Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
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Inventors, Helpers and Science Jobs

How discoveries change life, and who does this work.

Lesson 7 of 41

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Before we start

Today’s story

Inventors, Helpers and Science Jobs

Long ago a farmer read by a flickering lamp. His eyes got tired. He went to bed early. Then electric lights came to farms and towns.

Now a child can read at night. A nurse can work in a bright room. A tractor has headlights. The invention changed daily life for many people.

Many people help make discoveries and inventions. The steps show how an idea changes life and how jobs use science.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Invention interview

    25 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Paper
    • Pencil
    • An old tool or photo
    • A trusted adult to interview

    Do this

    1. Choose an invention, like the refrigerator or the telephone.
    2. Ask an older adult how life was before it.
    3. Write down two things that were harder.
    4. Write two things that got better.
    5. Write any problems the invention may cause.
    6. Draw the invention and label it.
    7. Share what you learned.
    Write or draw: A before and after list and your drawing.

    Watch for: Notice that old ways and new ways each have good and tricky parts.

    Safety: Do not touch anything plugged in without an adult.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Ask how it changes people's lives.

    Good ideas often help many people.

    Rule 2Think about problems too.

    Every invention has a cost.

    Rule 3Learn about science jobs.

    Many jobs need science.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    invention
    Something new that people make.
    discovery
    Something new that people find out.
    career
    A job a person does for many years.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • What invention do you use every day? How do you know it helps?
    • What science jobs are near your town?
    Did you know

    The first electric light bulbs lasted only a short time, and many inventors worked to make them better.

    Someone who does this

    A museum educator helps visitors learn about science and invention.

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