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Great Idea Finder

Great Idea Finder: Lewis Howard Latimer

For Students 9th - 10th
An extensive biography of the life of African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. Find out about his primary claim to fame in the development of an incandescent light bulb, but be sure to read about his many patents, and his importance to...
Handout
Other

Black Inventors Online Museum: Benjamin Banneker

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this site to learn about Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806 CE), an African American that created the first clock built in the United States and was known as our first great Black Inventor.
Handout
Great Idea Finder

The Great Idea Finder: Inventor Granville Woods Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed biography of Granville T. Woods, who was known as "the Black Edison" because of his many inventions. He is best known for greatly improving the safety of railroads by his invention of the Multiplex Railway Telegraph.
Handout
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Inventor of the Week: Granville T. Woods: The Multiplex Telegraph

For Students 9th - 10th
A description of Granville Woods' successful invention, the multiplex telegraph, which greatly improved railroad safety. From the Lemelson-MIT Project.
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Smithsonian Institution

Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Louisiana Department of Education

Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Social Studies: Grade 4: Inventions and the Great Plains

For Teachers 4th
Read and study the sources about inventions from the late 1800s. As you read the three sources, think about the effects that the inventions had on the American economy.
Handout
Great Idea Finder

The Great Idea Finder: George Washington Carver

For Students 9th - 10th
Resource provides biographical material of the famous inventor, George Washington Carver. Content includes links to places for further information, timeline, as well as fun facts about this man.
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Great Idea Finder

The Great Idea Finder: Elijah Mc Coy

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out where the expression "The Real McCoy" comes from. This site provides brief biographical information about the inventor Elijah McCoy (1844-1929 CE).
Handout
Other

Black Inventor Online Museum: George Washington Carver

For Students 9th - 10th
BlackInventor.com profiles George Washington Carver, inventor, teacher, and scientist whose discoveries greatly changed American agriculture.
Lesson Plan
Council for Economic Education

Econ Ed Link: Peanuts, Pecans, and Peas, Please (Lesson)

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Check out this informative site that looks at the world of the peanut. This tiny nut had a great influence on our economy. Find out how George Washington Carver changed the economy of the South with his research on the lowly peanut.
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PBS

Who Made America?: George Eastman

For Students 9th - 10th
A quick "snapshot" at the life and worldly contributions of George Eastman. See why he was chosen as one of America's great innovators and better understand how his photography processes transformed our society.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Making Friends With Franklin

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Come meet Benjamin Franklin and some of his scientific friends. Learn about them through the eyes of early American portraiture. Following the introduction are three great lesson plans for teachers of language arts, science, and visual...
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Elijah Mc Coy

For Students 3rd - 8th
This is a great resource for information on Elijah McCoy. This mechanical engineer revolutionized the locomotive industry with his invention. Links to photographs and additional information are available also.
Website
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Henry Ford Biografia (Espanol)

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography of Henry Ford. Ford's great ideas were to improve the inventions around him and to produce them very efficiently. Good links to pictures and other information.
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Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 - October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and the long-lasting, practical...