National Inventor's Month

Great inventors often follow a three-step process. They identify a problem or need, design a product or process to fill the need, and then market their invention to the world. Learn more about each of these key steps through lessons, interactives, and activities.

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Solving a Problem

Check out Inventions: Edison and the Light Bulb from ScienceNetLinks to learn how “The Wizard of Menlo Park” made a good idea better.

Science | Grades K-2

Can you think of something that is hard to do? Perhaps you can make the job easier through a clever invention like a tool, helpful device, or new process. Use this Impact Sheet to find out if your idea is worth pursuing.

Science | Grades K-2

The Productive Blues (Jeans)

What did Levi Strauss, Milton Hershey, and William Wrigley, Jr have in common? They all found a way to fill a need through products we still use today.

History | Grades 3-8

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Inventing and Innovating

Find out more about the people behind the inventions we use every day and learn what it takes to invent or innovate.

Great American Inventors: Using Nonfiction to Learn about Technology Inventions

 Literacy | Grades 3-5

US History: Inventors & Entrepreneurs

Economics |Grades 3-8

The Great Plains: A Harsh Welcome to Settlers

Read the lyrics to the folk song “Dakota Land” that relates hardships faced by the pioneers moving westward into unsettled lands in the 1800’s. Then think about the inventions and innovations that now make traveling and living in America much easier.

Geography | Grades 9-12

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Marketing Your Idea

What’s Your Angle?

Now it’s time to “Catch Them If You Can,” a fun activity about getting customers to buy your product. It’s all in how you advertise!

Economics | Grades 3-8

‘Segway’ to the Future

Americans love their cars. Can you convince them to try a different kind of transportation? Show them the numbers that add up to more money in their pockets.

Economics | Grades 9-12