Du Shi

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/du-shi

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Du Shi known for?Pioneering the application of hydraulic power to operate metallurgical bellows
2. What is the career roles?Hydrologist, inventor, mechanical engineer, metallurgist, politician, administrator, military leader
3. What is the historical period?Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 CE), China
4. What did Du Shi invent?Du Shi invented a special machine that used water to power bellows. The bellows blew a strong, steady stream of air into metal furnaces.
5. How did Du Shi use water to help metal making?He connected a waterwheel to a piston that pushed the bellows. The moving water turned the wheel, which kept the bellows blowing air all the time.

Hydraulic Power: The utilization of water's force and motion to perform mechanical work, a precursor to modern hydropower.
Metallurgy: The scientific discipline concerned with the principles and techniques of metallurgy, including the production and purification of metals.
Blast Furnace: A type of metallurgical furnace used for smelting iron ore, characterized by a continuous supply of air to maintain high temperatures.
Censorial Officer: An official in ancient Chinese government responsible for monitoring and impeaching other officials, ensuring accountability.