African American Inventors in History

A two-part lesson plan introduces young historians to the work of famous African American inventors. Groups first research and develop a presentation of an inventor that includes biographical information and information about one of their patents. For part two, pupils examine patents filed by African American inventors, the patent process, and consider how inventions are created. Finally, participants develop their own inventions, draw diagrams or create three-dimensional models, and present their ideas to the class.