Great Inventors Webquest

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction:

Did you ever wonder what your life would be like if we did not have light bulbs, radios, telephones, or windsheild wipers? Our world changes every time an important invention is created.

We will learn about the lives of great inventors and how their inventions help people today. Which inventions are most important to you. Which invention can you not live without today! Through this exploration you may discover who invented these items and how these inventions were created!

Task:

First choose one inventor from the list below to research. There is a research page with questions for you to complete for the inventor.

Use the Resources to find information about the inventor and answer the questions on the Inventor Research Sheet in your own words.

Locate or draw pictures (using Kidpix) of your inventor and invention and save your pictures on the G drive in your folder.

Process:

Read as much information as you can about your inventor and invention. Use the library and Internet to find your information. The Resources section has great websites. As you are reading, look for information such as; what your invention does, who invented it, when was it invented, and how this invention helps people today.

Use the Inventor Research Sheet to record your answers to the questions listed on the sheet. Use the citation space provided to cite your source.

Scan, draw, and save pictures of your inventor and invention.

Create a PowerPoint or Photo Story as your final product to showcase what you have learned. Be sure to include all answers to your questions from the Inventor Research Sheet. Also include pictures of the inventor and the invention throughout your product.

Resources:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001490/Inventors.html

http://elementary.nettrekker.com/subject/

http://www.askkids.com/

http://inventors.about.com/od/timelines/a/Nineteenth.htm

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/inventors/

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/biographies/

http://www.pbs.org/

Evaluation:

There are three parts to the evaluation: the Inventor Research Sheet, pictures, and the PowerPoint or Photo Story. Use the rubric for the evaluation.

Conclusion:

You have just learned about one of the most important inventions of all time. Think about what life would be like without this invention. Think about the other inventors and inventions that your classmates presented. Once you have seen and heard all of the presentations, think about what you consider to be the most important invention of all time? Can you imagine what this invention will look like in 2050? Can you imagine yourself as an inventor?