Teaching Physics through Ancient Chinese Science and Technology

Asian studies and Physics is a unique blend rarely found in a Western scientific classroom.

The field of Asian studies is rapidly growing and the traditional study of Asian philosophy, art, language and literature is branching out into scientific realms. At the same time, there is a growing need to educate our young people in science technology and mathematics (STEM). Reaching non-science majors with the basic principles of physics presents a particularly unique challenge. The topics presented in this work are designed to appeal to a wide range of students and present scientific principles through the technology and inventions of ancient China. We explore these ideas in their historical Chinese context and through the lens of our current scientific understanding. Our exploration of ancient Chinese science is not limited to just a theoretical understanding of physical principles. One distinction of this book is the strong "hands on" component. Detailed laboratory experiments are included which enable students to analyze ancient technology using modern laboratory techniques. Each experiment introduces the historical context and provides associated Chinese vocabulary. On the surface, these experiments involve recreating a Chinese technology. On a deeper level, we find connections to the scientific method and techniques of experimental analysis. Thus, an activity such as making paper, turns into a lesson on statistics and graphical analysis. Topics included in this volume cover one dimensional motion, energy conservation, rotational equilibrium and elasticity. We also explore the nature of science and include an introduction to the Chinese language. Laboratory experiments cover papermaking, constructing a weighing balance and stress-strain analysis of silk.

Matt Marone is an Associate Professor of Physics at Mercer University in Macon Georgia where he teaches Physics, Astronomy and Asian Studies. He received his Ph.D and M.S. degrees from Clemson University in the area of experimental solid state physics and a B.S. degree in physics from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In the early 1990's he worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. At Mercer he teaches a wide range of physics classes including several specialized classes in observational astronomy, acoustical foundations of music and ancient Chinese science. In addition to his academic research, he also serves as a consultant to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in the area of space resources. His research in space resources is involved with the extraction of oxygen and metals from the regolith of the Moon, Mars and asteroids. As a member of the Society for Georgia Archeology, he assists in the study and interpretation of Georgia's historic and prehistoric archaeological heritage.