1. The Early Dynasties of Ancient China
Chapter 3

2. The Early Dynasties of Ancient China
Goal:
Students will be engaged in a History lesson about four ancient Chinese dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han.
Workshop Objectives:
Students will:
Be introduced to Nystrom’s “Atlas of World History” and the GeoHistogram.
Become familiar with several technology resources to help increase their engagement in learning about early dynasties of Ancient China.

3. Michigan GLCE’s
7 – W3.1.5 Describe major achievements from Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, African, and Southwest and Central Asian civilizations in the areas of art, architecture and culture; science, technology and mathematics; political life and ideas; philosophy and ethical beliefs; and military strategy.
7 – W3.1.6 Use historic and modern maps to locate and describe trade networks among empires in the classical era.
7 – G1.2.3 Use observations from air photos, photographs (print and CD), films (VCR and DVD) as the basis for answering geographic questions about the human and physical characteristics of places and regions.
7 – G1.2.6 Apply the skills of geographic inquiry (asking geographic questions, acquiring geographic information, organizing geographic information, analyzing geographic information, and answering geographic questions) to analyze a problem or issue of importance to a region of the Eastern Hemisphere.

4. Introduction to the Four Dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Shang Dynasty: 1766 – 1122 B.C.E.
The beginning of China’s Bronze Age.
We know of the Shang Dynasty because there is archaeological evidence, including oracle bones and bronze artifacts.
The Shang built city-states in northeastern China, around the Yellow River, for which reason they are called the Yellow River Civilization.
The Shang had bronze weapons and vessels, as well as earthenware.
The Shang are credited with inventing Chinese writing because there are written records, notably the oracle bones.

5. Introduction to the Four Dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Zhou Dynasty: 1122 – 256 B.C.E.
Ruled for 900 years.
The Zhou developed a feudal-like system of allegiance and government that lasted as long as any other dynasty in the world.
Ox-drawn diggers, iron, horseback riding, coinage, and the crossbow were introduced during the Zhou dynasty.
Roads, canals, and major irrigation projects were also developed.
The philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism emerged.

6. Introduction to the Four Dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Qin Dynasty: 316 – 206 B.C.E.
China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi rules and expands China.
During this period the feudal system was replaced by a strong central bureaucracy.
The Qin government was Legalist, which is a strict system that held the power of the state and its monarch's interests paramount.
Emperor Qin begins the construction of the Great Wall.
The wall was built to repel nomadic invaders.
When the emperor died, he was buried in an enormous tomb with a terra cotta army for protection.

7. Introduction to the Four Dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han
Han Dynasty: 206 B.C.E. – 210 C.E.
China’s first “Golden Age” due to many achievements in government, science and technology.
The Han Dynasty lasted for four centuries.
During this period, Confucianism became state doctrine.
China had contact with the west via the Silk Road.
The empire of the Han extended into Mongolia, Vietnam, and Korea.

8. Activity: Incorporating the Atlas of World History & GeoHistogram

9. Directions/Rubric for Ancient Civilizations in Latin America Timeline
Timeline Activity
Directions/Rubric for Ancient Civilizations in Latin America Timeline
2 pts. Choose any 10 dates that you think are important to include on your timeline (Pick at least 2 from each of the four dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han)
To help you organize your timeline, write the years in order from earliest to most recent (chronological order) on a separate sheet or sticky notes. Remember that B.C.E. or B.C. works like negative numbers.
3 pts. Write your timeline title on the top of your paper. The title should read Dynasties of Ancient China. Write your name somewhere on the timeline too.
Draw a straight line across the middle of your paper. Use a ruler!
2 pts. Make 10 markings on your timeline to record your years.
10 pts. Neatly write the years in chronological order and provide a brief summary of each event on the bottom of the markings. Be sure to add B.C.E after each year.
3 pts. Draw and color a picture/symbol on the top of each year/event. Make sure your pictures are nice and big and also relate to the events.
This timeline is worth 20 points! Follow all of the directions listed above before you turn in your timeline 
Tips: Write and draw everything by using a pencil before you color. Make your timeline colorful. Show quality work!

10. Learning About Timelines
B.C. Before Christ
A.D. Anno Domini, “In the Year of the Lord”
B.C.E. Before the Common Era (same as B.C.)
C.E. In the Common Era (same as A.D.)

11. “Negative” and “Positive” years or BCE and CE1
1 CE 2
2 CE 3
3 CE 4
4 CE
Before Common Era (BCE)
Common Era (CE)
B.C.E is on the left of the timeline and C.E. is on the right, just like a number line!
“To the left, to the left. B.C.E. is always on the left.”
 B.C.E 0 C.E 
So historians prefer BCE and CE. Also, it’s religiously neutral.

12. Timeline Vocabulary decade = 10 years century = 100 years 1900 1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
decade = 10 years
Write these in your ISN.
century = 100 years

13. Flocabulary www.Flocabulary.com
Flocabulary presents academic content in a highly-engaging, contemporary format.
The topic speaks for itself, providing you the student with both visual and auditory exposure.
You can play and pause the video while discussing the lyrics.
The lyrics are visible below the video and also available as a printable PDF.
Username: discoverystudent1
Password: discoverystudent1

14. “What’s Your Story?” “What’s Your Story?”
It requires you the student to bring a historical figure from an era/empire/dynasty to life by writing a short story using a first-person narrative.
You the student will use the internet to research information and find pictures relating to the historical figure.
The information and pictures are then added to one slide using PowerPoint.
This activity will help you the student deepen your understanding about the topics covered in class. Best of all, the project can be completed in one class period!

15. What’s Your Story, Emperor Qin Shihuangdi?
I am so influential that the name of the nation, China, is a derivative of my name, Qin!!
What’s Your Story, Emperor Qin Shihuangdi?
Although my dynasty only lasted for about 15 years, I made changes that would affect the history of China for thousands of years. To show my importance and power, I gave myself the name, Qin Shihuangdi, which means Qin, the first emperor of China.
I reorganized the affairs of China. Instead of a system of noblemen, I wanted everything to be under my direct authority and control. I established a strict set of written laws that were recognized throughout China, and set up military control in each region of China so that local noblemen could not rebel against me.
While it’s true that my people feared me and wished for a new, nicer emperor, it is important to note that I also did many wonderful things for the people of China: I expanded the size of the Chinese state, standardized the standard units of measurements, led the Great Wall project, and developed an extensive network of roads and canals connecting the provinces to improve trade between them.