Inventors and Innovators: Black Pioneers in STEM

Aaron Armstrong

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Inventors and Innovators: Black Pioneers in STEM

Inspire with stories of Black STEM pioneers

This lesson introduces young students to the remarkable contributions of Black inventors and scientists in STEM fields. Through engaging stories and discussions, students will learn about innovation and perseverance, fostering an appreciation for diversity in science and technology. This lesson aims to inspire students by highlighting role models who have overcome challenges to make significant impacts in their fields.

Audience

Believers (Ages 7-8)

Time

30 mins

Approach

Inspire with stories of Black STEM pioneers

Materials

Discussion Questions, Printable Cards of Black Pioneers, and Worksheet on Black Inventors

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction about the importance of diversity in STEM fields.
Explain that today, students will learn about some amazing Black inventors and scientists who have made significant contributions.

Step 2

Storytelling Session

10 mins

Share stories of notable Black pioneers in STEM, such as George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, and Garrett Morgan.
Use engaging storytelling techniques to capture students' attention and highlight key achievements.

Step 3

Group Activity

10 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a set of printable cards featuring different Black pioneers.
Ask each group to discuss the contributions of the person on their card and share one interesting fact with the class.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points discussed during the lesson.
Encourage students to think about how they can be innovators in their own lives.
Distribute the worksheet on Black inventors for students to complete as a follow-up activity.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions: Black Pioneers

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the contributions of Black pioneers in STEM.

Who is one Black inventor or scientist you learned about today?

Encourage students to recall the stories shared during the lesson.

What challenges did these pioneers face, and how did they overcome them?

Discuss perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity.

Why is it important to have diversity in STEM fields?

Highlight the value of different perspectives and ideas in scientific progress.

Worksheet

Printable Cards: Black Pioneers

Cards featuring Black pioneers in STEM for group activities.

George Washington Carver - Agricultural Scientist

Mae Jemison - First Black Woman in Space

Garrett Morgan - Inventor of the Traffic Signal

Katherine Johnson - NASA Mathematician

Lonnie Johnson - Inventor of the Super Soaker

Worksheet

Worksheet: Black Inventors

A worksheet for students to reflect on the contributions of Black inventors.

Name one invention by a Black inventor and describe its impact.

Think about how this invention is used today.

Draw a picture of an invention you learned about today.

Use your creativity to illustrate the invention.