Changing the World: Awesome Inventions and Discoveries!
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about inventions and discoveries.
- Talk about how inventions have changed the world.
- Read about some of the most important inventions in history.
- Listen to a history expert talk about inventions.
- Write about an invention you think is important.
Key Words:
- Invention: Something new that someone creates.
- Discovery: Finding something that was already there but no one knew about it before.
- Technology: Tools and machines that help us do things.
- Change: To make or become different.
Important Inventions:
- Wheel: Helped people travel and move things more easily.
- Printing press: Made it possible to print books, so knowledge could spread.
- Electricity: Powers lights, computers, and many other things we use every day.
- Computer: A machine that can do many things, like calculate, store information, and connect to the internet.
- Internet: A worldwide network of computers that lets us communicate and share information easily.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What is one invention you can’t imagine living without? Why?
- Can you think of any recent inventions that have changed the way we live?
- If you could invent anything, what would it be?
Let’s Read!
Imagine a world without the internet! There would be no Google, no social media, and no easy way to learn new things. The internet has changed how we communicate, shop, work, and play. It’s one of the most important inventions of our time.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short interview with a historian talking about the impact of electricity on our lives. Focus on how life was different before electricity.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a time traveler from the past. The other is a person from today. The time traveler asks questions about modern inventions, and the modern person explains how they work.
Example:
- Time Traveler: “What is that glowing rectangle in your hand?”
- Modern Person: “That’s my smartphone! It’s like a telephone, computer, and camera all in one.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about an invention you think is important. Why is it important? How has it changed our lives?
Extra Fun:
If you can, research the story behind the invention of the light bulb. Who invented it? When? How did it change people’s lives?
