Early African-American scientists and inventors didn’t receive credit for their innovations. You can help young students relate to this by rewarding their fellow students for the work they do. For example, ask them to draw a letter or clean up toys. Once they finish, thank and give a sticker to the student sitting next to them. Even today, African-American scientists face challenges, both those imposed by the public and those they impose on themselves. Roland Owens, a National Institutes of Health associate director, says African-American scientists often fear that their personal mistakes will reflect on the entire race, preventing others from obtaining jobs -- Owens sees mentorships as one way to ease the problem. Despite these fears and challenges, however, many have had positive influence and contributions in the field of science. These contributions are tangible and can inspire children of all races.
George Washington Carver, one of the more popular Black History Month subjects, developed peanut butter and other plant products. Lonnie Johnson, a modern inventor, created something that might be even more interesting to a kindergarten class: the Super Soaker water gun. For children who hope to one day be an astronaut, “Mae Jemison” by Nancy Polette or “Mae Jemison” by Stephen Feinstein tell the story of the first African-American woman to reach space. Guion S. Bluford, a man, was the first African-American in space.
You can either display household items invented by African-Americans in the classroom for discussion, or send students home on a scavenger hunt for those items. Open a drawer in the kitchen and you might find Alfred Cralle’s invention, a device that makes rounded scoops of ice cream. While in the kitchen, raid the cabinets for potato chips, an accidental creation of George Crum. Outside in warm weather, you can spot Joseph H. Smith’s invention, the lawn sprinkler, keeping grass lush. On desks, in cups and in purses, you might find a pen, the invention of William B. Purvis. In the laundry room, you may come across another of George Washington Carver’s inventions: bleach. In fact, add any one of his many household inventions to your list: instant coffee, mayonnaise, shaving cream or others. Sarah Boone invented the ironing board. The toolbox holds another African-American invention, the creation of heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson: a wrench. Thomas Stewart contributed the mop and Lloyd Ray, the dust pan.
Students can use construction paper and other crafting materials to create a replica of Garrette Morgan’s traffic light. The traffic light can also be the center of other activities, such as a game of “Red Light, Green Light.” Although geared toward children 8 and older, “What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, may still entertain a kindergarten story time audience.