Students explore invention and unveiling of world's first Ferris wheel, analyze photographs and poster of first Ferris wheel, and discuss engineering achievements of Ferris wheel, including how it worked, how it was built, and its...

While a woman didn't invent the parasol, three women received patents for their improvements to the original design of umbrellas. In the first of a two-part series on inventive women, class members investigate the patent system to...

The Declaration of Independence was published in 1776. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, was drafted and read by Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848....

Why did Henry Ford want to invent a car for the masses? Why did Henry Ford locate his factory in Detroit? Why did Henry Ford encourage the idea of a 5-day work week? Young innovators find the answers to these and other question in a unit...

Blow the minds of young scientists with this collection of inquiry-based investigations. Based on a series of eight videos, these "hands-on, minds-on" science lessons engage young learners in exploring a wide range of topics...

Middle schoolers discover how to determine the flavor of a jellybean using different key documents.  In this economics lesson, students discuss Virginia economics and begin an activity in which they will help decide on the what...

Students read and analyze original telegrams to learn about people involved in and process of building the world's first Ferris wheel, examine correspondence between inventor and engineer to understand planning necessary to build Ferris...

Students consider toys as more than items for playing, compare and contrast inventors and toys they created, and discuss purpose of specific toys, including whether toy was created for education, financial success, or both.

Young scholars write a rap or hip-hop lyric about the life of a famous Black American. They explore famous Black Americans in history and explore how the rap form compares to other forms of poetic expression.

Students apply the scientific method and create a practical invention. In this science activity, students design an original and practical invention and present the idea to the class. Class role plays the part of a CEO and vote on which...

Eighth graders design a product or machine and determine the impact their invention has on a person's quality of life. They present their design and machine with a description of its possible impacts to an audience of peers and adults.

Students complete research projects. Students research the achievements of various African Americans and their contributions to the world. They use various resource links on the Internet to become more knowledgeable about the topic.

The life of the pioneers was much different than the life a family today. Pupils use a "Now and Then" worksheet to compare and contrast how travel has changed over the last 100 years. Worksheets are included.

Young scholars identify the innovations that have impacted their lives.  In this inventions lesson students write and present a speech on the greatest innovation of their generation.

Students create and perform a skit.  In this automobile history lesson, students work in groups to research the development of the automobile during different periods of history.  Students create a timeline and perform a skit...

Students discover the life of Benjamin Franklin by studying his inventions.  In this biography lesson, students identify the inventions of Benjamin Franklin and their impact on society today.  Students create a commercial in an...

Students research famous inventors and what they invented. In this technology lesson, students gather facts about a specific invention and create a PowerPoint slideshow about it. Students practice adding in animation and color to the...

Fifth graders discover new and interesting technologies of the Civil War. In this Civil War portfolio of lessons, 5th graders analyze primary resources, develop new vocabulary, investigate websites, and create a time line of new...

Students discuss the impact of certain inventions. In this technology activity, students research Thomas Edison and the light bulb on the Internet and discuss how the invention impacted society. Students create their own simple inventions.

In this inventions worksheet, students invent their own sweetshop recipe for Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Students design an advertisement for their candy. In the other pages, students complete activities related to other Roald Dahl...

Students select an invention from a list, observe the invention for one whole day to determine how their selected invention impacts their daily life. They share their observations as a class and describe their experiences.

Students investigate 20th century inventions in order to examine how inventions reflect the historical events during which they were developed an

Sixth graders read the book My Great-Grandmother's Gourd and answer short answer questions about the change of culture in the book. In this culture lesson plan, 6th graders discover culture diffusion, invention, and innovation.

Students investigate the impact inventions have on society. In this technology lesson, students review the facts they learned about famous inventors and brainstorm an invention that can improve people's lives. Students use a graphic...