Inventions-America’s Best Webquest

By Karen Cole & Dorene Johnson

Shared by: Chris Prost

http://www.tccsa.net/webquest/cole_johnson/

What is an Invention?

An invention is something produced for the first time through the use of imagination or ingenious thinking

and experimentation. 

The processes that inventors follow to invent are:  

1. Define the problem 2. Finding solutions and ideas 3. Documentation of ideas 4. Testing and refining 5. Actual production

Introduction  

What is your favorite invention?  Do you admire an American inventor?  Is there an invention that you think has made a major impact on America?

What are those inventions?  Who invented them?  How have these inventions impacted our world?  Where did the ideas for these inventions come from?  This web quest will help you answer these questions and more.

As a team, students will explore American inventors and their inventions.  Each member of your team will research and will become knowledgeable about great American inventions from four points of view. 

The Historian

As the historian, the students role is to explore the historical impact that American inventions have had on our society. What was the historical importance of each invention? 

The Economist

As an economist, the students role is to explore the economic impact that American inventions have had on our society.  How did each invention save time or make life easier, which  translates into saved money, for Americans?

The Reporter

As a reporter, the students role is to explore the positive impact that American inventions have had on our society.  How did each invention improve society at the time they were invented?

The Scientist

As a scientist, the students role is to explore the scientific impact that American inventions have had on our society.  How did each invention expand American's knowledge at the time they were invented?

Group Process

1. Establish individual responsibilities.

2. Research and choose the five inventions you believe have had the greatest impact on American society.

3. Prepare your projects to convince your teammates that your five inventions are the most important American inventions.

4. Share projects within your group. Discuss and come to a consensus as a group on the five most important American inventions.

5. Create a multimedia presentation to outline the five most important American inventions.

Assessing

The assessment for this web quest is based on several components.

1. Research and Work Time – 20 pts

2. Project – 100 pts

3. Group Project – 30 pts

4. Power Point Presentation – 50 pts