Open Class Discussion: Say: Now we're going to talk about inventions, and how they can change your life. When your grandparents were growing up, the invention of television changed the way people lived. Imagine the world today without television. What would be different? (Get some answers)
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Transition: Say, Some inventions change life considerably. That's what happened to the Plains people. Once they had the horse, life was never the same again. In their case, the discovery of the horse made them very happy.
Individual Activity: Direct students to select a modern invention and write a brief essay on how that invention has changed daily life. If they need help, throw out suggestions that they can use, like the invention of the automobile, airplane, computer, cell phone, and playstation.
Give students instructions on what their essay must include:
Opening statement sentence
Body, 3 short paragraphs:
Describe invention
How it affects them personally
How it has affected societyClosing summary sentence
Give them some time to write their essay in class. Collect papers. They can illustrate their essay if they wish while others are finishing up.
Close Activity:
Ask: What are some of the inventions you selected? (Get some answers.)
Close with a positive feedback statement, such as, "All of these inventions most certainly changed daily life. Nice job everyone!