Inventions Family Tree

Day 1:

• Display a phonograph. Have students talk with an "elbow partner" about the following: the purpose of the invention, how the invention changed recorded sound, and other inventions that evolved from the parent invention. Allow 3-5 minutes for students to engage in conversations. 
• Ask for volunteers to share out responses. Follow up with asking students what they are now wondering about the invention and possible descendants of the phonograph and how has the phonograph changed people's lives. 
• Share with students other inventions that evolved from the phonograph (record player, albums, 8-Track, cassette player and cassette, CD player & CD, digital music). These examples are "offspring" from the parent invention of the phonograph. 
• Explain to students that they will construct a family tree using graphic representations/charts showing how the light bulb, telephone, or telegraph has evolved with offspring to improve and change lives.   
• Have students choose light bulb, telephone, or telegraph as parent invention. Brainstorm other inventions that may have evolved from the original invention. Conduct research with the following focus: how has the invention changed lives over time? 
• Record findings on template.  Students will use free image websites to search for pictures to use on tree.

Day 2

• With gathered research, students are to go to Google Draw. Use the drawing tools to make a tree. Insert the picture of the main invention. Insert a text box beneath to label with the following: name of invention, inventor, year invented, and how it improved/changed lives. Use arrows, lines, etc. to connect offspring to parent and other offspring if needed. 
• Remind students that for each invention, a picture must be included.  

Students' product will be assessed using the provided rubric.