Who Gets to Invent and How Do Inventors Change Our Lives
Jeanne Kimberley Chandler
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Give FeedbackLesson 2: Biographies
Objectives:
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1. Students will research the life of an American inventor through children’s literature and write their own biography of that inventor.
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2. Students will present their research to the class orally.
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3. Students will listen to and take notes on their classmates’ research.
Time Frame:
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This lesson will take 3 to 4 weeks. It should be noted that some class time should be given to allow children to do research and find the necessary information (two to three 45 minute periods). The majority of written work should be done at home. This assignment is the book report for the month, whenever you assign the lesson.
Materials:
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Bibliographies of American inventors (see bibliography for suggested titles).
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Worksheet with guide for research (attached).
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Paper, pencils.
Procedure:
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1. Students will choose what American inventor they will research after having some time to look at different people’s biographies.
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2. Students will take notes on their research independently or with a partner, using the worksheet as the guide for information.
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3. Students will write their biography at home. They will have a date for a first draft to help those students who need assistance with spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as letting students know what information is missing.
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4. Students will present their biographies to the class over a two week period, listening to each other and taking notes.
Closure:
1. Students will have a quiz with general information on the inventors (this information should be in the majority of the students’ notes).
2. Students will write about and share their ideas about the importance of these inventors and their inventions.
Suggestions:
A diverse range of biographies must be available to the students. This lesson is a wonderful way to integrate the diversity of origins of inventions. It is important to discuss the differences in the kinds of struggles faced by different people in the United States. The opportunity to educate children on the obstacles minority groups and women have faced is crucial, and to make connections to changes over time. Inventors are incredible role models for children.
Students should be guided in choosing of biographies. There should not be six presentations on Thomas Edison. However, it may be advantageous to have children pair up on inventors so they can share factual information they find when doing their research.