RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS - British Museum

PRIMARY SCHOOL ACTIVITY SHEET
TECHNOLOGY
As you go round the exhibition, look for things that show different skills and technologies that were used
at the time of the First Emperor.
Music was very important; bronze bells were used for special ceremonies.
Find the case with different sizes and shapes of bell.
When you come to the case containing the bronze bells, think about:
• How they would have been played.
• What do you think they would have sounded like?
Accurate measurements made buying and selling things fairer for everyone.
Try to find a bronze weight.
At this time, the Chinese were experts at making metal objects using moulds.
Try to find a mould used for making coins.
Writing was a very important technology to help the Emperor keep power.
Look at the big stone with writing on it. Can you read it?
When you come to the big stone with the writing on it, think about:
• How is the writing different from ours? Can you see any letters?
• Why do you think the Emperor ordered it to be made so big?
Clay workers used moulds to decorate bricks and tile-ends.
Try to find bricks and tile-ends with different patterns on them.
The Emperor needed architects and builders skilled at using bricks and wood.
Find the model of the Emperor’s palace.
When you go into the dark part of the exhibition, you will see some of the famous terracotta warriors and
other figures buried with the Emperor.
• Look really closely at every one of the warriors to see how they are all different.
• Make sure you see:
the strong man the crane with a fish in its mouth
the Emperor’s chariot the musician sitting down
the acrobat the painted figures
The Emperor’s tomb has never been opened since it was sealed up more than 2000 years ago.
Nobody knows exactly what is inside. Perhaps one day you will be lucky enough to find out…