Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to identify and appreciate the contributions of Black inventors.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to a computer or tablet with internet
• Printed pictures of Black inventors (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

• Create an Inventor Collage: Have the student draw or cut out pictures of different Black inventors and create a collage to showcase their work.
• Research and Present: Help the student search for information about a specific Black inventor online. Then, have them present their findings to you or another family member.
• Invention Matching Game: Write down the names of various inventions by Black inventors on separate pieces of paper. Mix them up and have the student match the invention with the correct inventor.
• Inventor Role Play: Assign the student the role of a famous Black inventor and have them act out a short skit or monologue, pretending to be that inventor.

Talking Points

• Black inventors are people who came up with really cool ideas and made amazing things.
• They invented things that we use every day, like the traffic light and the ironing board.
• One famous Black inventor is Garrett Morgan. He invented the traffic light to help cars know when to stop and go.
• Another famous Black inventor is Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker. She invented hair care products for Black women.
• Black inventors are important because they showed that anyone, no matter their skin color, can have great ideas and make a difference in the world.