Ancient Chinese Inventions

We have many reasons to be thankful to the Ancient Chinese. They invented many things that we still use today. Thank to Mr. Klumper, we have this beautiful video production to remind us of all these great discoveries and to help us realize just how much impact the Ancient Chinese still have in our lives today.

Secrets of the First Emperor

The First Emperor: Qin Shi Huang

Students,

You have learned a lot about the dynasties of Ancient China, including the Qin or Chin Dynasty, led by Qin Shi Huang.

Read a little bit about the "First Emperor" below:
Following a huge battle with the state of Ch’u, Ying Jien achieved his ultimate dream by 223 B.C. – the unification of China. At age 34, Ying Jien became China’s first emperor and was renamed Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di – literally “the first divine god of the Chin.” To the shock of his court, the new emperor disbanded feudal order and instead created a new system of government. A totalitarian philosophy that created rules for every part of every citizen’s daily life, the system was overseen by a series of governors and enforced with brutal efficiency. In 220 B.C., Qin began building the Great Wall of China. The ancient world’s greatest engineering project was designed as a barrier to seal the empire. And by 215 B.C., the massive tomb he designed to protect him after death was near completion. It is around this time that the emperor, spurred by distrust and paranoia, began to take repeated doses of mercury in an attempt to extend his life. (It was believed at the time that mercury increased longevity.)

Then, follow this link http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/firstemperor/firstemperor.html
and explore more about what "The First Emperor" accomplished in Ancient China.
Next, take the Quiz at this link http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/firstemperor/quiz/quiz.html or by clicking on "How would you rule China?" to find out which Chinese emperor most closely matches your own personality.
Finally, Post the name of the Emperor that you are most like. If we get 100 different students to post their results, I will reveal which Emperor I match up with.

Mesopotamia Student Review

You can post any questions on this blog regarding possible test questions for Wednesday's test on Mesopotamia. Other students will answer them for you. You will receive 5 extra credit points for posting or responding to a question. Have fun

British Museum Website Exploration

Explore the website from the British Museum by reading these directions and then clicking on the link at the bottom.

First click on one of the 3 names of the civilizations. From there you can click on Story, then Explore, then Challenge and explore each area. You can also just wander all around this website and discover things on your own. Have fun with it and learn some interesting stuff at the same time.

*Post a comment describing 3 things you discovered from this website about Mesopotamia that you didn't previously know. Be sure you explain each thing in some detail to prove that you gained some knowledge.

These posts are due by Friday, if you don't finish them in class.

http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/

If you finish that up, feel free to explore this website as well.
http://www.britishmuseum.org/default.aspx
You will just have to click around until you find info about Mesopotamia or any of the ancient civilizations. There are some cool videos and pictures and other stuff on here that you might really enjoy.

Mesopotamia Continued

You have until Friday to post a comment to the following question:

Would you rather be a hunter-gatherer like the Neanderthals or a farmer like the Sumerians became through innovative farming methods? Write your opinion along with advantages and disadvantages of each.

Welcome to Mesopotamia

We are now traveling through the ancient river valley civilizations of Mesopotamia-Sumer, Babylon, and Akkad. Begin your blogging life by answering or doing the following things: You have until Friday to post at least 1 comment for each question.

Name 3 things that we still use today that were invented in Mesopotamia.

Students, what do you think of the new blog?