In this unit, seventh grade science students will gain a better understanding of the inventor and their contributions to science. The 1999-2000 TCAP Test scores for my seventh grade science students indicated that the subtest History & Nature of Science was the weakest of all areas tested. The Tennessee Curriculum Framework Content Standard for Science in Grades 6-8 includes: HABITS OF MIND which states that students will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. They will exhibit an awareness of the historical and cultural contributions to the enterprise of science.
Standard 3.1b states that the individual initiative and vision create changes in science. Students will use the Internet to identify George Washington Carver's contributions to science.
Standard 3.1f states that progress in science depends heavily on societal events, and the course of history often depends on scientific and technological developments. These science students will again utilize the Internet to identify George Washington Carver's inventions which occurred because they fulfilled a basic need.
Upon completion of this unit, these students will connect what they learn about this scientist/inventor to their hobbies or future jobs. Hopefully, they will be inspired to try tasks that seem hard to do.