Process
This lesson is intended to be sigle disciplinary. The duration should be between 3-5 classes, assuming a length of approximately 45 minutes per period. I recommend pairs because the amount and nature of the tasks does not lend well to larger groups (i.e. 4 students trying to generate one patent drawing). Grouping would ideally pair complimentary abilities, like a more computer oriented student with a more artistically gifted child.
The lesson is straight forward. There are not any real significant skills that the teacher must have to carry out the lesson with a class, beyond the typical.
1. First students will be assigned a partner. The WebQuest is to be completed in pairs. In the event that there is an extra person, one group can have 3 students.
2. Your first step is to get your basic information on the Industrial Revolution. Some questions you want to consider are: when did it happen? Where did it happen? How were Americans affected by it? How were different areas affected differently? This is where you will use the websites that are provided to you.
Internet Modern History Sourcebook: Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution - MSN Encarta
4 2 eXplore: Industrial Revolution
Biographies of the Industrial Revolution
Innovations of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution
3. Next you will create a list of all the inventions and advances in science and technology that you come across which took place during this era. The purpose is to be able to see what peoples' and businesses' needs were and how inventors and others tried to address those needs.
4. You and your partner next need to analyze that information and come up with an idea for an invention. Your goal is to address a need that existed. You can come up with something totally original, or you can build off of something you have researched (i.e. a better mechanical reaper.)
5. Then you and your partner must submit a mock patent drawing (similar to the one below). The diagram must describe the parts of the invention and how it works.
Making Patent Drawings
Patent Illustrations and Helpful Information For Their Use