Curated OER
Invention of the radio
Eighth graders study the radio and where it came from. In this American History instructional activity, 8th graders explore the history of the radio. Students create an invention that will be useful to them today.
Curated OER
Reading: The Invention of the Popsicle
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a passage about how Popsicles were invented and patented. Students answer 6 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
History of the Telephone, Radio, and Light Bulb
Students research and discuss the history of the telephone, radio, and light bulb. In this invention history lesson plan, students access Internet sites to explore the inventors and the invention of the telephone, the radio, and the...
New Jersey Historical Commission and New Jersey Council for the Humanities
Thomas Edison: The Wizard of Menlo Park
What would change in your daily life due to a power outage? Here, learners explore the inventions brought to us by the one and only, Thomas Edison, and imagine a day without them. Scholars take part in a grand conversation and write a...
Curated OER
Invention/Innovation/Creative Thinking/Opportunities/Ideas
Students, while examining inventions and innovators, identify, differentiate and discuss five Canadian inventors/innovations. After applying creative thinking strategies to a promotional piece, students brainstorm patents.
Curated OER
The Invention of the Popsicle
In this invention of the popsicle learning exercise, learners read for information and assess comprehension. Students answer six multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
The Invention of the Telephone
Students study the history of the telephone and its inventor. In this communications instructional activity students complete a tuning fork experiment to further demonstrate how sound is produced.
Curated OER
The Cotton Gin
Students are introduced to an early American inventor, Eli Whitney, and his experiences with the Patent Office. The economic importance of the cotton gin and its impact on slavery are also addressed.
Curated OER
Imaginative Minds
Eighth graders study the lives and creations of several significant inventors as well as designing their own invention and submitting it to a mock patent process. They determine the importance of notable inventions and their impact on...
Curated OER
Economics Lesson: The Real McCoy
Students research the origination of the expression "The Real McCoy." In this economics research lesson, students read the book The Real McCoy. Students examine Elijah McCoy and his invention of the oil cup and how it relates to the...
K12 Reader
African American Inventors: Elijah McCoy
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 a...
K12 Reader
African American Inventors: Patricia Bath
Young readers practice their comprehension skills by responding to a series of text-based questions on a passage about Patricia Bath, the first black woman medical doctor to receive a patent.
Curriculum Corner
African American Inventors
Celebrate Black History Month with a packet of materials on African American inventors. Readers discover several inventors' character traits, their inventions, and their lives. They even have the opportunity to conduct further research...
Curated OER
the Business of Good Ideas
Learners consider economic factors in patenting a new invention. They research an already-patented health product and assess its profitability.
Curated OER
Glidden's Patent Application for Barbed Wire
Students discuss the invention of barbed wire and how it affected various groups of peoples in the U.S. after its invention.
Curated OER
Alexander Graham Bell's Patent for the Telephone and Thomas Edison's Patent for the Electric Lamp
Young scholars read a short biographical account about Bell and student B about Edison. Ask each pair to exchange information and determine what qualities these inventors shared. Ask students if they think all inventors share these...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Stop and Go
It's "Green light, go!" with this instructional activity! STEM classes are illuminated with the history of traffic signals and how the engineering design has improved over time. They also learn about patents for new inventions. Finally,...
Curated OER
Internet Inventors Scavenger Hunt
In this inventors scavenger hunt worksheet, students research 10 different significant inventors known to history. First, they read each question to determine which inventor to search for using the Internet. Then, students write a...
Curated OER
What Can You Make of It?
Young scholars investigate the various uses of a paper cup. For this scientific inquiry lesson, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Young scholars sketch their discovery.
Curated OER
Thomas Edison on Trial
Students learn about Thomas Edison and his invention laboratory/factory and the concept that he might not have given enough credit to the employees who invented for him. They hold a trial to determine guilt or innocence as a outcome.
Curated OER
History In the House
Young scholars analyze primary sources. In this historical analysis lesson plan, students will closely examine the household objects that most impact their lives. Young scholars will use research, analysis, and class discussion to draw...
Curated OER
Clever Contraptions
Learners appraise the qualities of successful inventors and inventions, as well as examine the ways in which the Internet supports inventors, as a springboard for designing and 'patenting' inventions that would be helpful to them in...
Curated OER
Learning About the Great Inventor: Thomas Edison Lesson Plans
Thomas Edison facts can inspire students to create their own inventions, and persevere despite adversity.
Curated OER
Famous Person: Benjamin Banneker
Students explain the main events in Benjamin Banneker's life and his contributions to society. They gain an appreciation for Benjamin Banneker's inventive ability to reproduce a clock as well as his determination in teaching himself...