishes.

Introduce the food and agriculture of ancient China to the students.

Religion

Ancient Chinese civilization had a rich religious tradition, with a focus on ancestor worship and the belief in many gods and goddesses. Taoism and Buddhism were also important religions in ancient China.

Introduce the religion of ancient China to the students.

Government

Ancient Chinese civilization was governed by a centralized bureaucracy, with the emperor at the top. The civil service exam was used to select officials, and Confucianism played a major role in the government.

Introduce the government of ancient China to the students.

What were the two major rivers in ancient China?

1. Nile River
2. Mekong River
3. Yangtze River
4. Yellow River

Which of the following was not a major philosophy in ancient China?

1. Confucianism
2. Taoism
3. Legalism
4. Existentialism

Which of the following inventions was not developed in ancient China?

1. The airplane
2. Paper
3. Printing
4. The compass

What was the name of the exam used to select officials in ancient China?

1. Imperial Examination
2. GRE
3. ACT
4. SATs

Which of the following was not a major religion in ancient China?

1. Confucianism
2. Taoism
3. Buddhism
4. Islam

What was the name of the centralized bureaucracy that governed ancient China?

1. Congress
2. Senate
3. Imperial Court
4. Parliament

What do you think was the most important aspect of ancient Chinese civilization?

Why do you think ancient Chinese civilization had such a profound impact on world history?

What is one thing you learned from this lesson?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.