Technological Inventors and Their Inventions

Capital Region BOCES
Northeastern Regional Information Center
Shared Learning Objectives Project Information

WebQuest Project    Teacher Information Page

School: Schenectady City School District
District Representative: Tracy Standhart, Title III Instructional Technology Mentor
SLO Project Name: Web Based Inquiry - Technological Inventors and their Inventions
Authored by: Sera Deo, Oneida Middle School Technology Instructor
E-mail: deos@schenectady.k12.ny.us
Project URL: http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/deos/WebQuest/The%20Main%20Page.htm
Grade Level(s): 7&8
Subject Area(s): Technology
Objective (Learning context):
The students will explore the history of technology by researching the lives of specific technological inventors. They will also gain experience in both individual and group work, while learning the techniques of an informal debate.

Prior knowledge:
Students must have a basic understanding of PowerPoint, Internet research, technical drawing, materials processing, and cooperative learning strategies.

Subsequent knowledge:
Students will have a broader understanding of how an invention comes to fruition. Also, students will be introduced to the procedures and strategies involved in an informal debate.

Procedure: Procedure within WebQuest

Specific inquiry/activity:
Students will do research on a technological inventor and his/her invention. They will compile their findings into a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation. Then, in small groups, they become inventors themselves, developing a product to improve a specific, assigned area. Finally, as a class, the small groups present their invention, and decide which one is best and why. (A more specific explanation is provided within the WebQuest.)

Instructional Modifications: none

Time required: 4 weeks

Resources (materials): the library, a computer for each student, the Internet, drawing paper, asst. materials for students to use when assembling their invention. Websites used are listed on the Teacher Information Page of the WebQuest. 

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

• explore and solve problems generated from school, home, and community situations, using concrete objects or manipulative materials when possible. 
• generate  ideas for possible solutions, individually and through group activity; apply age-appropriate mathematics and science skills; evaluate the ideas and determine the best solution; and explain reasons for the choices. 
• plan and build, under supervision, a model of the solution using familiar materials, processes, and hand tools.  

Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

• systematically obtain accurate and relevant information pertaining to a particular topic from a range of sources, including local and notional media, libraries, museums, governmental agencies, industries, and individuals. 

Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

• locate and utilize a range of printed, electronic, and human information resources to obtain ideas.
• develop plans, including drawings with measurements and details of construction, and construct a model of the solution, exhibiting a degree of craftsmanship.
• use a computer to connect to and access needed information from various Internet sites.
• understand the contributions of people of different genders, races, and ethnic groups to technological development.
• manage time and financial resources in a technological project.
• provide examples of products that are well (and poorly) designed and made, describe their positive and negative attributes, and suggest measures that can be implemented to monitor quality during production.
• assume leadership responsibilities within a structured group activity.

Assessments: Rubric within WebQuest

Exemplars: Students acquire knowledge to design, construct and evaluate technological products and systems.

Reflections: This lesson was developed to enhance the current technology curriculum and provide students with a guided experience to researching information on the Internet.