PROBLEM SOLVERS
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Books in this lesson:​

NOW & BEN: THE MODERN INVENTIONS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

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​Author: Gene Barretta
Illustrator: Gene Barretta
​Publisher: Square Fish
​Year: 2008


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​This colorfully illustrated picture book details the inventions and discoveries of Benjamin Franklin and how they are integrated into today's society.

BUILD IT: INVENT NEW STRUCTURES AND CONTRAPTIONS

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​Author: Tammy Enz
Publisher: Capstone
​Year: 2012
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​Written by a civil engineer, this book takes students through the process of designing a solution to a problem. Eight projects are used as examples of the process.

Storytime Videos

GOING PLACES
This video, available on Discovery Education, is based on the children's book written by Peter and Paul Reynolds. It is a component of "Read Across America Day Virtual Field Trip 2016."

THE WONDERFUL TOWERS OF WATTS

This video, available on Discovery Education, is based on the children's book written by Patricia Zelver. It is a component of "Reading Rainbow: The Wonderful Towers of Watts."


​You will need a Discovery Education username and password to access these resources.  See your METI for assistance if you need to set up an account.

FCS Provided Databases (click on the icon to see the available resources)

 In this BrainPOP Junior movie, Annie and Moby introduce you to the life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell.
​Kids Infobits has curated these
​resources for "INVENTIONS".


THINKING BIG AND BUILDING SMALL

This program presents a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn the secrets of superstructures from the PBS series Building Big with David Macaulay. Along the way, viewers will explore the greatest manmade wonders of the world, discover how designers overcome engineering challenges, and build your own mini-structures through hands-on activity segments with printed instructions.
INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS
​Content Collection
Discovery Education has curated images, videos, and lesson plans for INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS. You will need a Discovery Education username and password to access these resources.  See your METI for assistance if you need to set up an account.

UNFOLDING AN 18TH-CENTURY GAMING TABLE

​This invention is a console, a desk for writing and reading, and a game table for cards and chess with a concealed spring-driven backgammon box. 
The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation is a weekly Saturday morning show on CBS that showcases present-day change-makers from all over the world who are creating solutions to real needs. It is hosted by CBS Sunday Morning regular Mo Rocca.

Innovation Nation
" THE BRAILLE PRINTER"
Meet the 13-year-old who built the affordable Braille Printer for the blind.
Innovation Nation
​"THE STAINLESS SHIRT "
See how nanotechnology can make dirty clothes a thing of the past.
Innovation Nation
​" APPLE 1 "
In this segment from “The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation” you’ll meet Steve Wozniak, and learn about the Apple 1 computer.
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SORTIFY: INVENTIONS
INTERACTIVE BRAINPOP ACTIVITY
Sort the inventions into categories such as agriculture, transportation, computer science, etc.