COLLECTION
PRIMARY ELEMENTARY | MATH & SCIENCE
George Washington Carver
Students will compare and contrast George Washington Carver’s life and times and explore his contributions to science. Then, students will use methods that he developed for growing and cooking sweet potatoes.
Concepts: Plant Parts | Plant Needs
Essential Questions
- How was life during George Washington Carver’s time different and similar to today?
- What were George Washington Carver’s contributions and how can we use them today?
Standards Addressed
Focus
- SS1H1a. Students will identify the contributions made by (various figures, including) George Washington Carver (science).
- SS1H1b. Students describe how everyday life of these historical figures is similar to and different from everyday life in the present (food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation).
- S1L1a. Students will identify the basic needs of a plant: air, water, light, nutrients.
- S1L1c. Students will identify the parts of a plant—root, stem, leaf, and flower.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E. Students will use verbs to convey a sense of past, present, and future.
Explorations in this Collection
Growing Sweet Potatoes like George Washington Carver
Cooking Sweet Potatoes like George Washington Carver
Exploring George Washington Carver’s Contributions to Science
Examining How George Washington Carver’s Life was Similar and Different
Recommended Resources
Online
- 7 Facts on George Washington Carver – http://www.biography.com/news/george-washington-carver-facts-national-peanut-month
- Carver’s Publication on Peanuts – http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/carver-peanut/
- Carver’s Publication on Sweet Potatoes – http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/additional-resources/carver-sweetpotatoes/
- Photos of Carver and his tools – https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/tuskegee/gwcwagon.htm
- Brainpop Jr video – https://educators.brainpop.com/bp-jr-topic/george-washington-carver/
Children’s Literature
- In the Garden with Dr. Carver by Susan Grigsby
- What is Science by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
- What is a Scientist? by Barbara Lehn