Exploring Ancient China A Inquiry and Collaboration Project
Ancient China
Why do we learn about Ancient Civilizations?
The Ancient Chinese culture has influenced modern day society in many ways. As we explore Ancient China, its Geography, Religion, Art, Architecture, Achievements, Politics, Economics/Trade, and Social Structure we will discover the secrets of what makes the Chinese culture what it is today.
As we explore together, we must be able to answer the following essential questions:
- How did the geographic features such as the rivers and mountains benefit the Chinese Civilization? What role did the geography play in creating powerful, and long lasting dynasties?
- What role did the Ancient Chinese religions play in daily life and education? What were they, and how did they influence the ancient civilization? What are the modern day connections to the past?
- Who were the important leaders in Ancient China, and what were their dynasty's contributions to art, architecture, and achievements? How does ancient China's inventions influence the world we live in today?
- With many dynasties to govern, what was the selection process, and roll of the Ancient Chinese Emperors?
- The Silk Roads were a major contributor to the diffusion of the Ancient Chinese culture as far as Ancient Greece, and Rome. What were the major impacts that the Silk Roads had on Ancient China's civilization?
- What groups made Ancient China's Social Structure, and what were their roles? Compare and contrast Ancient China’s social structure with the modern day United States.
Exploring Ancient China
Collaborative Project Instructions
In your groups, you will explore six aspects of ancient China, and create a collaborative slide show presentation of your findings. Collaborative, meaning each person in your group will become "experts" on one aspect of ancient China, share your knowledge with your group, and together, design and construct, an informational presentation.
The six aspects are:
- G. - Geography
- R. - Religion
- A. - Art, Architecture, and Acheivements
- P. - Politics
- E. - Econimics
- S. - Social Structure
Each of the six aspects has an essential question that will be your main focus for your research. Each aspect of the informational slide slow must answer the corresponding essential question. There will not be a minimum or maximum amount of slides due. However, you will be graded on how effectively you answered the essential questions, how you incorporated your research, and the overall appearance of your portion of the slide show.
Last, but not least, you will also be graded on your group participation, effective collaboration, and effort. Be a Team Player, and Do Your Part.
Have Fun! Use your Imagination! Be Creative! Scroll Down to Begin your Cultural Exploration of Ancient China.
Geography
Essential Question
How did the geographic features such as the rivers and mountains benefit the Chinese Civilization? What role did the geography play in creating powerful, and long lasting dynasties?
What are the Geographic Features of Ancient China?
“Everywhere's been where it is ever since it was first put there. It's called geography.” ― Terry Pratchett, Wyrd Sisters
Destination - Ancient China
Follow the links to begin your journey into the unknown. Here you will find useful resources to complete your research.
Religion
Essential Question
What role did the Ancient Chinese religions play in daily life and education? What were they, and how did they influence the ancient civilization? What are the modern day connections to the past?
What are the Three main Religions of Ancient China?
Religion
“Shape clay into a vessel; It is the space within that makes it useful. Cut doors and windows for a room; It is the holes which make it useful. Therefore benefit comes from what is there; Usefulness from what is not there.” ― Lao Tzu
Art, Architecture, and Achievements
Essential Question
Who were the important leaders in Ancient China, and what were their dynasty's contributions to art, architecture, and achievements? How does ancient China's inventions influence the world we live in today?
“Study the past if you would define the future.” ― Confucius
Innovation of Ancient Chinese Culture
Politics
Essential Question
With many dynasties to govern, what was the selection process, and roll of the Ancient Chinese Emperors?
Ancient China Government and Politics
“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” ― Confucius
Economics
Essential Question
The Silk Roads were a major contributor to the diffusion of the Ancient Chinese culture as far as Ancient Greece, and Rome. What were the major impacts that the Silk Roads had on Ancient China's civilization?
"A whole bunch of big technological shocks occurred when Asian innovations - paper, gunpowder, the stirrup, the moldboard plow and so on - came to Europe via the Silk Road." - Charles C. Mann
What was the Importance of the Silk Roads?
Social Structure
Essential Question
What groups made Ancient China's Social Structure, and what were their roles? Compare and contrast Ancient China’s social structure with the modern day United States.
What were the different roles in China's Social Structure?
“When grief for fiction’s idle words More real than human life appears, Reflect that life itself’s a dream And do not mock the reader’s tears.” ― Cao Xueqin
Daily Life of Ancient China
"The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large." - Confucius