by Stefany Smith

Created on: February 07, 2009

Without History, we have no future. Learning about the history of our nation and our world provides students with the necessary tools to make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, most elementary students look at History class as a boring tedious task that has no real meaning. How great would it be to have a classroom full of students who are excited, energized, and eager to learn more?

Here are four basic ideas to get you started. They all come from an interdisciplinary approach, so you will be able to fit them with Reading, Writing, Speech, Math, Science, and more. All projects will work as individual or group assignments, or as suggested extra credit projects. These are only meant as a base from which you can develop several plans. Your students will develop an interest in their history, while looking into the future.

Invention Fair:

First, students must pick an invention from a specified time period (you can work this into your current curriculum). Students will research, using the school library, internet, interviews, and public library, the inventor, the invention and the impact it made in American History. From the research, students will prepare a topical paper (according to their education level).

Second, students will build a replica of the invention. All parts and pieces do not have to work, they are just kids. However, the model should show their understanding of the invention. For example, in fourth grade I built a model of the first cotton gin based on pictures that were available at the time. I used 1X1 pieces of wood, chicken wire, a simple hand crank, and some cotton batting.

Third, students will brainstorm ideas for a future invention in the same field. Then build a model, or prepare an artistic illustration, of their invention, along with a short written explanation of its use and benefits.

This project should run an entire marking period, along with your regular class activities and lessons. At the end of the marking period, hold an invention open house where students can showcase their replicas. A short period can be allotted for students to present their individual projects. This can turn into a fair similar to a Science Fair along with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and participation recognition.

Presidential Interviews:

Students pretend they have discovered a time machine, and can travel back to any period in American History. They chose their favorite president, and conduct an interview. This can be accomplished one of two ways.

1. Each student researches

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