Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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.

Friday, December 12, 2008

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.