Inventions - Then and Now

Unit Details Subjects: English/Language Arts, Social Studies, English/Languages Arts Learning Level: Intermediate Author(s): Sandra Harris, Dan Ihnen, Joyce Kistler Submitted by:

Abstract Students are asked to focus on major inventions from the late 1800s to 2000. They will be directed to examine how these inventions were and are related to societal needs. They will further be guided in investigations to explore the impact these inventions have had on our lives and how they have laid the groundwork for subsequent inventions. Students will use technology to access the American Memory Collections for original photographs, sketches, and other related documents to research inventions. All students will produce a written research report on a selected inventor and invention. They will complement their written work with an oral or visual presentation, such as a model, advertisement, diorama or any other teacher approved selection. Components of unit: Lesson One: Students Create Timeline from late 1800s to 2000 to mark significant inventors' inventions. Lesson Two: Students use library resources, internet search engines and search the American Memory Collection, as well as those previously saved video, music and animations to classroom computer desktop to track the progress of the automobile. Lesson Three: Students are introduced to 26 different inventions. They decide the order of their importance and select one for their topic of research. Online Resources to Complement This Unit: Early phone call Alexander Graham Bell's telephone design Clocktower 025885 024386 008715 005483 007604 119631 105991 Invitation/Fundamental Understandings: Essential Questions: Knowledge and skills: How have societal needs influenced the necessity for inventions? Standards National Standards NS 7.5.7 identify the contributions of the inventors and discoverers, including: · Thomas Edison · Wright Brothers · Alexander Graham Bell · George Washington Carver State Standards · CEF (5)4.17 Identify the contributions of inventors and discoverers · CEF (4) 3.3 Select information from a variety of remote resources for a research topic or problem · CEF (4) 11.1 Formulate research questions and establish a focus and purpose of inquiry · CEF (4) 11.4 Organize and record information from print and non-print resources · CEF (4) 11.5 Present research findings for different purposes and audiences using various media Workforce Competencies: Unit of Practice Relevance: Questions to be addressed during the course of study would be: · How are some inventions interrelated? · Which inventions were stepping stones for others? · What would life be like without the airplane, automobile or telephone? Context Students should have a basic understanding of research via the Internet, as well as the ability to conduct research using library resources. Assessment Students will read their written research report to their class of peers, as well as present their oral or visual project of their chosen inventor and invention. A rubric will be used to determine if the required components of the project have been met. Components: ·National Digital Library of Congress Additional Resources Main URL: Related Resources Related Lessons Create a Timeline From Automobiles to Cars The World's Ten Greatest Inventions Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.