Chinese Inventions and the Chinese New Year

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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:

1. Discover several Chinese inventions
2. Learn about magnets and make a compass
3. Listen to story of silk and unravel silk cocoons
4. Prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: So Many Inventions!
Lesson 2: Story of Silk
Lesson 3: Chinese New Year Celebration

REPRODUCIBLES
Silkworm Sequencing Cards (PDF)
Lucky Money Envelopes (PDF)
Using Chopsticks (PDF)

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

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