Imaginative Inventions
A WebQuest for Second Graders

Introduction   Task   Resources   Standards

Process   Evaluation   Conclusion   Citations
Introduction

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a world-famous inventor like Thomas Edison? Or have you ever dreamt of creating your very own invention yourself? Go on this quest to learn more about inventions and the famous inventors who created them.

Task

In order to become a real inventor, you must first complete the following invention activities.

Resources

Computer: PC or Mac

Access to the Internet via Netscape or Explorer

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/inventions/biblio/books.html

http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/explore/invntions.html

http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/invent.htm

http://www.kids.msfc.nasa.gov/

Standards

Language Arts Performing Objective Reading Grade One:

1. Given the opportunity to read or listen to an appropriate text (including shared reading and read-aloud), the learner will
e. express thoughts, feelings, judgments, understandings, and attitudes in response to text.

Language Arts Performing Objective Writing Grade Two:

4. The learner will use computers with greater efficiency to support language development.

Language Arts Performing Objective Writing Grade Two:

2. The learner will produce written material that demonstrates knowledge of grammar, mechanics, and usage appropriate to the learner's level of instruction, as evidenced in part by the capacity to:
a. Self-correct spellings of high-frequeny words on final draft;
b. Correctly use capital letters on final draft (beginning of sentences and proper nouns);
c. Correctly use end punctuation on final draft.

Process

Follow these steps to complete your quest:

1. As a class, read Imaginative Inventions by Charise Mericle Harper.

2. After the book is read, complete the following activities.

3. Play the invention game.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/inventions/biblio/books.html

4. After playing the game, visit this site to find out about helpful inventions in our lives and when they were made. http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/explore/inventions.html.

5. Now go to this site to learn about famous inventors.
http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/invent.htm. Write 3 facts on your favorite inventor and what invention they made.

6. On a blank sheet of writing paper, write a paragraph (with at least five complete sentences) about your favorite invention and why you like it. Once your paragraph is written, you may draw an illustration of your favorite invention.

7. Now go to http://www.kids.msfc.nasa.gov/

to find out more fun facts about inventions.

Evaluation

You will be evaluated by your teacher using the following rubric:

Areas of Evaluation Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Followed Directions
3
2
1
Stayed on Task
3
2
1
Used complete sentences in writing tasks
3
2
1
Completed all tasks
3
2
1

Conclusion

Hurray! You have completed your invention quest! Rember to keep inventing and making your own inventions at home!

Citations

Harper, C.M. (2001). Imaginative Inventions. New York: Little, Brown &
Company.

Internet pictures retrieved from http://www.google.com.

http://www.toyportfolio.com/Later/ ChapterSubChapterBook.asp?Ch... (Image #1)

http://www.education.com/kidspace/ lookatstuff/ (Image #2)

http://www.district44.dupage.k12.il.us/ inventions.html (Image #3)

 

Created by Laura Flowers, Spring 2002
Bowling Green State University Graduate Student
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