Designed specifically for lower elementary pupils, this is a great biographical research project in which students research a famous American, and then design creative poster boards to help them "become" the famous...

America was built on the ingenuity, work ethic, and foresight of our ancestors. Sixth graders learn about the complex Gilded Age in American history, including the prominent inventors and captains of industry, and how they all connect...

Students research the Internet for information about African-American inventors and their inventions. After collecting their data, students must build and manage information in a database that catalogs the inventions of African-Americans.

Students conduct research on a variety of African-American inventors. They choose an invention that they feel has had the greatest impact on the world today and write a short summary of the invention, its impact and the inventor's...

Students create a database with the inventions of African-Americans. They analyze and sort the data in an appropriate fashion. They use the internet to gather their information for the database.

Study African American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger and create imaginary monsters using texture.

Young scholars explore human discovery by reading historical stories in class. In this inventors lesson, students define the terms scientist, invention, inventor and discovery before discussing the many differences between them. Young...

Young scholars explore the process of inventing a new product. In this inventions activity, students explore a timeline that gives a history on significant inventions from ancient times to the present. Young scholars look at pictures...

Students create a video report of a famous inventor that they researched. In this inventors lesson plan, students report on the inventor, their inventions, and the impact they had on America.

Learners investigate inventions and the impact they can have on people. In this technology lesson, students research Thomas Edison and discuss how the invention of the light bulb impacted others. Learners sketch out an invention they...

Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, and he was fascinated by the mechanics of machinery. Using a fun exploration, pupils examine simple machines from the pre-Industrial era. Then, they must identify and build their own using common objects.

Students identify key American inventors and their contributions to modern day America. Students identify that many inventions arise from one invention. Students investigate why certain inventors are important to modern day America and...

Learners research the accomplishments of an inventor. They create a web site based on the research including historical, economic and scientific impact of the invention.

Students read The Gadget War by Betsy Duffey. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding inventors and inventions. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.

Eighth graders study the radio and where it came from.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders explore the history of the radio.  Students create an invention that will be useful to them today.

Students will use texture to create imaginary monsters and learn about the African American inventor Jan Earnst Matzeliger.

Young scholars create "sole people" using tempera paint, drawing paper, and shoe prints in this multi-level art lesson. The lesson can be combined with a brief history of the African-American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger, who created...

Young scholars explore American history by reading biographical text in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson plan, learners research the famous inventor by reading assigned text and answering reading comprehension questions...

Explore the African American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger and create a "sole" painting.

Explore the inventions of the past with a project on ancient tools. After reading an article about hunting during the Archaic period, the Late Prehistoric period, and the Historic period, kids fill in a cause-and-effect chart about the...

Students analyze cowboy literature. In this United States history and literacy activity, students listen to a variety of cowboy songs and poetry, view the video "Rediscovering America: The Real American Cowboy," and view related...

Students study black history, examine portraits and portrait making and create their own portraits, and  investigate their natural environment. This humanities lesson provides a text that can be used to teach lessons in black...

Students examine the realm and power of inventions, and recognize their impact on people and society. Small groups pretend to have been hired by Edison to make special posters that advertise the uses and benefits of the light bulb.

Students explore how technology has slowly changed the world, starting in the 18th Century.  In this United States History lesson, students work in teams to complete numerous activities that compare and contrast life before and...