Book 26, Question 57 · Video
When was the umbrella invented?
Umbrellas are thousands of years old. In ancient China and Egypt, people held them over their heads to make shade from the Sun. Later, people covered them with oiled paper or silk so they would also keep off rain. The word comes from a Latin word meaning shade. Folding umbrellas with metal ribs came later.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. When was the umbrella invented?
The Big Idea
Umbrellas keep us dry in the rain. But they weren't invented for rain at all! Let's find out.
Ancient Shade
Step one: Ancient Shade. Umbrellas are thousands of years old. In ancient China and Egypt, people held them over their heads to make shade from the Sun.
Rain Ready
Step two: Rain Ready. Later, people covered umbrellas with oiled paper or silk. That way, they would also keep off rain.
The Name
Step three: The Name. The word comes from a Latin word meaning shade. Folding umbrellas with metal ribs came later.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! The canopy blocks rain. Ribs hold it open. The shaft is the center. The handle is for holding.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Umbrellas were first used mostly for shade, not for rain. Silk covers long ago. Metal ribs came later. Wind can flip them.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Build a mini umbrella from paper and sticks. Tape the paper over the sticks. Hold it over a sink. Spray a little water on it. Does it keep the area under it dry?
Outro
The umbrella is thousands of years old and was first used for shade in ancient China and Egypt. Later, oiled paper or silk made it keep off rain too. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!