How did Mayan astronomers know when it was the first day of spring? How did the Greeks tell time with water? When did the Chinese pass on the secret of paper making? This book contains answers to these and many other questions. It includes activities that help kids discover the science of the ancient world.

Fascinating activities that help kids discover the science of the ancient world How did Mayan astronomers know when it was the first day of spring? How did the Greeks tell time with water? When did the Chinese pass on the secret of paper-making? Find the answers to these and many other intriguing questions in the pages of Ancient Science. Science author Jim Wiese helps kids understand the science behind the innovations and discoveries of the past with numerous activities that show kids how to do everything from making soap the way the ancients did, to building a "diving bell," to navigating by the North Star. In addition to these exciting activities and experiments, the book includes Ancient Science in Action sidebars, fascinating facts about the past, and tips on how to turn an experiment into a science fair project.

Acknowledgments.Introduction.How to Use This Book.Being a Good Scientist.Increasing Your Understanding.Using This Book to Do a Science Fair Project.A Word of Warning.PART 1: SCIENCE FROM THE DAWN OF TIME
THE FIRST HUMANS.Project 1: The Stone Age.Project 2: Make It Grow.Project 3: Sweet Tooth.Project 4: Sky Sign.Project 5: Pop Music.PART 2: SCIENCE FROM THE FERTILE CRESCENT: ANCIENT MESOPTAMIA.Project 1: Scrubbing Bubbles.Project 2: Free Wheeling.Project 3: Where in the World.Project 4: Money, Money, Money.PART 3: SCIENCE AMONG THE PYRAMIDS
ANCIENT EGYPT.Project 1: Sticking Together.Project 2: Pyramid Power.Project 3: Measure Up.Project 4: Keeping Time 1.Project 5: Hieroglyphics.PART 4: SCIENCE FROM THE CITY-STATES: ANCIENT GREECE.Project 1: Keeping Time 2.Project 2: The Sound of Music.Project 3: Eureka!Project 4: Diving Bell.Project 5: Surprise Attraction.Project 6: Knowing All the Angles.Project 7: Measuring the Earth.Project 8: A Nice Reflection.Project 9: Seeing the Light.PART 5: SCIENCE FROM REPUBLIC TO EMPIRE
ANCIENT ROME.Project 1: Seeing Better.Project 2: Clever Clippers.Project 3: Powerful Wheels.Project 4: Stronger Structures.Project 5: Stronger Materials.PART 6: SCIENCE FROM THE FAR EAST
ANCIENT CHINA.Project 1: Flying High.Project 2: Going Up With a Bang!Project 3: Write On.Project 4: Cool Treats.Project 5: True North.Project 6: Count on It.Project 7: Earthquake!PART 7: SCIENCE FROM THE AMERICAS
AZTEC, MAYAN AND NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN.Project 1: Sun Block.Project 2: Paddle Along.Project 3: Grow It.Project 4: North and North.Project 5: Sun Track.Glossary.Index.