Download A Techno-Buffet of Hands-On Learning Activities

A Techno-Buffet of Hands-On Learning Activities
(Tiered Learning; Student Choices; Technology & Hands-On Emphasis)
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
Ancient China
#1.
ANCIENT CHINA: GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
What Is China? China includes the vast out-lying areas of Manchuria,
Mongolia, Sinkiang, and Tibet; it is home to millions of people who are not
Chinese by nationality or language.
2.
The Middle Kingdom. For centuries, the Ancient Chinese were enclosed by
mountains, deserts, and the sea; and had little contact with the rest of life.
They had no knowledge of he powerful civilizations half-a-world away:
Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome. In fact, the Chinese did not call their land
“China”. They called their country “The Middle Kingdom” because they
were so sure that they lived at the center of the world-- the center of the
universe---“The Kingdom in the Middle of the World”.
3.
Chinese Legends. The Chinese people used legends---stories handed down
from earlier times---to explain the distant past. The Ancient Chinese have
legends about the creation of the world: the goddess Nugua (Noo-gway)
made the first humans out of clay; Nugua’s husband, Fuxi (Foo-shee)
invented writing by studying the scratches of birds and other animals. Yu
the Great and the Great Flood may be the most famous Chinese legend of all.
This legend tells of a time when floods covered much of China. In order to
save China, Yu the Great dug deep rivers to hold the extra water. Yu
worked for 13 years to remove floodwaters from the land so that farmers
could once again plant their crops.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#1.
ANCIENT CHINA: GENERAL INFORMATION
4.
The Xia and Yu the Great. By about 2000 BC there were hundreds of
settlements in ancient China which grew into towns---these towns later
developed into powerful city-states ruled by kings. The city-states fought
each other for farmland. One king, Yu the Great, gained control of a
number of villages and city-states, thus, beginning the Xia dynasty.
According to legend, this Xia dynasty was before the Shang but
archaeologists have not yet found any written records from this era. This
legendary dynasty supposedly domesticated animals, organized agriculture,
and began “sericulture” (raw silk production and silkworm raising).
5.
The Respected Dragon. To the Chinese people, the dragon is a respected
spirit, not a terrible monster. In China, dragons are friendly beasts that
bring good luck. They are also connected with the rain that makes the fields
fertile. The Chinese also use the respected spirit of a dragon to show the
importance of their rivers which are usually described as dragons. The
dragon’s limbs are the smaller streams. They flow into the dragon’s body, or
main river. The dragon’s mouth is the delta, where the river flows into the
sea.
6.
No Trade Outside Borders. The Chinese traded with each other and within
their own kingdom but would not trade outside their borders with other
civilizations. As a result, the Chinese developed a strong sense of their own
importance in the world.
7.
A Trio of Leaders. The great thinker Confucius was known throughout
China as “The Master”. Laozi, a legendary figure linked with the beginning
of Daoism, was called “The Old Philosopher”. Buddha, named “The
Enlightened One” gave up worldly pleasures to achieve nirvana, or perfect
peace.
8.
Three Ways of Thinking. Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism all
influenced the ancient Chinese. Each one of these three might help with a
different part of life. Confucius outlined a code of proper behavior. The
followers of Daoism said that everyone should live by the laws of nature and
not have too many governmental laws. Buddhism taught believers that they
could be ‘reincarnated’ or born again many times depending on how good
they had lived their previous life.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#2.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF CHINA’S RIVER VALLEYS
9.
Cut Off. China is surrounded by mountains, deserts, and seas, and for
thousands of years it was cut off from the rest of the world. The way of life
that grew up there was quite different from life anywhere else in the ancient
world.
10.
Muddy Yellow River. The Huang-He is the muddiest river in the world. In
fact, it is called the “Yellow River” because of the loess, or yellow-brown soil,
that the waters carry along. After thousands of years and countless floods,
the Huang-He has carpeted the North China Plain with a thick layer of soil.
This makes the land perfect for growing crops, especially a grain called
“millet”. Two of the most important early civilizations were located in river
valleys---one was in the valley of the Huang-He and the other was in the
valley of the Chang Jiang.
#3.
ANCIENT CHINESE SOCIETY & CULTURE
11.
First Farmers. Around 5000BC, people began farming along the banks of
the Yellow River. They grew millet (grain), fruit, nuts and vegetables, and
kept pigs, dogs, and chickens.
12.
Writing on Bones. Writing in China began around 1400BC. In order to help
them tell the future, Chinese priests carved questions on bones called ‘oracle
bones’. They heated the bones until they cracked, and then “read” the
pattern made by the cracks to find the answers to their questions.
13.
Reading and Writing. Writing had an important effect on the development
of China’s social classes. To read and write, a person had to learn as many
as 5000 pictographs. Only the wealthy had the time to learn to read and
write. Very few farmers and laborers were able to get government jobs
because they had no time to learn to read and write. Since only the wealthy
could get government jobs, the wealthy government leaders passed laws that
favored them.
14.
Writing Changes. Chinese writing has changed over the years---even new
ways of writing characters have developed. However, present-day Chinese
writing has strong roots in the characters used long ago in the Shang
dynasty. (The Chinese written language today includes more than 45,000
characters.)
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#3.
ANCIENT CHINESE SOCIETY & CULTURE
15.
Writing Is Better Than Speaking. When the Chinese speak in different
dialects they can understand each other very little, if at all. Yet, when they
write, even if they pronounce the words differently, they can read and
understand one another’s writing. This is because Chinese writing is not
based on an alphabet but on a system of characters that stand for objects and
ideas.
16.
Chinese Calligraphy. A scholar needed patience and years of practice in
calligraphy to learn the 6000-8000 characters he needed. Study was based on
copying the handiwork of ancient masters. Therefore, Chinese calligraphy
became an art form, and calligraphers were highly respected in ancient
Chinese society.
17.
The Chinese Language. Chinese is a very complicated language. Its written
form has no alphabet. Each word is written as a “character” or symbol. By
the time a child reaches high school, he will have learned a basic five or six
thousand characters.
More than one thousand characters must be
memorized to read even the most simple books. To be literate in China one
must memorize over 5000 characters. All Chinese read and write the same
language, but many dialects are spoken in China. The official dialect is
Mandarin, or “Putonghua” which means “standard speech”.
18.
Character = Idea. Each symbol or character stands for a thing or idea. Over
the years, each character in Chinese writing has come to stand for a word or
part of a word. Now, there are about 50,000 characters in all. Some
characters have been in use for almost 4000 years.
19.
Acupuncture. Ancient Chinese physicians thought that life giving energy
flowed along 12 lines in the body called ‘meridians’. Doctors were able to
ease pain and treat certain illnesses by sticking acupuncture needles just
below the skin at points along these meridians and rotating the needles to
ease various pains.
20. Good Health. It was considered disrespectful not to take care of yourself.
The ancient Chinese believed that exercising and eating herbs promoted good
health. Ancient Chinese doctors discovered the body’s natural 24-hour cycle,
which we call the “circadian rhythm”. This cycle governs our times of
waking and sleeping as well as our moods during the day.
(A circadian rhythm is an approximate daily period, a roughly-24-hour cycle in the
biochemical, physiological or behavioral processes of living beings, including plants,
and animals. The term "circadian", coined by Franz Halberg, comes from the Latin
circa, "around", and diem or dies, "day", meaning literally "approximately one day”.)
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#3.
ANCIENT CHINESE SOCIETY & CULTURE
21.
Ancestor Worship 1. The ancient Chinese believed that the living could
“talk” to their forefathers in Heaven. In most family homes, there was an
altar for making offerings to the dead, and bronze ritual food vessels were
often engraved with family achievements and honors. In return for this
respect, people expected the spirits to protect and look after them. (Mulan)
22.
Ancestor Worship 2. The ancient Chinese worshipped their ancestors and
looked to them for advice on how to manage their daily lives. The Chinese
ruler spent many hours communicating with his royal forefathers during
special ceremonies. They would “speak” back to him through oracle bones
and other rituals, and advise him on how to run the country.
23.
The After Life. People in China believed that life continued after death and
that they would need their worldly goods when they joined their ancestors in
Heaven. The poor went to their graves in cheap coffins with very few
possessions. At first, tombs of the rich contained human sacrifices—loyal
servants and family members. Soldiers and mythological creatures guarded
the entrance tunnels.
24.
Thoughts On Nature. The early Chinese worshipped nature. They watched
the predictable powers of nature, the changing seasons, and thanked the gods
for good crops. They also watched and feared the unpredictable and violent
turns nature could take. In an effort to explain why the universe operated in
such opposing ways, ancient Chinese philosophers said that everything in the
universe was made up of two forces---Yin and Yang. (Yin=moon; Yang=sun)
These two forces are shown as a circle of two round and equal parts. The
Yang section is white and is the warm, positive, masculine, and sunny side.
The Yin side is black and is described as feminine, mysterious, dark, and
negative. All things contained both Yin and Yang. Within each was also the
seed of the other. And when they worked together in harmony, all was good.
When one was stronger than the other, the balance changed. It was in this
way that ancient Chinese philosophers explained the workings of the
universe.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#3.
ANCIENT CHINESE SOCIETY & CULTURE
25.
Family Center Point. The family was the center of early Chinese society. It
was far more important than the individual or the nation. For each person,
the family was the chief source of well-being. A person’s first responsibility
was always to the family.
26.
Family Names. The Chinese were the first people known to use two names.
One name was for the family, which was passed down from father to son.
The other name was for the individual. In Chinese society, the family name
comes first, then the name of the individual. This, once again, shows how
important the family is and how the family’s well-being is placed above that
of individual family members. It was always what was best for the family—
not what was best for me!
27.
A Chinese Household. In ancient Chinese society, a household might contain
as many as five generations living together in the same dwelling--grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. The status of
each person in a Chinese extended family depended on age (older) and sex
(male). Grandfathers, fathers, and uncles were considered more important
than grandmothers, mothers, and aunts. The birth of a boy was more
celebrated than that of a girl. Poor families sometimes sold their daughters
to be servants of the rich.
28.
The Most Power. The center of authority was the oldest man. He had the
most privileges and power in the family. He decided who his children and
grandchildren would marry. The first household rule was that sons and
daughters should obey their parents at all times. When children were
disrespectful or disobedient, the oldest male would punish them severely. The
family was ruled very strictly by the oldest male. Children were also taught
that they must care for their parents in their old age because old people were
greatly respected.
29.
Women. The lives of girls and women were usually governed by the men in
their lives. According to Chinese tradition, the girls obeyed their fathers in
youth, their husbands in middle age, and their sons in their old age. Being
disobedient to the men in your life was a sign of serious disrespect and could
meet with harsh consequences.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: ‘S H A N G’ (1766-1122 BC)
30.
The Shang. This was a Yellow River Valley society which emphasized
agriculture. Their ruling period was war-oriented which saw the perfection
of bronze casting (weapons and religious vessels), horse-drawn war chariots,
an advanced writing system, and the start of ancestor worship.
31.
In Shang Cities. Peasants grew food for everyone and craftspeople made
tools, weapons, clothing, ornaments, and household goods from bronze, silk,
jade, clay, and other materials. The royal family lived inside a walled palace
with their advisors and diviners, who predicted the future. When a Shang
king died, he was buried in a huge pit filled with precious objects. Servants
and animals were also sacrificed in order to go with him into Heaven.
32.
Oracle Bones. The Shang believed that spirits of dead ancestors “spoke” to
the living through “oracle bones”. These were the polished shoulder bones of
oxen and sheep or the undershells of turtles. A diviner (person who was
thought to be able to communicate with the spirits of the dead) scraped furrows
in an oracle bone and inscribed a question on it---such as “Is it safe to go on a
journey?” Then he scorched the bone and “read the cracks” that resulted
from the heat as the answer to the question. The Shang believed that their
ancestors were wise and that they guided the lives of the living.
33.
Dead Ancestors Talk To Gods. The Shang believed that their ancestors
could communicate with the gods and would ask the powerful gods of nature
to be kind to humans. The Shang feared that angry gods might bring
disasters, diseases, or enemy attacks.
34.
Shang Writing. Ancient drawings on bones, bronze, and pottery formed the
basis of the written language of the Shang period. The drawings called
pictographs, were combined to make thousands of words. The people of the
Shang used writing to keep tax records and to record building plans, and to
make written treaties.
35.
Shang Rule. The Shang warriors used war chariots and metal weapons to
seize control by force. Strong rulers kept control until about 1050 BC. The
Shang established their rule by conquering more than 1800 city-states and
villages in northern and central China. To keep control of their lands, the
Shang created a simple form of government where the king gave land to his
most important followers. In return, the followers promised loyalty,
performed services, paid fees and taxes. (ancient feudalism)
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: ‘Z H O U’ (1122-221 BC)
36.
The Zhou (joh). This ruling empire was a collection of rival city-states ruled
by vassal lords for their kings. This period featured invasions by barbarians
from the west and north. The advent of irrigation and iron casting improved
farming methods. Multiplication tables, lacquer ware, and Confucius all
made their appearances during this war-torn time.
37.
Zhou vs Shang. The Zhou people from the northwest were very war-like and
conquered the Shang. They then began a ruling dynasty that lasted for more
than 800 years.
38.
Zhou Brings Change. The Zhou era brought about many changes. Cities
grew in size and numbers, and merchants began to carry trade goods
between them. Metal workers forged iron tools and weapons. The use of
iron plows made farming much easier and increased food production.
Scholars reacted to the unsettled times by thinking of ways to make ancient
China a more peaceful country.
39.
Hou Ji and King Wu. The Zhou worshipped a god they called Tian (Tyen)
or “Heaven”. This god seems to have been unknown to the Shang people.
According to Chinese legend, the founder of the Zhou was Hou Ji (Hoh Jee).
Around the year 1150 BC the Zhou attacked the Shang. And around 1050
BC, the Zhou ruler, King Wu, claimed victory over the Shang.
40.
Heaven’s Mandate 1. According to the Zhou, “Heaven” ordered King Wu to
conquer the Shang and begin a new dynasty. It was believed that “Heaven”
disapproved of the Shang kings because the Shang did not have the virtues
(good qualities) needed to lead the people. An early Chinese text, the “Book
of Documents”, calls Heaven’s claim to rule over China as the “Mandate of
Heaven”. The Zhou kings believed that they would be able to keep the
mandate as long as they continued to show virtues—or good qualities. The
sacred bi, or ring of heaven, was a symbol of the bond between the Chinese
gods and the leaders chosen to carry out Heaven’s commands.
41.
Heaven’s Mandate 2. People believed that kings or emperors received
heavenly approval to rule. This was called the “Mandate of Heaven”. The
mandate was the idea that the country’s leader was the Son of Heaven and
obtained power from his celestial or heavenly forefathers.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: ‘Z H O U’ (1122-221 BC)
42.
Heaven’s Mandate 3. People many times rebelled against a bad or weak
ruler who did not care about their well-being, and believed the heavenly
spirits showed their displeasure with him through earthquakes, droughts,
famines, or floods. The “mandate” or approval, was then taken away and
given to someone else.
43.
The Zhou’s Influence. There were many ideas that first arose during the
Zhou dynasty that still define the Chinese civilization. These set of ideas that
the ancient Chinese adopted and lived by helped them work together. The
Chinese civilization really grew under the Zhou kings—by the 700’s BC,
more people lived in China than anywhere else in the world.
44.
Cultural Progress Is Made. Under the Zhou, cultural progress was being
made. Iron smelting was introduced, advances were made in bronze casting.
The use of the donkey and camel enabled the Chinese to use caravan routes
across central Asia. The expansion of trade led to the use of coined copper
currency and the growth of the merchant class.
45.
A New Social Structure. To help control the large kingdom, the Zhou
created a new social class structure. The king was at the top of Zhou society,
the noble families were in the middle, and the peasant farmers were at the
bottom. Everyone owed loyalty to the king. The king gave land to the nobles
in return for military service---such as the powerful armies of the nobles for
protection and attacks. (Feudalism)
46.
Three Classes. This economic and political system created by the Zhou
divided Chinese society into three classes---kings, nobles, and peasants. The
system encouraged cooperation among the classes and made advance
possible in many areas---even though it burdened the peasant class with
strenuous work and hardship.
47.
Zhou Peasants. The peasants lived on the land owned by the nobles and
farmed it but also had to serve in the noble’s army as well as building many
of the government structures to be used by everyone---public works. Their
life was filled with many hardships.
48.
The Decline of the Zhou. King Wu and the kings who followed him were all
strong rulers for they feared losing the “Mandate of Heaven”. However,
later on other rulers were weak and did not rule with the same wisdom.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: ‘Z H O U’ (1122-221 BC)
49.
King You & The Fire. The legend of King You, a Zhou ruler, states that he
had fires lit on the hillside to alert his nobles of an attack. He practiced this
one too many times and when he actually was attacked, the nobles did not
come to rescue him thinking he was just “practicing”. King You died in the
attack. After this event, the power of the Zhou kings weakened and the
nobles power increased. This brought about the collapse of the Zhou
dynasty.
50.
Warring Kingdoms & Zheng. During this time the Warring Kingdoms
Period or the Warring States Period occurs. This also brings about the
power of a king in northern China---Zheng. This king wrote down a set of
laws which were the earliest written laws in China. Zheng will later be
known as Qin Shi Huangdi---the First Emperor of China.
~Q I N~
(221-210 BC)
51.
The Qin (chin). This was a short-lived, but vital dynasty that brought all of
eastern China under its control. The classic literature was burned and some
Confucian scholars were buried alive. It was in 214 BC that the Great Wall
was begun and other walls were reinforced and linked together. Also,
money, weights and measures were standardized along with cart axle length.
Many roads and numerous palaces were constructed during this ruling era.
Chopsticks came into general use and the first compass was designed. Shi
Huangdi built new roads and canals. More than 4000 miles of new roads
were built to link even the distant parts to the center of the Qin government
at Xian Yang (Shee-AHN-Yang).
52.
China’s First Emperor. By around 480 BC, China was made up of seven
kingdoms which were constantly at war with each other. By 221 BC, the
Kingdom of Qin (Chin) had conquered all the others, and the king of Qin
controlled a huge empire. He called himself Qin Shi Huangdi, which means
“First Emperor of China”. The importance of the Qin dynasty is reflected in
the fact that the name China comes from the word Qin (chin).
53.
King At 13 Years Old. Shi Huangdi became king of Qin when he was just 13
years old. First he depended on advisors, who told him to adopt the
teachings of Confucius. When the young king reached the age of 20, he
decided to reject the teachings of Confucius. He appointed other advisors
who taught him ideas about strict following of laws and harsh punishments
for “law-breakers”.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: “QIN” (221-210 BC)
54.
Shi Huandi. In 221 BC, Zheng, the ruler of the Qin in central Asia, defeated
his rivals (six major kingdoms that remained from the Warring States
Period) and united China after the Zhou dynasty collapsed. He took the title
Qin Shi (first) Huangdi (emperor and divine ruler) or “first sovereign Qin
emperor”. Qin Shi Huangdi set up a strong kingdom where all power
remained with the emperor rather than with the provincial leaders that the
Zhou had used. He built the Great Wall to keep out invaders and built many
roads and canals.
55.
People Are Evil. Shi Huangdi believed that people were evil and had to be
forced to obey the law. Anyone who disobeyed was brutally punished. He
ordered the burning of any books that did not agree with his ideas. Scholars
that protested this action were thrown into a pit and buried alive.
56.
Cruel & Uncaring. The most powerful of Shi Huangdi’s advisors was Li Si,
who later became his prime minister. Between these two men, the Qin
government became cruel and uncaring. He created strict laws and imposed
taxes on everyone in the country. All those who were foolish enough to
challenge Shi Huangdi were killed along with their families to warn others to
obey. His form of punishments were very severe and included being buried
alive, beheading, beating with a cane, branding with a hot iron, and other
forms of torture.
57.
Books Burned/Weapons Melted. Shi Huangdi listened to the complaint of Li
Si of too many books praising the Zhou kings and questioned the ideas of the
Qin. Shi Huangdi then ordered the burning of certain books---many of the
books destroyed were about Confucius. Many teachers refused to give up
their books to be burned and were buried alive. Also, Shi Huangdi made it
illegal to carry weapons if you were not in his army. Any non-military
weapons were taken from the people and melted down.
58.
Legalism & Two Handles. The strict following of laws to govern is called
Legalism. It taught that people obeyed their rulers out of fear, not out of
respect. People who obey laws should receive rewards—those who do not
obey should be punished (and harshly if not severely). Most well-thought-out
writings about Legalism were done by Master Han Fei. His ideas were very
different than those of Confucius. Han Fei believed that a government based
on virtues and respect would not work. Instead, he urged rulers to rely on
laws and on the “two handles” philosophy of rewards and punishments.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: “QIN” (221-210 BC)
59.
Magic To Live Forever. Shi Huangdi, who wanted to live forever, paid
magicians, called alchemists, for potions to help him live forever. In one way,
he has ‘survived’. Qin, pronounced to sound like “chin”, gave us the word
“China”. So, in this way, the First Emperor’s name will never die out.
60.
Standardization. Shi Huangdi was responsible for a program of
‘standardization’ that helped to unite the Chinese people into one. He
standardized coins, weights and measures, and writing with an improved
script. Shi Huangdi ordered that one currency, or type of money, be used
throughout China. The new currency was a round coin with a square hole in
the middle so that it could be kept on a string. These things helped make
trade and communication easier.
61.
A Bureaucracy. To oversee his huge empire, Shi Huangdi created a
bureaucracy – or a network of appointed government officials. This was due
because he could not carry out the day-to-day operations himself. To
support this, he required the people of China to pay heavy taxes.
62.
Tomb Guarders. Qin Shi Huangdi’s military tomb-guarders for eternity
“march” in three pits to the east of his tomb. A fourth pit is empty due to
unfinished work at the end of the dynasty in 207 BC. The heads and bodies
of the foot soldiers, charioteers, and archers were made in molds, but no two
faces are the same. Some are bearded, others are clean-shaven. Eyes, noses,
lips, and ears are in many different shapes.
63.
Shi Huangdi’s Death. China’s First emperor died in 210 BC with his son
taking over as ruler. He was very weak and was murdered by rivals. Shi
Huangdi’s grandson then came into power but could not hold China
together. Rebellions broke out and the empire collapsed into civil war. The
dynasty that was to last for “10,000 generations” lasted for only 15 years.
Next in line for ruling dynasty of China would be the King of the Han---Liu
Bang. He defeats all other rivals during the civil war and becomes ruler of
China.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: “HAN” (202 BC-AD 220)
64.
The Han. Four hundred years of prosperity and growth occurred during the
Han dynasty. The Chinese today still call themselves “sons of Han”.
Territory was expanded to approximately modern-day boundaries and Han
culture was the equal of the Roman Empire which also flourished at this
time. Contact was established between China and the Mediterranean area.
The Silk Road stretched from Xi’an in the East to Tyre and Antioch in the
West. Roman glass traveled east along the Silk Road to China as precious
silks made their way to Rome. Some technological strides included paper,
the wheel barrow, seismography and the sundial. Han emperors
strengthened the Qin system of government and extended ancient Chinas’
boundaries. The Han dynasty finally collapsed after a succession of weak
child emperors, combined with drought and floods.
65.
Liu Bang. One of the rebels who helped overthrow the Qin dynasty was a
talented ruler named Liu Bang. By 202 BC, he won over his rivals and
became emperor of China---the founder of the Han dynasty. He was the first
ruler in Chinese history who was born a peasant. He gained power during
the civil wars after Shi Huangdi’s death as a soldier but then made himself
emperor after being victorious during the civil war era. Liu Bang was the
first of many Han rulers that ruled for more than 400 years. After claiming
control of China, Liu Bang, took the name of Han Gaozu, or “High
Ancestor”. He set up a stable government based on Confucianism instead of
Legalism.
66.
Civil Service. The Han dynasty developed a civil service, based on the
teachings of Confucius, to run the empire and keep records in a central
place. The officials collected taxes, looked after roads and canals, and made
sure that everyone obeyed the law. Scholars who wanted to become
government officials had to study very hard for the civil service exam which
asked questions on ancient poetry and the teachings of Confucius.
67.
Han Gaozu. Otherwise known as Liu Bang, gained support from the
Chinese nobles by giving them land and allowing them to rule their lands as
they wished. He won over the peasant farmers by lowering taxes. As the
emperor, Gaozu was respected as Shi Huangdi was feared. During his rule,
invaders from the northern boundaries attacked. They even got as far as the
city walls of the Han capital. Gaoza was wounded while defending his city.
He later died from his wounds.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: “HAN” (202 BC-AD 220)
68.
Confucian and Legalist Ideas. After the death of Gaoza, the Han
government officials began using both Confucian and Legalist ideas. They
believed that Han rulers should set an example for the people but also saw a
need for a strong central government that with an all-powerful leader that
punished those who disobeyed.
69.
Han Tombs. The tombs of the dead Han rulers were filled with everything
the dead person might need in the next world, such as clothes, food,
medicines, cups, and bowls. One prince and his wife were buried in suits
made of jade (a hard green stone). Their jaded suit was made from over
2000 pieces of polished jade linked together with gold wire and cocooned
their entire body. People thought this would stop the bodies from rotting
away.
70.
Wu Di. The Han dynasty reached its peak under the Han emperor Wu Di,
Liu Bang’s great-grandson. Wu Di, known as the “Warrior Emperor” came
to power when he was only 14 years old in 140 BC. He remained in power
for more than 50 years. Wu Di created armies up to 300,000 soldiers and
conquered new lands. His armies pushed the borders of the Chinese empire
into Central Asia, and modern-day countries of Korea to the north, and to
Vietnam to the south.
71.
Wu Di’s “Pax Sinica”. Wu Di extended the Great Wall to protect China
from invaders by the nomads. In addition, he paid the nomads with silk,
rice, or money not to attack. Wu Di sent out ambassadors of the Chinese
government to make peace with his enemies. All of these efforts helped bring
about an historic period called the “Pax Sinica”, or “Chinese Peace”.
72.
Wu Di’s Civil Service. China’s first civil service system which would oversee
the day-to-day business of running a government was set up by Wu Di. The
Qin gave government jobs to people as a reward for loyalty rather than
ability. However, under the Han, government jobs were given to those who
scorded well on special tests called Civil Service exams that were open to
people of all classes—not just the wealthy. However, only those who made
the highest grades earned the job. The US government still uses a type of
exam for employment and calls it the Civil Service as well.
73.
Sima Qian. China’s history was recorded by Sima Qian. His review of
China’s past from the earliest dynasties to the Han was more than dates and
events---he connected the causes and effects too.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#4.
EARLY CHINESE DYNASTIES: “HAN” (202 BC-AD 220)
74.
Han Golden Age. Under Wu Di’s “Chinese Peace”, China entered a Golden
Age in both the arts and learning. Without the fear of war, the study of
language, history, philosophy, and religion blossomed. The Han ‘Golden
Age’ brought new ideas for technology: the wheelbarrow would allow a
soldier to now move more than 330 lbs of equipment by himself; the
seismograph was invented to tell the emperor when and in what direction an
earthquake had occurred; the most important innovation of the Han dynasty
was paper---ideal for recording information.
75.
Confucianism & Daoism. The Han Empire made Confucianism the official
teaching philosophy throughout China. But the Han rulers also supported
the teachings of Daoism. Daoism teaches that the key to long life and
happiness is to “accept life as it is”.
#5
CONFUCIUS & HIS TEACHINGS
76.
Confucius Biography. In 551 BC, Confucius was born. His real name was
Kung Futsu. The name Confucius is a Latin form of the philosopher’s name.
He was born into a family of minor nobles and grew to be a respectful son.
Instead of becoming a soldier and fighting wars, Confucius became a teacher.
His teachings were not religions; they were practical and centered on human
affairs, not heavenly ones. He taught his pupils many things about life and
gave them a set of rules for proper living rather than preaching a religion.
He was the most famous and the most important of the early Chinese
thinkers. The Chinese, who regarded Confucius as a great teacher, called
him “Kong Fu Zi”, or “Master Kong”. Confucius is the Western version of
this name. He died in 479 BC.
77.
Confucius Thoughts. The wisdom of his teachings greatly influenced the
Chinese attitude toward life and provide the background for development of
Chinese political thought. Confucius stressed a strong family life as well as a
code for social behavior. It was based on kindness, uprightness, behaving
well, wisdom, and faithfulness. The respect of children for their parents and
ancestors was very important. He also taught that if rulers were guided by
strong moral principles, their government would prosper and the people
would fulfill their obligations to the government.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#5
CONFUCIUS & HIS TEACHINGS
78.
Confucius Wanders. After being exiled from the government for possible
offending some nobles with his ideas, Confucius wandered around the
country for 25 years. It was at this time he formulated his ideas and thought
about government and society. Many of his ideas are still respected and used
today. Confucius spent much of his time thinking about ways to improve
society and restore order in China. He lived during the Warring Kingdoms
Period, which was a time of civil unrest (between the Qin and Han eras).
79.
What Confucius Taught. Confucius became a teacher and taught purity,
sincerity, self-respect, respect for others, and how to follow proper rituals to
achieve these qualities. Respect for superiors and respect for parents by their
children were large parts of his teachings that dealt with proper relationships
among people for keeping order in society. He believed children were
expected to treat parents with great honor and respect. The ancient Chinese
called this kind of treatment of parents --- xiao or filial piety.
Confucius Say: “Let your parents’ only reason for worry be whether you are
healthy. For your parents gave you bodies, hair, and skin, every bit of you.
Take care of them.”
80.
Confucius View of Teaching. In Confucius time, only the rich could afford
an education. But Confucius also accepted students who truly wanted to
learn, even if they were poor. Confucius said, “From the very poor and
upward, none has ever come to me without receiving instruction. However, I
instruct only a student who bursts with eagerness. And only one who
bubbles with excitement do I enlighten.” He charged students a fee to take
his classes. Many historians think that he was China’s first ‘professional’
teacher.
81.
Confucius For Rulers. He advised leaders and rulers to rule over their
subjects by setting a good example rather than setting harsh laws and
punishments. He believed that the government should be run by the most
qualified people with high moral character and education rather than whose
son they were or what family or class they were born into. He taught that
war would only end when people knew the right way to behave. People
should obey their rulers, and rulers should be kind to their people. He
supported the old Zhou dynasty idea that a ruler should set a good example
for his people and be both kind and caring---such as a parent would care for
a child, “ren”.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#5
CONFUCIUS & HIS TEACHINGS
82.
Confucius’ Sayings. A book of Confucius’ sayings was put together after his
death by his followers. It was called Lunya in Chinese and translated
Analects in English. The Chinese word lunya means “discussions”.
“A man who commits a mistake and does not correct it is committing
another mistake.”
“Don’t criticize other people’s faults, criticize your own.”
“Without learning, the wise become foolish; by learning, the foolish become
wise.”
“I hear---I forget; I see---I remember; I do---I understand.”
“I can always be certain of learning from those I am with. There will be
good qualities that I can select for imitation and bad ones that will teach me
what requires correction in myself.”
“Behave when away from home as though you were in the presence of an
important guest. Never do to others what you would not like them to do to
you. The duty of children to their parents is the fountain whence all other
virtues spring.”
83.
Confucius After Death. Confucius died at the age of 72. During his lifetime,
Confucius drew little attention for his teachings and accomplishments. By the
time of his death, he believed his life had been a failure for very few seemed
to be following his teachings. He was wrong. He would have been surprised
at the impact he had on Chinese society and culture. During the 400 years of
the Han dynasty, Confucianism became the official doctrine or policy of
China. Confucius left his mark on Chinese life as perhaps no one before or
after him.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#6.
OTHER CHINESE BELEFS & TEACHINGS
84.
The Three Ways. This way of thinking influenced the ancient Chinese. Each
one might help with a different part of life. This is the concept of everything
working together as in the blending of Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and
Buddhism. Most Chinese found that there were “three roads to the same
destination”.
*Confucianism outlined a code of proper behavior, arguing that if families
were strong and united, the country would also be strong and united.
*The followers of Daoism (Taoism) did not agree. They said that everyone
should live by the laws of nature and should not be governed by too many
laws and regulations made by people. Daoists thought that there would be
fewer wars and crimes when people stopped wanting things they could not
obtain honestly. Daoists worshipped a small group of “immortals”, or
disciples, who were supposed to possess magical powers such as becoming
invisible---turning objects into gold and raising the dead to life again.
*Buddhism taught believers that they could be reincarnated (born again)
many times, and that performing good deeds in this life meant better chances
in the next one. The Chinese soon combined their belief in Buddhism with
the teachings of Taoism and Confucianism in order to form a philosophy of
wishing to live harmoniously with the world around them and did indeed, in
their minds and hearts, find that there were “…three roads to the same
destination.”
85.
Laozi & Daoism. The founding of Daoism was Laozi who may have been a
scholar at the Zhou court. He said that happiness came from living a simple
life in harmony with nature. Laozi thought that government and laws were
unnecessary and didn’t believe in duty to the family or to the state. In
Daoism, all living things share a “life-force” which has two sides, Yin and
Yang. These opposites---YIN is dark, cool, and female; YANG is light, hot,
and male---should always be in balance.
86.
Daoism = Taoism. Laozi was born in 604 BC, and is often seen pictured
riding an ox, a Chinese symbol of spiritual strength. Taoism, which began as
the teachings of Laozi, was a gentle philosophy which stated that one should
allow the laws of nature to carry one peacefully through life. Tao, The Way,
means one has to do nothing and accepting that weakness is truly strength.
Later on, Taoism became more magical and mystical with breathing
exercises, potions of dragon bones, moonbeams, and other ways to help one
live forever. Taoists told fortunes, used charms and sorcery and even created
‘81’ kinds of heaven to offset the ‘33’ kinds which Buddhism offered.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
Ancient China Unit
#6.
OTHER CHINESE BELEFS & TEACHINGS
87.
Daoism & Alchemy. Followers of the Daoist religion believed they could find
an elixir (liquid potion) of life made from herbs and extracts of metals. This
powerful mixture would allow people to live forever. Alchemists searched
for a magic process that would turn base metals into gold fluid. Many elixirs,
however, contained small quantities of deadly poisons such as mercury and
arsenic.
88.
Buddhism. The Buddhist religion was introduced to China by monks from
India around AD 100. These Indian monks brought a religion that was
founded by Gautama Buddha. The peaceful teachings of Buddha appealed
to the Chinese people during the troubled years after the fall of the Han
dynasty in AD 220. It soon became one of China’s three major religions and
gained even more popularity than Taoism. Buddhism was the first formal
religion in China when the Chinese experienced priests and prayer and a
variety of gods for the first time.
89.
Buddha’s Beliefs. Instead of just passing through life, Buddhists believed
one’s behavior determined the kind of next life one would have. Buddha
preached that life was a cycle of death and rebirth. To a Buddhist, peace and
happiness could be achieved only by elimination one’s attachment to one’s
possessions. Most Chinese saw Buddha as a merciful god to whom they
could pray for salvation.
#7.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
90.
How Big Is It? The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world. It
stretches for about 1500 miles across northern China. If such a wall was
built in the US, it would reach halfway across the country---from
Washington, DC to Denver, Colorado. The wall stood some 30 feet high with
40 foot towers and was 19-25 feet wide at the top in many places. It acts as a
road along which five horses can travel side by side. It is still the biggest
man-made structure in the world. What is seen today is a result of the Ming
dynasty that started reconstruction in 1368 which lasted some 200 years.
The Great Wall now runs for more than 3700 miles.
91.
Why Build The Wall. Shi Huangdi had the wall built to protect his empire
from attacks by northern tribes of Huns who were always a constant threat--stealing crops and carrying off women and children. If enemies did attack,
a fire was lit on top of the tower to warn other soldiers. Archers on each
tower could cover half the space between them. This meant that enemies
storming the wall were never out of arrow range.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#7.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
92.
Shi Huangdi’s Wall. The First Emperor of China, Shi Huangdi, ordered
farmers from their fields and merchants from their stores to form an army of
300,000 workers. When it was finished, the wall stretched for 1500 miles.
The Great Wall was made by joining together a series of smaller walls put up
by earlier rulers. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers, convicts, and peasants
worked on the wall. They were supervised by army officers. Laborers
formed human chains to pass bricks up the mountain sides. Workers built
the wall with the materials most readily at hand: stones quarried in the
mountains, forest timber, pressed earth from the plains, and desert sand and
pebbles.
93.
The Wall As A Graveyard. Peasants and criminals were forced to work on
the wall in order to have it completed in just seven years (Shi Huangdi’s
Wall). If a worker died (or was killed) his body was built into the wall. One
Chinese historian was quoted saying: “It is the longest graveyard in the
world.” Some estimate as many as 500,000 workers died while working on
the wall—many are buried between its stones.
#8.
SILK & SILK-MAKING
94.
Silk Is Discovered. The Chinese discovered how to make silk from the cocoon
of the silkworm around 500 BC. Only very important people were allowed to
wear silk. The small caterpillars eat the leaves of a mulberry tree and then
spin cocoons. The filament from one silkworm’s cocoon is several hundred to
several thousand feet long. It would take about 4400 silkworms to produce
just two pounds of silk. Chinese women rinsed the cocoons in hot water to
both loosen the filaments of thread and to kill the pupae before it could bite
its way out.
95.
Silkworms. Silk thread was made by silkworms---a type of caterpillar---that
would spin the silk thread into cocoons to protect themselves while they turn
into moths. The caterpillars eat steadily, shedding their tight skins four
times as they grow. In four to five weeks they spin cocoons to protect them
while they pupate into moths. The Chinese were the first to learn how to
unwind the thread from the cocoons and spin it into fine silk cloth. There
are many varieties of wild silk moths. One type lays 500 or more eggs in four
to six days and dies soon after. The eggs are like pinpoints – one hundred of
them weigh only one gram. From one ounce of eggs come about 30,000
worms which eat a ton of mulberry leaves and produce twelve pounds of raw
silk. This moth which has lost its power to fly, is only capable of mating and
producing eggs for the next generation of silk producers.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#8.
SILK & SILK-MAKING
96.
How Silk Is Made. Silk is spun by a type of caterpillar called a silkworm.
The silkworm winds a cocoon of fine thread around itself. Before the
caterpillar can change into a moth, the fine thread---from several hundred to
several thousand feet---is carefully unwound from the cocoon. This is
accomplished by first placing the cocoon in water where the thread can be
removed easier. This thread is joined with others to form one thick enough
to weave into beautiful silk cloth. Producing silk is a lengthy process and
demands constant close attention. To produce high quality silk, there are two
conditions which need to be fulfilled – preventing the moth from hatching
out and perfecting the diet on which the silkworms should feed. Chinese
developed secret ways for both. The eggs must be kept at 65 degrees F,
increasing gradually to 77 degrees at which point they hatch. After the eggs
hatch, the baby worms feed day and night every half hour on fresh, handpicked and chopped mulberry leaves until they are very fat. Also a fixed
temperature has to be maintained throughout. Thousands of feeding worms
are kept on trays that are stacked one on top of another. A roomful of
munching worms sounds like heavy rain falling on the roof. The newly
hatched silkworm multiplies its weight 10,000 times within a month,
changing color and shedding its whitish-gray skin several times. The
silkworms feed until they have stored up enough energy to enter the cocoon
stage. While they are growing they have to be protected from loud noises,
drafts, strong smells such as those of fish and meat and even the odor of
sweat. When it is time to build their cocoons, the worms produce a jelly-like
substance in their silk glands, which hardens when it comes into contact with
air. Silkworms spend three or four days spinning a cocoon around
themselves until they look like puffy, white balls. After eight or nine days in a
warm, dry place the cocoons are ready to be unwound. First they are
steamed or baked to kill the worms, or pupas. The cocoons are then dipped
into hot water to loosen the tightly woven filaments. These filaments are
unwound onto a spool. Each cocoon is made up of a filament between 1900 to
3000 feet long! Between five and eight of these super-fine filaments are
twisted together to make one thread. Finally the silk threads are woven into
cloth or used for embroidery work. Clothes made from silk are not only
beautiful and lightweight, they are also warm in cool weather and cool in hot
weather.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#8.
SILK & SILK-MAKING
98.
The Silk Secret Gets Away. Sericulture, or silk making, was kept secret from
the rest of the world for over 3000 years, giving China a monopoly on its
trade. It was the most closely guarded secret in history. This was mainly due
to the extreme punishment for smuggling out any silkworms or cocoons--death. However, in AD 522, Emperor Justinian I sent two Christian monks
to study the secret of silk making. They stole a small number of silk moth
eggs and hid them in their walking canes. If the secret cargo was discovered,
they would be executed! The monks made their way back to Constantinople
and supervised the hatching eggs and they feeding the caterpillars until silk
cocoons were formed. Now, there would be a thriving silk industry in the
Roman Empire as well as China.
#9.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA
TECHNOLOGY: paper; iron plow; rudder; wheelbarrow; fishing reel; compass
MEDICINE: acupuncture-treatment of disease using needles; anesthetics-putting
patients to sleep for surgery; herbal remedies-discovery of plants useful as medicine;
circulatory system-discovery that blood travels through the body
THE ARTS: silk weaving; jade carving; bronze working; temples and palaces;
poetry and recording of history
99.
The Silk Road. The Silk Road was a series of trade routes that connected the
major cities of China with Central Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and
eventually Rome. It began near the Han capital and continued through the
deserts and high plains of Central Asia. The route finally ended at the shores
of the Mediterranean Sea. Chinese traders travelled west along the road
carrying silk, spices, and precious stones (jade), and fine porcelain (Made In
China). Merchants used camels to carry silk and other valuable goods along
the Silk Road, which connected China to western Asia and to Europe.
Merchants would return with lumber, horses, and other products needed by
the Chinese people. Travel along the Silk Road was dangerous since thieves
often robbed the traders of their money and goods.
100.
How The Silk Road Was Named. During the time of the Han dynasty, trade
with the outside world grew dramatically. Wu Di’s ambassadors and traders
found resources unknown to the people of China—especially horses. The
Chinese product in most demand was silk. It was the trade of silk that gave
this trade route its name.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#9.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA
101.
Chinese Inventions. The Chinese were remarkable inventors. Many of their
inventions, such as paper-making, magnetic compasses, and gun powder,
changed the world.
Other Chinese inventions include printing,
wheelbarrows, locks, and keys.
102.
Chinese Gunpowder. This invention was a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and
saltpeter*. It was invented around AD 850. At first, it was used for fireworks,
but by the 10th century, gunpowder weapons had been developed. These
included bombs, rockets, and land mines. Later, soldiers used gun powder to
fire missiles, such as huge darts, made from bamboo tubes.
103.
What Was Saltpeter* & How Was It Made? Saltpeter* is the chemical that
produces the oxygen for the other ingredients when lit off--- potassium nitrate
crystals. It is a natural occurring mineral source of nitrogen used in the
firing of black gunpowder. It was “harvested” by allowing compost heaps of
urine to crystallize in various odorous ways. This process makes ‘potassium
nitrate’ which is the oxidizing component of black gunpowder. These ‘nitrebeds’ were prepared by mixing manure with either mortar or wood ashes,
common earth and straw. The heap was usually under a cover and kept
moist with stale urine for approximately 10 to 12 months. After this period of
time, water was used to wash the resulting chemical salts from the straw.
This liquid containing various nitrates was then converted with wood ashes
to potassium nitrates, crystallized by allowing to dry in the sun. Saltpeter*
crystals were then collected and added to charcoal to create black
gunpowder.
104.
The Terra Cotta Army of Shi Huangdi. When China’s ‘First Emperor’, Shi
Huangdi, died in 210 BC, he was buried in a huge tomb “guarded” by an
army of over 7500 life-sized model warriors. The warriors were made of
terra cotta (a type of pottery clay) and carried real weapons. It is said that
crossbows were set to fire automatically at anyone who tried to break into
the tomb. The face of each terra cotta warrior had a different face from the
other.
105.
More About the Terra Cotta Warriors. No two statues are identical. Each
statue is carefully made, down to the smallest detail of clothing. There are
even royal chariots pulled by life-size terra cotta horses. With this
underground army of soldiers, Shi Huangdi planned to rule a second empire
in the afterlife. He even boasted that his ruling dynasty would last for 10,000
generations---the Qin (chin) dynasty, named after the people of Shi
Huangdi’s homeland. Actually, the Qin only ruled China for about 15 years.
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#9.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA
106.
Chinese Invent Paper. The Chinese people were the first to invent paper.
Paper was made by pulping and then drying and pressing the fibers from
silk, rags, bamboo, and mulberry bark. They dropped a bamboo screen into
the pulped mixture. Then the thin layer of pulp was left to dry on the screen.
107.
Other Chinese Inventions. Chinese scientists invented many other things
that are still used today, such as the compass, the wheelbarrow, and the
ship’s rudder, which is used for steering. The magnetic compass was used to
navigate successfully out at sea. They even invented a type of seismograph to
tell which direction the earth shook during an earthquake by having a ball
fall into an open toad’s mouth placed in a variety of directions around the
vase.
#10. TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT DATES IN CHINA’S HISTORY
5000 BC
4000 BC
2700 BC
1766-1027 BC
1400 BC
1027-221 BC
722-481 BC
551 BC
551-479 BC
481-221 BC
221-210 BC
202 BC – 220 AD
150 BC
AD 1 – 100
AD 100
AD 220
AD 386-349
Farming begins in China
Rice farming begins
Silk-making begins
The Shang Dynasty rules China
Writing on ‘oracle bones’
The Zhou Dynasty rules China
The Zhou Kings lose power & the Zhou nobles fight each other
Confucius is born (great Chinese philosopher)
Life of Confucius
Seven Kingdoms are at war with each other
“The Warring States Period”
Qin Shi Huangdi rules as China’s ‘First Emperor’
The Han Dynasty rules China --- “The Golden Age”
Widespread use of iron weapons and tools
Buddhism spreads through China from India
Chinese paper is invented in the imperial workshops
Last Han emperor deposed---China splits into three kingdoms
Nomads form Mongolia invade and conquer northern China
~TOP ‘100’+ FACTS~
M edieval
Ancient China Unit
#11. REVIEW OF CHINA’S MAJOR BELIEFS
Ancestor Worship
The Chinese believed that the wise spirits of their ancestors controlled every aspect
of their lives and that they must please them---never to disappoint them.
Oracle Bones
Use of animal bones and turtle shells to consult ancestors for predictions about their
daily lives by heating them and “reading” the cracks made in the bones. This was
done mainly by the Chinese people during the Shang dynasty.
Legalism
The Qin used this belief system to maintain order and control of the people. They
believed that people were bad by nature and must be severely punished when
disobedient.
Confucianism
Based on the ideas of Confucius and emphasized good relationships between people
and values such as family, traditions, and mutual respect. Primarily used by the
Han dynasty as the official Chinese teaching and philosophy.
Buddhism
Founded in India by Siddharth Gautma and stressed moderation, non-violence, and
equality. Also, states that everyone is reincarnated or reborn after death.
Daoism/Taoism
Stated that mankind was neither good nor bad and that people should live a simple
and thoughtful life in harmony with nature. Did not support a centralized
government---very few if any laws should be instituted.
Yin & Yang
All life and the universe is a blend of two distinct and opposite forces that depend on
each other for complete balance. Yin is the moon, cold, dark, and female. Yang is
the sun, warm, light, and male.
“Know-It or Owe-It”
Use these FACTS in a variety of ways; use the information in the creation of your
‘hands-on’ products and your review game activities. Study some of them EACH
and EVERY day! (Study a set of ‘10’ or ‘12’ every day!) You can do it! Just
remember, if I
take the majority
of the TEST
questions from
these facts, and
you do not study
them very much
at home, will you
do really well on
the TEST?
Probably not!!!
Just remember
this little saying:
“Don’t let it REST until your GOOD gets BETTER
and your BETTER becomes your BEST!”
~AND~
“If you fail to plan, you will plan to fail!”
~AND~
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
~AND~
“Inch by inch is a cinch; yard by yard is too hard.”