Bubble Gum and Other Fun Stuff!

Bubble Gum and Other Fun Stuff!
Lucy Hayes: Sports and Popular Culture

Skill: Elementary School
Time Required: One to two class periods


Introduction:

Not only has childhood changed since Lucy Webb Hayes’ lifetime; the toys of childhood have changed as well.  However, it was during this time period that the “fun” things of childhood were developed and became more available.

Objectives:

The purpose of this lesson is to help students develop an awareness of all the “fun” things, not necessarily toys and games, which were developed during Lucy Webb Hayes’ lifetime.

Materials Required:

Access to the Internet Inventions timeline link Access to print reference materials

Procedures:


1.  Working in groups, assign students the task of identifying “fun” things that were invented or developed during the decades of Lucy Webb Hayes’ life (see websites below).

2.  Have each group select one or two such items and conduct research on its development and history of use.  The teacher may wish to maintain a master list to reduce duplication.

3.  Students should present their findings to the class in the form of a short report or perhaps a PowerPoint presentation. 

Extending the Lesson:


This lesson could also be conducted in conjunction with Lesson #13 so that all sorts of leisure activities, games, toys, and “fun” things could be included.

Sources & Resources:


Websites:

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blgum.htm 

http://www.candyusa.org/Candy/cottoncandy.asp

http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120297.htm 

http://www.rossonhousemuseum.org/body_popcorn_history.html

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story007.htm
 
Credits:
 
This lesson was created and developed by Bette Brooks, Kent State University.

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