What do a folding iron board, lawn sprinklers, and a device for oiling engines on trains all have in common? They were all invented by Elijah McCoy, an African American inventor with 57 patents to his credit. McCoy is the subject of...

Learners research the origination of the expression "The Real McCoy." In this economics research lesson, students read the book The Real McCoy. Learners examine Elijah McCoy and his invention of the oil cup and how it relates to the...

In this science activity, students match each invention or device to its inventor listed on the right. There are 32 inventors listed and some may be used twice. Then they order the items in each group from oldest to newest and state the...

A two-part lesson introduces young historians to the work of famous African American inventors. Groups first research and develop a presentation of an inventor that includes biographical information and information about one of their...

Students research, using the Internet, technological advances that have resulted from the work of African Americans. They discuss and share the results of their research. They complete the assignment by writing an essay how different...

For this science worksheet, students use reference materials to complete the information for each inventor, including invention created and their nationality. They also construct a time line to illustrate the development of technology...

Second graders research and explore lives of famous scientists, analyze accomplishments of scientists, and create presentations. Six lessons on one page.

Planning an elementary science unit has never been simpler! These twelve lessons guide young scientists through an exploration of simple machines and their many uses in the real world before asking them to apply their learning...

A brief biography of Elijah McCoy and a description of one of his inventions that made factory machinery run smoothly.

According to this article, Elijah McCoy (1844-1929 CE) is one of the most prolific inventors in American history. Read about his parents who escaped slavery by traveling on the Underground Railroad and about his invention, the automatic...

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.

Find brief descriptions of the inventions of many African-American inventors in many fields in the 19th century.