7th Grade Early Chinese Civilization Lesson Plan (Social Studies)

Topic: Early Chinese Civilization

Objectives: & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain the significance of bronze in ancient Chinese culture and how it was used to create useful objects.

Materials

• Examples of bronze objects (e.g. statues, vessels)
• Worksheet with questions for students to answer

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have heard of the ancient Chinese civilization known as the Shang Dynasty.
• Ask them to describe what they know about the Shang Dynasty.
• Write their responses on the board or on a flip chart.
• Ask students if they know what bronze is and how it was used in ancient China.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by showing students examples of bronze objects, such as bells, vessels, and weapons.
• Explain that bronze is an alloy made up of copper and tin, and that it was a very popular material for making useful objects in ancient China.
• Explain that artists and craftsmen during the Shang Dynasty had to work with bronze using different techniques, depending on the final product they wanted to create.
• For example, if they wanted to create a bell, they would cast the bronze into a mold and then shape it using tools. If they wanted to create a vessel, they would use a technique called lost-wax casting, where a wax model is created and then covered in clay. Once the clay is dried and removed, the wax is melted away and the bronze is left behind to fill the mold.
• Explain that the Shang Dynasty lasted from 17th century BC to the 11th century BC and was the first dynasty in Chinese history.
• Discuss the innovations and accomplishments of the Shang Dynasty, such as the development of writing, the invention of bronze casting, and the construction of the first palace complex.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a bronze object to examine and analyze.
• Have them use the chart to identify the object they are examining, the material it is made of, and any notable features or characteristics.
• Have them share their findings with the class and discuss any insights they have about how the object was made and used in ancient China.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one type of bronze object (e.g. a ritual vessel, a weapon, a tool) and research how it was made and used in ancient China.
• Have them create a poster or presentation to share their findings with the class.

Closure

• Review the key characteristics of bronze as a material and its importance to ancient Chinese civilization.
• Ask students to reflect on what they learned about Chinese art and artists during the Shang Dynasty.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of the material.
• Collect and review the posters and written explanations to assess students' ability to apply their learning about Chinese art and artists during the Shang Dynasty.