Chinese Discoveries & Inventions

By SMILE:)
  • Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400

    3000 BCE to 1400 CE

  • 250 BCE

    COMPASS

    COMPASS
    Using lodestone, the Chinese invented the compass to travel safer and faster. Later, they discovered, that they could rub lodestone on a steel needle and the compass would work the same. The needle also allowed a more accurate reading of the compass. EXPLORATION/TRAVEL
  • 50

    POISONOUS SMOKE

    POISONOUS SMOKE
    When a person passed of infectious disease, the Chinese would burn a chemical the created a smoke. The smoke was thought to be poisonous, and kill off the disease. Later, it was discovered that the smoke was actually a type of disinfectant. DISEASE PREVENTION
  • 400

    PADDLEWHEEL

    PADDLEWHEEL
    The Chinese invented the paddle wheel. It was tiresome and time consuming to paddle by hand to get somewhere. So, the Chinese put a series of paddles on a wheel to push the boat. All the people had to do was simply walk on a treadmill. EXPLORATION/TRAVEL
  • Jan 1, 850

    GUNPOWDER

    GUNPOWDER
    Alchemists were originally searching for a substance to allow human beings to live forever. While experimenting with a mineral called saltpeter, the Chinese alchemists discovered that the mineral could be made into an explosive powder. MILITARY
  • Jan 1, 950

    INOCULATE

    INOCULATE
    Inoculation is a way of stimulating a person's immune system to fight a certain disease. Similar to vaccines we have today. The Chinese invented this, and saved lives.
  • Jan 1, 1100

    STEAM

    STEAM
    The Chinese did not discover or invent steam, but they did discover that it could kill germs. They steamed clothing of the sick, believing that it would prevent others from becoming ill. In the end, steam and boiling water are used to kill germs and bacteria. DISEASE PREVENTION
  • Jan 1, 1200

    ARTILLERY SHELLS

    ARTILLERY SHELLS
    Artillery shells were thrown with catapults. They exploded after they were thrown to confuse the enemies and frighten their horses. MILITARY
  • Jan 1, 1250

    ROCKET

    ROCKET
    At first, the Chinese used rockets only for fireworks. But, using gunpowder, they started to use them in war as a weapon. MILITARY

  • BRIDGES

    BRIDGES
    The Chinese did not invent the bridge but improved it. The bridge they created was curved with semi - circles built inside of it. It was both strong and safe. EXPLORATION/TRAVEL