Chinese New Year Lesson Plan
On the blackboard, write the words wheelbarrow, compass, gun powder, kite, abacus, umbrella, paper, and dominoes. Ask students to take a moment and to try and think what they all have in common.
Ask students their ideas and write them on the board. As well, students must explain their logic for their answer. After all answers are written, tell the students the correct answer to the problem. Wheelbarrow, compass, gun powder, kite, abacus, umbrella, paper, and dominoes are ancient Chinese inventions.
This lesson is for students to learn about the different inventions the Chinese have created and how the invention has influenced our lives.
Students should work in groups of 2 or 3. Each group will decide on the invention they will investigate, no duplicates allowed.
Outline for Ancient Chinese Inventions
Title Page
Name of their Invention and a Drawing of the Invention
Body of the Report
Who is the inventor?
How did they make the invention?
* Materials needed
* Procedure in the creation of the invention
* Drawings of the invention
Why did they make the invention?
When did they invent the product?
What struggles did the inventor endure in regards to their invention?
How does the invention influence our lives?
Bibliography
This is a 2-5 page report on a Chinese invention. Students display their information on a piece of Bristol board and present their project to class. Fellow students may ask a few questions about the Chinese invention.
Display the finished projects in the hallway for other students to learn about Chinese Inventions while the school celebrates Chinese New Year.
Extension: Have students create their own invention that would be used in the home or the classroom. Students must design and make the product. After the products are created, they will present them to the class.
