From Automobiles to Cars

Lesson Details Subjects: Social Studies, English/Languages Arts Learning Levels: Primary, 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. Lesson fundamental understandings: Essential Questions: What would life be like without the airplane, automobile or telephone? 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 (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 Lesson Prerequisite Skills Students should have a basic understanding of research via the Internet, as well as the ability to conduct research using library resources. Students should have a basic understanding of research via the Internet, as well as the ability to conduct research using library resources. Teacher Information/Situations/Setting/Time · Computer lab, classroom computer, library resources · Library of Congress · Internet search engines · Monitor student writing and projects during informal observations and informal checks for understanding by teacher and peers · Class time needed: Approximately 1.5 hours plus homework 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. Student Activity/Tasks Students brainstorm on what they know about automobiles. Discussion begins on how cars have changed over the years. The American Memory Collection at the Library of Congress has a song in the sheet music collection with an automobile on the front cover. The image can be downloaded and printed for closer inspection. What does this early auto have that cars now do not? Discuss. The American Memory Collection also has an early animation clip of starting an automobile. It would be advantageous to download the clip ahead of time for replay to the students. After viewing ask the students what they saw in the clip. How was the automobile started? How are cars started now? Are cars important to everyday life? How necessary is it to own a car? How are cars bought these days? Has it always been the same? The American Memory Collection has an audio clip entitled Uncle Josh Buys an Automobile. After listening to the audio clip, explain to the students that this clip was created to amuse people, but gives a feeling of the times. After listening discuss with the students what they heard and how different would this audio clip be if made nowadays. Students can use a graphical organizer program like Inspiration to create two webs - one web on what they know and learned about early automobiles, and another web with what they know about modern cars. Using their webs, students design a car of the future. Enrichment/Alternate Activity: Cross-Curricular: Technology Requirements/Tools/Materials · Computer lab, classroom computer, library resources · Library of Congress · Internet search engines Acknowledgements: National Digital Library of Congress Additional Resources Main URL: Related Lessons Related Resources Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.