Students in Rebecca Dreier’s eighth grade U.S. history class at Tanana Middle School recently completed a unique project where they had to research and present on an American invention. The project was designed to help students understand the scientific method and the motivation behind inventions. The inventors chosen had to be alive between 1607 and 1867.
Over 125 students participated in the project, spending about four hours on their research and presentation. The work culminated in an open house where students and parents could showcase their reports. One student even brought in a commercial typewriter to showcase the invention by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Gidden.
Other topics explored by students included the evolution of the stapler, the gas mask, and even the history of fried chicken. Some students chose to research firearms, which raised eyebrows given the school setting, but reflects the unique culture of Alaska.
Rebecca Dreier, a first-year teacher, introduced this assignment for the first time and plans to continue it in the future. The project was well-received by students, providing them with a hands-on learning experience that allowed them to explore the history and importance of American inventions. Through this project, students not only learned about specific inventors and their motivations, but also gained valuable presentation skills and the ability to think critically about the impact of inventions on society.
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