Unit Plan
Chinese Inventions and the Chinese New Year
Use this unit plan to teach students about Chinese inventions in science, technology, textiles, and the arts, through hands-on exploration.
By
Ruth Manna
- Grades: 1–2
Overview
Second graders discover several of many Chinese inventions. They learn about contributions the Chinese have made in fields of technology, science, textiles, games and toys, and the arts. Then students prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year, China’s biggest celebration. This unit ties in with my unit Immigrants: Our Ancestors
Objective
Students will:
- Discover several Chinese inventions
- Learn about magnets and make a compass
- Listen to story of silk and unravel silk cocoons
- Prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year
Lesson Plans for this Unit
Reproducibles
Culminating Activity
We end this unit with our celebration of the Chinese New Year. Lesson Three provides several ideas for ways to celebrate. Some of my favorites include making door decorations, red envelopes with New Year’s wishes, and a dragon head for the dragon dance. I also cook fried rice with the students and they learn how to use chopsticks.
Supporting Books
Books for Teaching about Chinese Inventions and the Chinese New Year
- Subjects:Listening Comprehension, Asian and Asian American, Real-World Science, Magnetism, Observation, Scientists and Human Endeavor, Tolerance and Acceptance, Chinese New Year, Winter Themes, Inventors and Inventions
- Skills:Science, Social Studies, Listening Comprehension
- Duration:3 Weeks
