Inventions and Inventors Teacher Resources

Fourth graders delve into a hunt for information on an African American activist from the state of Nebraska. Primary and secondary sources of data are utilized in this search.

Students research a woman who changed the world, and then consider the ways her life might influence their own. They access websites and videos about these women which are imbedded in the plan.

Students conduct Internet research to discover information about scientific, technological, cultural and intellectual achievements in Egypt, along with Egyptian family life. Students create Inspiration webs of their findings.

In this molecules instructional activity, students read about the discovery of new carbon molecule which has been nicknamed buckyball. Students answer 2 short answer questions.

Students explain how electrical charges behave. In this electricity lesson, students determine how far away lightning is when it strikes. They research how fabric softener reduces static electricity and share their findings in class.

This site has an alphabetized list of inventions and inventors throughout history. You can also explore by era, topic or nationality.

How have inventions changed the world? This unit focuses on the importance, the process and the creativity involved in inventing. Through the study of inventions and inventors, students learn how inventions are created and the...

Inventing isn't just about coming up with a great idea; that's the easy part! There's also the matter of turning an idea into a product that sells enough to recoup the cost of putting it on the market. And there's the ever-present...

In this mind challenging and creative site, you will learn how play and inventiveness are related. Hear inventors' stories, set your own inventive thinking in motion, and see video commentaries about the nature of play and whether or not...

Inventions from the telephone to the Model T and the computer have defined human history, and inventors like Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Eli Whitney and Alexander Graham Bell have transformed our society.

An article by Paul Israel from the Prototype newsletter discusses the various laboratories used by Thomas Edison as he was developing his inventions.

An interactive timeline featuring inventions discovered between the late nineteenth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century.

A short summary of how Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) came to invent the telephone.

At this site from the Smithsonian Institute you can explore the world of invention by learning about inventors and their inventions. Searchable by name or subject, it is a great way for students to learn about science and technology.

An interactive timeline of notable inventions and inventors from the 19th century to the present.

Read about the moment Percy Spencer discovered how microwaves heated objects. This discovery led to the invention of the microwave oven.

Students are challenged to a five-question quiz about when certain objects are invented.

This illustrated feature from the American Experience Web site highlights the frequently forgotten inventors of several useful, innovative technologies.

What do inventors have that are alike? How are they different? Why do they invent? Learning about them may inspire you to invent new technology! In this lesson, students will compare and contrast key details in two texts on the topic of...

The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) recognizes the enduring legacies of exceptional U.S. patent holders. Inventors not only create new inventions, but they can create new industries that employ millions of people. Their...

In this video segment from ZOOM, Andrew demonstrates how his invention helps him get ready for his paper route. [1:30]

Abby Brown, KIDS Clubhouse Adventures co-host, loves to help kids have fun while learning! In this segment, Abby teaches kids about a few famous inventors, including Karl Benz, Thomas Edison, and Lizzie Maggie. [2:05]

This site is a complete resource for learning about Edison's life, his inventions, and electricity. If you like experimenting, there are instructions included for how to make your own light bulb. Good photos.

Students will learn about female inventors and their contributions to American technology.