Ancient Times

• Science


  Systematized body of knowledge that urges people to find answers to questions they have regarding the things around them
• Science and technology has been around since the beginning of time and evolves from the everyday efforts of people trying to improve their ways of living
• Throughout history, humankind utilized tools, machines, and techniques without understanding how or why things work or comprehending their physical or chemical composition
• The earliest form of science and technology were human artifacts found during prehistoric time, about 2.3 million years ago
• Stone Age


  • Neolithic people built their communities near rivers and other bodies of water
• Mesopotamia


  Civilization "between two rivers" (Tigris-Euphrates river system) including Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations
• Contributions of Mesopotamia to science and technology


  • Built communities beside rivers and utilized water for farming and fishing
  • Built houses made of mud and reeds
  • Domesticated animals and wild plants
  • Started the first irrigation system and built high levees or flood banks, and canals
  • Used the plow for digging and breaking hard soil
  • Practiced astronomy to determine planting and harvesting times
  • Observed the phases of the moon and movements of planets and stars
  • Developed a lunar calendar
  • Made time-tracking devices like sundials and water clocks
  • Made water rafts and sailboats for fishing and trading
  • Had various occupations like potters, weavers, artists, blacksmiths, bakers, healers, architects
  • Used the first wheel for pottery, carts, wagons and chariots
  • Had kings, queens, slaves, and priests
  • Built majestic architecture like palaces and temples (ziggurats)
  • Established one of the earliest writing systems (cuneiform)
  • Had number systems, multiplication, measurements, and other mathematics
• Kemet


  Ancient Egypt, meaning "Black Land" due to the rich dark soil along the Nile River
• Contributions of Ancient Egypt


  • Invented the shadoof irrigation tool
  • Used hieroglyphic writing system
  • Used papyrus to make paper
  • Built the Great Sphinx and pyramids as tombs for kings and queens
  • Used geometry, architecture, and engineering to build magnificent structures
  • Were the center of alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry
  • Had knowledge of human anatomy, pharmacology, diagnosis, treatment, and basic surgeries
  • Invented breath mints and cosmetics like makeup, eyeliner, and wigs
• Ancient China


  One of the oldest and longest-lasting civilizations, known for the Great Wall
• Inventions of Ancient China

  • Abacus for counting and mathematical operations
  • Acupuncture medical treatment
  • Silk production and trade
• Other inventions of Ancient China

  • Paper
  • Movable printing press
  • Porcelain
  • Gunpowder
• Ancient Greece


  Civilization known for achievements in politics, arts, philosophy, and science
• Contributions of Ancient Greece

  • Pythagoras and the Pythagorean Theorem
  • Thales of Miletus and the Milesian school
  • Hippocrates as the "Father of Western Medicine"
  • Water mills, aqueducts, clepsydra (water alarm clock), odometer
• Ancient Rome


  Civilization known for contributions like Acta Diurna, concrete, roads and highways, bound books, modern plumbing, welfare, vending machines, and surgical tools and techniques
• The objective is to make a creative presentation showing the effect of ancient science and technology on our modern society
• The presentation can be in the form of a poster/comic strip, poem/literary piece, 1 minute vlog, or podcast
• The presentation will be rated on content (30 points) and creativity (20 points), for a total of 50 points
• The deadline for the presentation is June 25, 2024