Classroom Activities: George Washington Carver
These classroom activities are designed to complement the George Washington Carver topic on BrainPOP Jr.
Invention Convention
Remind students that George Washington Carver discovered hundreds of uses for sweet potatoes and peanuts. He took something that was readily available and changed the way people used it. Have students think of creative and alternative uses for something. They may think of different ways to recycle and reuse an item (for example, using a tire as a planter) or find a different use from a common product (such as using onion skins as paper). Students can prepare their inventions and make posters and presentations. Then have an Invention Convention where students can share their work with other students, classes, friends, and family members.
Biography
A great way to learn about someone is to read his or her biography. An even better way to learn about someone is to write his or her biography! Have students pick a historical figure they would like to learn more about and have them conduct research on the Internet or in the library. You may want to focus their subjects to famous scientists, African Americans, or women. You may want to show examples of biographies to the class. Encourage students to decorate their biographies with paintings, drawings, or photographs.
Facing Challenges
Discuss with students the challenges that George Washington Carver faced. How did he overcome them? How did he succeed? How do you think he felt when he was going through tough experiences? Invite students to share personal experiences when they faced challenges. What steps did they take to overcome their obstacles? Then break students up into groups and have them write and perform skits about overcoming obstacles and determination.
These classroom activities are designed to complement the George Washington Carver topic on BrainPOP Jr.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a popular Southern dessert that uses an ingredient that George Washington Carver spent a lifetime researching. Look for recipes on the Internet and bake a sweet potato pie with your child. This will give a wonderful opportunity to learn healthy eating habits and practice math and reading skills. Your child can help you measure ingredients and stir them together. Encourage your child to think of other ways to use sweet potatoes at home, such as sweet potato salad or sweet potato casseroles. You can extend the cooking activity by cooking a peanut dish or making your own peanut butter by blending peanuts.
Food Collage
As a fun art activity at home, have your child make a collage using the plants George Washington Carver studied, such as peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. Encourage your child to use all parts of the plant, such as the sweet potato skin, peanut shells, and the paper covering that surrounds the peanut.
An Artist’s Eye
George Washington Carver observed and drew plants to gain a better understanding of them. Your child may gain a better understanding of plants and their parts through sketching. Together with your child, take sketch books to a local garden or park and draw together. Encourage your child to observe and draw details about different plants. This activity can also be done during winter months with indoor houseplants.