Inventions Teacher Resources

Fourth graders follow directions given in bearings. They invent their own maps using them and use a protractor to help them with their designs. Students produce their own maps with instructions for navigating the maps. The channels...

Second graders study the contributions of Ancient Egypt and China, which have had an impact on world history, with emphasis on written language, laws, calendars, and architectural monuments such as the Pyramids and the Great Wall of China.

Fifth graders write a research paper and turn it into a speech about a historical person in the United States. In this history lesson plan, 5th graders memorize the speech and present it to the class.

Students use newspapers and magazines to identify six recent political and social events from around the world. In groups, they use a timeline template to place the events on the timeline in chronological order. They share with the...

Ninth graders read and color “Boats, Boats, Boats on Lake Champlain.”  In this US History lesson, 9th graders listen to more detailed descriptions of the history of boating on Lake Champlain.  Students draw a picture of a boat...

Fourth graders explore the history of ranching in the southwest. In this social studies lesson, 4th graders discuss the history of ranching. They view a video about ranching and discuss cattle drives. Students read about the Chisholm...

Students discover how the design of bicycles has changed over time as technology has developed. They use the Web to research bicycle history and then write a report showing how technology changed the way the bicycle looks and works.

Students create replicas of Chinese hanging scrolls in an attempt to understand the technology behind the creation and use of paper in Ancient China. This three-day lesson includes enrichment ideas.

Learners view a documentary on Mr. Dow and Mr. Jones. The Dow-Jones Industrial Average is the most commonly used economic indicator in American finance. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and complete a timeline to chart stock...

Students make a cordage and use an activity sheet to experience a skill that ancient Native American in North Carolina neded for everyday life.

Students investigate the history and development of jazz by studying the Louis Armstrong Hot Five. They listen to music and define how Armstrong strengthened the concept of the solo as a part of jazz. They complete guided listening lessons.

High schoolers explore the life of Benjamin Franklin. For this American history lesson, students research primary and secondary documents regarding Franklin's life. High schoolers should examine the point of view each of the accounts is...

Students examine the Dust Bowl and the impact it made on farm families. In this U. S. history lesson, students role play a writer searching for a family that moved during the Great Depression. Students uncover what prompted families to...

In this ancient empires worksheet, students read an article about Alexander the Great and then respond to 7 short answer questions.

Pupils study archery. In this archery instructional activity, students develop basic archery and hunter safety skills. Pupils discuss the history of archery and bow hunting.

Young scholars are introduced to American personalities whose fame and contributions have left, and continue to leave a mark in American history.

Pupils explore printmaking which began with the ancient Chinese who carved seals from stone, inked them and used the seals as identification symbols. They produce a print in this lesson plan.

Eighth graders create a visual story without using words. A study of the history and process of clay animation is explored and discussed. Students storyboard a plot of a story and students divide up into groups designing characters and...

Pupils explore standardization and mass production by creating verbal visual vocabulary tables. They discover how industrial inventions increase profits for businesses. Students create three-tiered definition concept trails using the...

Students investigate the history of astronomy and how the study of constellations has evolved since the dawn of ancient civilization. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The teacher uses demonstrations to model how the...

In this history of opera activity, students explore and research what an opera is and then answer four questions regarding the history of opera in complete sentences.

In this food facts activity, 4th graders read and interpret a short history on tin cans, Wonder Bread, ToastMaster, Nicolas Appert and Charles Strite. Students answer five word problems.

Students explore entrepreneurs of Nebraska. In this business and social studies lesson, students research Nebraska entrepreneurs to discover the history of their successful company.

Students discover details of pioneer life. In this history instructional activity, students examine artifacts and play games from pioneer times.