About this resource
Inventors face varying challenges, but the ones with grit (strength to overcome challenges) find the means to carry on and accomplish great things. This lesson series examines a diverse group of inventors through picture books and discussion. Recommended: one book for each 30 – 45 minute session.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
All core areas and career-focused courses
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
Kansas College and career Readiness Anchor Standards for Literacy Learning standard 1: Engage in literacy learning through a collaborative and community effort and in an integrated fashion, rather than as discreet skills in isolation.
What students will do
Students will be aware of eight inventors and the innovation strategies they used to overcome challenges. Students will consider what it takes to overcome challenges in order to achieve goals. Students will demonstrate soft skills such as discussion strategies and active listening.
Resources Needed
graph paper, eight inventor biographical books, journals and/or note cards or electronic discussion platform (screen/computer/NearPod app for teacher and tablets/phones for students)
Lesson sequence & procedures
Direct Instruction:
The essential questions are written on a poster or an overhead screen. Students read the questions and journal (on notecards or library journals if they have them) for the first five minutes of class. Essential questions: 1) "What does it mean if we say someone has 'grit'? 2) Why might an inventor need grit to succeed?"
Read one of the eight books (one book per session):
*The Temple Grandin book is too long for a read aloud, but librarian should share highlights and possibly an online interview or YouTube book trailer.
Brown, D. (2010). A wizard from the start: the incredible boyhood and amazing inventions of Thomas Edison. Houghton Mifflin: New York.
Kulling, M. (2016). Clean sweep! Frank Zamboni's ice machine. Tundra Books: Canada.
Kulling, M. (2012). Going up! Elisha Otis's trip to the top. Tundra Books: Canada.
Kulling, M. (2011). In the bag! Margaret Knight wraps it up. Tundra Books: Canada.
Kulling, M. (2014). Spic-and-span! Lillian Gilbreth's wonder kitchen. Tundra Books: Canada.
Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: how the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world. Houghton Mifflin: New York.
Paul, M. (2015). One plastic bag: Isatou Ceesay and the recycling women of the Gambia. Millbrook Press: Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Thompson, L. (2015). Emmanuel's dream: the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. Schwartz & Wade Books: New York.
Independent Practice: Students will think about and jot down ideas while listening to each book. Students will take notes about why they think the inventor was able to succeed. Students will share these ideas with their table teams.
Guided Practice: In groups of four or five, students will share their notes and what they learned from the book. Students will then share their favorite invention (the one that brings them convenience or joy – or both). Librarian should then bring sample inventions or picture of inventions for students to examine (old cameras/new cameras, typewriters/iPads, etc…). Students can discuss differences and possible challenges for all the inventions. If time allows, distribute graph paper and allow students to sketch any possible invention they have wondered about.
Closing/Reflection: Student table groups can share highlights or revelations with the class. The librarian should again define GRIT and encourage students to develop support networks so that they feel encouragement for their future and current goals.
How learning is assessed
Student table groups complete one exit slip per team. The exit slip asks two questions: what they learned from the book and what the inventor faced/how he or she overcame a challenge. Another assessment option: create an online activity for students to submit before they go, or do an interactive group evaluation using NearPod.