Reported by : Reynalene Inanod / STS / Mam.

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History of science and technology in China

The history of science and technology in China is both long and rich with science and technological
contribution. In antiquity, independent of Greek philosophers and other civilizations, ancient Chinese
philosophers made significant advances in science, technology, mathematics, and astronomy. The first
recorded observations of comets, solar eclipses, and supernovae were made in China. Traditional
Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine were also practiced.

China Civilization

The early Chinese Civilization included the Xia Dynasty which remained from around 2100 BC until
1600 BC, and is described in the ancient Records of the Grand Historians, from which pottery and
shells have been excavated that belonged to this period. After that, it was followed by the Shang
Dynasty which existed from 1600-1046 BC. Th

"The Dynasties Song"

This "dynasties song," sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques," can help students remember the major
Chinese dynasties in chronological order.

Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han

Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han

Sui, Tang, Song

Sui, Tang, Song

Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic

Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong

— Courtesy of the teachers on the College Board AP-World History Listserv

The Four Great Inventions of ancient China

Compass

Gunpowder

Papermaking

Printing

These four discoveries had an enormous impact on the development of Chinese civilization and a far-
ranging global impact.

Science and technology in the People's Republic of China

Science and technology in the People's Republic of China is growing rapidly. As the People's Republic of
China has become better connected to the global economy, the government has placed more emphasis
on science and technology. This has led to increases in funding, improved scientific structure, and more
money for research. These factors have led to advancements in agriculture, medicine, genetics, and
global change.

Chinese Astronomy

Ancient Chinese Astronomy. The first Chinese records of astronomy are from about 3000 BC, and they
used the circumpolar stars as their reference point for the heavens, unlike the Indo-Europeans who used
observations based upon the rising and setting of celestial bodies on the ecliptic and the horizon.

Chinese Mathematics

Chinese mathematics. Mathematics in China emerged independently by the 11th century BC. The
Chinese independently developed number sets including very large and negative numbers, decimals, a
place value decimal system, a binary system, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

Chinese Tradional Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and
prevent illness. Traditional Chinese medicine doctors look at the balance of body, mind, and spirit to
determine how to restore qi, the yin-yang balance, and good health.

Chinese medical practice

that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, gua sha, massage (tui
na), bonesetter (die-da), exercise (qigong),