The Bold Ones: Innovators and Inventors

In this class we will explore the world of some of the greatest inventors and innovators in history. We will discuss their childhood, their influences, and what they did that left a mark on history. We will discuss the differences between them, and how the time period that they lived shaped their inventions. 

This class will be broken up into 8 week classes. Each class will consist of a  powerpoint lecture that will include recordings, pictures, and film. There will also be a guided discussion over what we have learned and the student’s individual thoughts and opinions regarding the lessons. Each class (with the exception of class 8) will have 1-2 homework assignments that correlate with that weeks topic. There will be some discussion of slavery (Madam CJ Walker), and of discrimination and sexism (Hedy Lamarr). We will explore what goes into creating something and having the confidence to see your invention brought to life. 

Week 1 - Benjamin Franklin  - Inventor of the Lightning rod, bifocals, glass harmonica, hand paddles, and more!
Week 2 - Marie Curie - First women to win a Nobel Prize for her discovery of a new element
Week 3 - Albert Einstein - Theory of relativity
Week 4-  Hedy Lamarr - Mother of Wifi
Week 5 - Thomas Edison - Inventor of the light bulb, the kinetoscope, movie camera, phonograph, and more! 
Week 6 - Madam CJ Walker - Started a multi-million dollar company selling her own hair care products
Week 7 - Nikola Tesla - Inventor of alternating current, Tesla Coil, and more!
Week 8 - Inventions that kids have created; Final date for any projects not presented throughout the class.