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How It Works:
This is a unit that covers the spectrum of science, social studies, math,
language arts and reading. It is designed to teach the students about the
inventions of the radio, telephone and the light bulb and the men who created
them. It allows them to learn by getting them actively involved in using the writing
process, surveys and graphs, online research, comparing and contrasting,
and delving into the workings of the original products. Information about the
three inventors may be read aloud or independently depending on the make-up of
the class. Cooperative groups also provide the lower achieving students with
the support that will help them succeed.
Standards:
Describes contributions of famous U.S. inventors and
scientists.
Explains how scientific discoveries and technological innovations influenced
U.S. economic development
Uses listening strategies effectively
Listens and responds to a variety of oral presentations Understands that there
are patterns and rules in the syntactic structure, symbols, sounds and
meanings conveyed through the English language
Understands the power of
language
Reads text, determines the main idea, identifies relevant supporting details
Reads and organizes information for a variety of purposes
Uses a variety of software programs
Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 6
Software Materials Used:
Internet connection, online books, sound card, printer, ink
Keywords:
inventions, Bell, Edison, Marconi, ham radio, Venn diagram,
old time radio show, communication, receiver, dial, wireless, design,
transmit, coil, lamp, radio tube, filament, inert gas, argon, signal
Students:
This unit is suitable for fourth or fifth grade students.
These may include all exceptionalities. For the gifted students the lessons
could be adjusted to include more independent work and extended activities.
Overall:
As the students learn about these early inventions it
brings them to life when they search online for clips of old time radio shows
or pictures of the telephone instead of merely reading about it in a book.
Writing a radio show was fun and the children took turns reading the parts.
Tips:
It helps to have sets of biographies of each inventor.
Also, if the students are going to "build" one of the inventions,
try it ahead of time to see if it will work.
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About the Teacher:
Ann Stephenson has been teaching fourth and fifth grades
for thirteen years. She has been awarded numerous grants, including IMPACT II
Disseminator and Adapter grants. She has been the coordinator of the Citibank
FamilyTech program for seven years and is interested in expanding academics
through the use of technology.
Subjects:
General Elementary
Grade Levels:
5 & 6
Email Ann
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