Lesson 2.3: Cradles of Early Science

Mesoamerica

refers to the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico to up to the border of South America

Mesoamerica

Prior to European colonization, it has a rich culture

Maya civilization

– lasted for 2,000 years

astronomical observation

good in astronomy, even using their temple for __, considered to be advanced in their time.

Chichen Itza in Mexico

e. Have you heard of the Maya Calendar? e.g., the pyramid of the _ is at the location of the sun during the spring & fall equinoxes.

hydraulics systems

They had the technology to grow crops & to build elaborate cities with _; looms for weaving other work of arts.

hieroglyphics, concept of zero

They had produced rubber even before Goodyear (famous brand for tires) got its patent. They are among the first to have _ and developed the _.

Inca civilization

starting in this time, roads were paved with stone,
earthquake resilient stone building, and irrigation systems were used.

Inca Civilization

The calendar had 12 months. The first suspension bridge was noted. Any suspension bridge looks dangerous, but what is the advantage of such?

Quipu

a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret, equate to secret codes or signals in modern times.

Textiles

were regarded for artistic achievements

aztec civilization

mandatory education was already implemented

aztec civilization

Most will be thankful to this civilization for introducing chocolates!

Theobroma

commonly known as cacao, was used as currency and even as a tribute to gods.

aztec civilization

Antispasmodic medication is used

chinampa

rectangular agricultural areas surrounded by canals, were already used.
This could be equivalent to modern irrigation or drip irrigation.

Aztec calendar, canoe

. They developed their own _ and take note, this time, they were using the _

India

Iron, steel, and other mineral were available in developed metallurgical works before the colonization.

india

they are famous for medicine including alternative medicine

India

In Astronomy, they adhered that the earth is spherical.

India

They are good in Mathematics and mathematical analysis, and known for accurate measurements.

India

They introduced the decimal digit and the Hindu-Arabic numeral system.

decimal digit, Hindu-Arabic

India introduced the _ and the _ numeral system

mohenjodaro ruler, zero as placeholder and decimal digit, hindu-arabic, mathematical analysis

accurate measurements used by Indians

China

influenced other countries thru the silk road

silk road

used by china to influence other countries

acupuncture

traditional medicine used in china

compass, papermaking, gun powder, printing tools, iron plough, wheel barrow, propeller

tools used by china

Middle East

the golden age of Islam

middle east

- this civilization valued the observance of the scientific method

Ibn al-Haytham

Father of optics for work on the intromission of light in contrast to the earlier belief of extromission

arabic numeral system, decimal point notation

what are their contributions?

Abu Musa Jabir Ibn Hayyan Al-Azdi

is considered the father of Arab chemistry and one of the founders of modern pharmacy.

middle east

Conduct of clinical trials in medicine was already practiced at this time. The contagious nature of infectious diseases was recognized to address such medical concerns better