Chinese inventions

  • Period: 300 BCE to Dec 31, 1400

    Chinese history

  • Compass
    200 BCE

    Compass

    The Chinese developed the first compass by using load stone. The load stone was a magnetic mineral and when placed on a cork and placed in water, it would point towards the north and south to help travelers know which direction to go in
  • Steel
    150 BCE

    Steel

    The Chinese were the first to make steel, a very useful metal. This metal is made with iron, but is less fragile than iron. Steel is more flexible than iron.
  • Porcelain
    50

    Porcelain

    porcelain is a beautiful piece of art that is sturdy, but looks delicate. Porcelain dinnerware is also known and china. This pottery is made with clay, quartz and feldspar, and to become sturdy and baked in a kiln
  • Paper
    150

    Paper

    The Chinese invented the art of paper making. The Chinese made paper out of hemp and the bark of a mulberry tree. for more than 500 years the Chinese were the only people who knew the secrete of paper making.
  • Paddle Wheel Boat
    450

    Paddle Wheel Boat

    the Chinese adapted the idea of the paddle wheel boat by arranging a series of paddles on a wheel and people would walk on a treadmill to turn the paddle wheel, causing the boat to move forward.
  • Sentimental Arch Bridge
    618

    Sentimental Arch Bridge

    A Chinese engineer invented a new type of arched bridge. These bridges did not use half circles, but instead used segments of circles.
  • Tea
    750

    Tea

    Tea had become a widely spread beverage in the 8th century. This product was made by picking tea leaves, then drying them in sun light then into a oven.
  • Gun powder
    850

    Gun powder

    Chinese alchemists looking for the secret of eternal life, accidentaly created gun powder.
  • Mechanical clocks
    900

    Mechanical clocks

    Mechanical clocks were invented in the 8th century and were more effective than earlier timekeeping devices such as the hourglass and sundial. these were used by dripping water