Chinese Inventions

Invention Image
Howdid eachinventionimprovethe lives of the Chinesepeople? (Read pages 226-230)

ChainPump

The chain pump was an important invention because it channeled water to the farmers to help irrigate their crops. Chain pumps also brought fresh drinking water into the cities. The iron plow was an important invention because it pushed dirt away in rows. It also got plowed so that it did not pile up in the front. It got poured into molds so it was easier to make iron plows. It also was made out of cast iron. The wheelbarrow was an important invention because goods were carried in it. It also made it easier so farmers didnt have to put it on their backs or in a bucket suspended on a pole across their shoulders.

Iron Plow

Wheelbarrow

Silk

The silk was an important invention because it was very valuable to trade with people outside of China.

Iron-Tipped BambooDrill

The iron-tipped bamboo drill was an important invention because it dug deep wells and it dug to salt water. The hole with water in it could be 1,000 feet below the surface.

Chinese Inventions
Invention Image
Howdid eachinventionimprovethe lives of the Chinesepeople? (Read pages 226-230)

Calligraphy

Calligraphy was an important invention because it was a style of writing that flowed naturally, as if inspired by nature. Paper was an ideal material for calligraphy. Calligraphy was used to write characters by painting them with brush and ink. The ideal stroke was done quickly and created both delicate and bold lines. The paper was an important invention because not only it helped the calligraphers but also it changes how the people communicated. Paper also helped because it was cheaper than bamboo or silk, so more people could afford it. Paper also helped bind together books. The acupuncture was an important invention because it was thought to rebalance the forces of yin and yang. It also was thought to be useful to cure illnesses that strike quickly like headaches. The seismograph was an important invention because it detects earthquakes. The first seismograph a circular machine made out of bronze. The pendulum in the center, which was surrounded by eight sculpted animal heads holding a ball. During the earthquake the pendulum will vibrate and trigger the release of one of them and the ball would fall and the direction of the earthquake.

Paper

Acupuncture

Seismograph

Chinese Inventions
Invention Image
Howdid eachinventionimprovethe lives of the Chinesepeople? (Read pages 226-230)

Magnetic Compass

The magnetic compass an important invention because it helped the Chinese determine which way is north and south. The Chinese also put it in temples, graves, and homes for good luck.