Untitled design (27)
The Scoop on Inventors
The Scoop on Inventors
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: USA
Ages: 8-10
Author: Mon Trice
Publisher: Room to Read
Illustrator: Samantha Jo
Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Creativity and inventiveness are key to helping children find solutions to problems and think outside the box. By exposing them to the rich history of scientific discoveries and inventions from all cultures, we nurture their potential to innovate. Throughout history, diverse cultures have made groundbreaking contributions—India introduced the concept of zero whilst the Middle East developed advanced surgical techniques. These discoveries, along with others such as Africa's early mathematics, shaped the world we live in today. However, many educational systems focus primarily on Western inventors, often neglecting the significant contributions from the Global South. This limits children's understanding of the universal nature of creativity and diminishes pride in their cultural heritage. By teaching them about the wide array of inventors and scientists from different traditions, we help children appreciate that creativity and discovery know no bounds, inspiring them to think big and solve the problems of tomorrow.

Themes

Inclusion & Disability
STEAM

Sub Themes

Identity & Heritage
Hidden Histories

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Children will feel empowered by learning about diverse inventors, gain awareness of bias, and be inspired to ask questions about their world. They will see that creativity and scientific thinking are universal.
  • Learn about important inventions created by African Americans.
  • Reflect on representation and inclusion in school learning.
  • Recognize the role of innovation in improving everyday life.
  • Understand, Contributions come from all communities, even if history books omit them.
  • Develop critical thinking about whose stories are being told.

Activities

  • 1. Inventor Gallery: Children research and present one African American inventor.
  • 2. Design an Invention: Kids draw and describe a useful tool they would invent.
  • 3. Hidden Figures Wall: Create a class mural of underrecognized inventors and scientists.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Can you name an inventor and what they made?
  • Have you ever learned about inventors from different countries or backgrounds?
  • Everything in your house has been invented by someone. Can you name a few discoverers?

During reading

  • Pause as each invention is mentioned and ask if students have used it.
  • Ask: Have you ever thought about who made these items?
  • Invite children to share their reactions to Dré’s feelings.

After reading

  • Why was Dré disappointed after his school lesson?
  • What did Dré learn from his dad?
  • Why is it important to learn about inventors from all backgrounds?
  • What invention would you create to help your family?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Highlights the importance of inclusive education and teaching diverse histories.

SDG 8 — Decent Work & Economic Growth

Honors the contributions of African American inventors in fields of work and innovation.

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Honors the contributions of African American inventors in fields of work and innovation.

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities

Challenges systemic underrepresentation by showcasing diverse voices in STEM history.

Comments

There are no comments

Leave a Reply

Sign up to receive notifications whenever we
release new books

Share this post

Start typing and press Enter to search

Shopping Cart
Sign up with Google