Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will learn about some amazing Black inventors and their contributions to history.
Materials and Prep
- Pen and paper
- Coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils)
- Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
No prior knowledge is needed for this lesson.
Activities
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Start by discussing what an inventor is and explain that inventors create new things that help people.
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Introduce some famous Black inventors to the student. You can start with Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic signal. Discuss why traffic signals are important and how they help keep people safe on the roads.
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Move on to Madam C.J. Walker, who invented hair care products for Black women. Explain that she was the first self-made female millionaire in the United States and how her products helped many people.
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Next, talk about Lewis Latimer, who improved the light bulb invented by Thomas Edison. Explain how his improvements made the light bulb better and more efficient.
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Finally, discuss George Washington Carver, who discovered many uses for peanuts and other crops. Talk about how his discoveries helped farmers and the food industry.
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After discussing each inventor, encourage the student to draw a picture of the invention or the inventor. They can also write a short sentence about why they think the invention is important.
Talking Points
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"An inventor is someone who creates new things that help people. They come up with ideas and make them into real things."
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"Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal. Traffic signals have different colored lights that tell drivers when to stop, go, or wait. They help keep us safe on the roads."
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"Madam C.J. Walker invented hair care products for Black women. Her products helped many people take care of their hair and she became the first self-made female millionaire in the United States."
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"Lewis Latimer improved the light bulb invented by Thomas Edison. His improvements made the light bulb better and more efficient, so it could light up our homes."
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"George Washington Carver discovered many uses for peanuts and other crops. His discoveries helped farmers grow better crops and the food industry create new foods."