PBS
Inventions
Use this lesson plan to discuss inventions that have changed your class's world and have impacted society. Middle schoolers investigate important inventions of their time and design an invention in a simulated business atmosphere. Modify...
K5 Learning
Robert Fulton – Steamboat Inventor
Examine the life of steamboat inventor, Robert Fulton, through reading comprehension worksheet that includes both multiple choice and short answer questions. Then, take part in a word search and write definitions, words, and sentences...
Curated OER
Influential Inventions
In this inventions worksheet, students write the description and impact of 4 influential inventions. Students do this for the cotton gin, the reaper, the steamboat, and the steam locomotive.
Curated OER
Inventor's Challenge Review
In this science learning exercise, students match each invention or device to its inventor listed on the right. There are 32 inventors listed and some may be used twice. Then they order the items in each group from oldest to newest and...
Curated OER
Early 19c Industrialization in America: The Market Revolution
Posing a question about the effects of American Industrialization, this presentation provides viewers with a comprehensive look at the 19th century. From the "Lowell Girls" to the Iron Horse, these slides would be an excellent supplement...
Curated OER
John Fitch: Pioneer Steamboat Inventor
Students explore the transportation revolution brought about through the use of steam power to move boats over water. They practice note taking skills by taking notes from an article.
Curated OER
Robert Fulton and the Steamboat, "Trail of Tears"
Second graders study Fulton and his Steamboat, the "Trail of Tears," the Oregon Trail, the Transcontinental Railroad and the Pony Express in this series of lessons.
State Bar of Texas
Gibbons v. Ogden
Have you ever played the game Monopoly? Do you know what it takes to win the game correctly? Scholars research the nature of outlawing monopolies in the United States while controlling trade. They investigate the court case Gibbons v....
Curated OER
Post-Civil War American History
Fifth graders examine significant events in Post-Civil War America. In this Post-Civil War lesson, 5th graders investigate the important events after the war in 19th century America. They read primary source documents about six topics...
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Students examine how the events that took place during the time of the Westward Expansion affected the pioneers and Native Americans through the seven lessons of this unit. Enhancements in transportation over time are also a part of the...
Curated OER
New Technologies
In this technologies lesson plan, students research and write short answers for the inventions of the Cotton Gin, McCormick Reaper, Steamboat, and Steam Locomotive. Students answer 4 questions for each.
National Energy Education Development Project
Exploring Transportation
Did you know horsepower is actually based on the power of a horse? 60 horse power is the equivalent of being pulled by a team of 60 horses! Viewers will learn other interesting facts like this from a presentation that begins with the...
Curated OER
New York Earns Title: Empire State
Seventh graders study the Erie Canal and New York state. They design a three-day vacation itinerary using tourism sites, which highlight historical facts and include the modern remains of the New York Canal system.
Curated OER
"Go West, Young Man!"
Students examine reasons why people migrated west. They describe how the geography of the U.S. changed in the 19 th century and design a PowerPoint presentation to convey factors for westward expansion.
Curated OER
All Steamed Up
Students examine the energy conversions and simple machines are involved in the operation of a steam engine. They make a replica of a small steam engine.
Curated OER
Lesson 1: Design a Transportation Stamp
Students, in groups, research a certain form of transportation that has affected Maine's economic and cultural development. They write a persuasive letter that uses the research to support an argument.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Inventing the Riverboat
A discussion of Robert Fulton's and Henry Shreve's contribution to the evolution of the steamboat. Includes photos of early steamboats and some biographical information on Fulton. (Text is the actual radio transcript of a syndicated...
Other
Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Illinois): River Steamboats
Information about the invention and development of steamboats as a mode of transportation.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Inventors and Inventions
The industrial revolution in America spawned the inventions of many inventors, who improved technology in many different areas. See how transportation, agriculture, and communications were transformed because of these inventions.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Inventors & Inventions 1801 1850
This site from Enchanted Learning presents several brief overviews of major early nineteenth century inventors and their inventions. The information is accessible by clicking on the corresponding link.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Robert Fulton
This website contains biographical information about Robert Fulton, including the events leading up to his design of the first successful steamboat.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Robert Fulton
Learn how the steamboat got its start at the hand of a curious and energetic inventor-Robert Fulton. (In Spanish)
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Fulton's Submarine
Discusses the technological and political conditions which led to Robert Fulton's invention and development of the submarine. Includes some biographical information and some graphics of early submarine sketches. (Text is the actual radio...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 695: John Ericsson
A biography of John Ericsson, a man who invented in three countries over most of a century. He invented an early locomotive, a hot-air engine, screw propeller, and the Monitor, which was used in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an...