People in STEAM:
Zhang Heng
Zhang Heng
Learn about individuals and their contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Monday, September 14
This activity is for ages 9 and up, but anyone can join.
Zhang Heng (78 - 139 AD) was a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, geographer, and inventor during the Han Dynasty (25 - 220 AD). He invented the seismoscope, a device that registered earthquakes. His seismoscope was a large cylinder with eight dragons around the outside. The dragons represented the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) and the four intercardinal directions (northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest). When an earthquake occurred, a ball would drop from one of the dragon's mouths, which would indicate the direction of the earthquake.
The Han Dynasty Chinese scientist and statesman Zhang Heng (78-139 AD).
This postage stamp was issued in China in the year 1955, and is public domain.
Photo Credit: State Post Bureau of the People's Republic of China / Public domain
Check out these videos to learn more about Zhang Heng's work.
- Seismoscope (Mystery History): https://youtu.be/ergEJjgabg0
- Zhang Heng and the Seismometer (Stuff of Genius - HowStuffWorks): https://youtu.be/avVX31PuU8Q
Sources:
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zhang-Heng
- https://www.dkfindout.com/us/science/famous-scientists/zhang-heng/
- https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-technology/incredible-earthquake-detector-invented-nearly-2000-years-ago-001377
- https://china.usc.edu/sites/default/files/forums/Chinese%20Inventions.pdf
Members pose for a group photo in the Club.
Members play strategy games with an adult volunteer mentor.
Teen members at the Mayor's Civic Youth Council.
Members learn about archaeology by participating in a mock dig.
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