In our recent classroom project, students took on the roles of inventors during the American Revolution! They solved real problems faced by colonists and soldiers using historically plausible resources and plenty of creativity.
The students began the lesson by reading letters written by colonists and soldiers to uncover the challenges they faced. From there, we compiled a class list of the most pressing problems, such as food shortages, communication struggles, harsh weather, and poor, muddy roads.
Students formed groups to tackle one problem, researching what materials were available (and unavailable) during that time. They brainstormed ways colonists originally tried to solve these issues and then dreamed up innovative, yet realistic, solutions that could have made life easier during the Revolution.
Once they reached a group consensus, the teams sketched their designs, labeled the materials needed, and created prototypes using classroom craft supplies. The results were extraordinary—everything from clever transportation devices to warm, mobile carts for soldiers!
This project brought history to life in an exciting, hands-on way. It encouraged students to think critically, collaborate, and understand the struggles of the past while imagining practical solutions.
Below are the students explaining their inventions!