The lesson's purpose is to research various African American inventors who have had a positive influence on society by contributing to the common good.

The learner will:

• research an African American inventor.
• reflect on the invention's impact on self and society.

Anticipatory Set: 

Hold up a light bulb and ask the students how this invention benefits those who use it. Ask them to verbally share other inventions that benefit those who use them. Have the students to reflect on this statement, "Inventions are usually intended to benefit the "common good." (The "common good" involves individual citizens having the commitment and motivation to promote the welfare of the community- www.learningtogive.org ).Ask the students who invented the light bulb. Thomas Edison probably would be the obvious answer but explain to your students that Lewis Howard Latimer, an African American, the only African American member of Edison's research team,  developed and patented the process for manufacturing the carbon filaments used in the light bulb. This made the light bulb economically feasible. Go on to explain that between the mid 1800's and early 1900's, over a thousand inventions were patented by African American inventors. Many more were unidentified because they hid their race to avoid discrimination, while others sold their inventions to white men.

 (NOTE: Prior to the lesson, the teacher may choose to bookmark the African American inventor websites for the students as doing so will save valuable instructional time.)

• Ask students to reflect back to what they learned about Vivian Thomas and ask how he had to hide his contribution to the Blue Baby surgical procedure.
• Explain to students that they are going to have an opportunity to learn about many unknown and unheralded African American inventors who have impacted their lives and society for the common good.
• Assign an African American inventor from the Inventors List (Attachment One) to each pair of students to research . One student will be given the job to conduct the research and the other the recorder/illustrator.
• Give each group a copy of the African American Inventor Study Worksheet (Attachment Two) to fill out. On the worksheet will be listed the various web-sites students can use for their research. Also have available a hard copy research materials ( books, encyclopedias, etc.).
• Assign the completion of the research and the worksheet.