Lesson Plan: What is the History of Pencils?

Objective:
Explore the history of pencils and discover the point of pencils in history

Featured learning skills:

• Researching
• Role playing
• Timelines

LESSON PLAN

Step 1: Preparation/Discussion

• Click here for background information on pencil history
• Read aloud or have the students read in silence
• Or highlight the key points and share them with the class

Step 2: Pass out activity sheet [pdf] “The History of the Pencil”

Part I activity sheet: Name bank answers

(1) B
(2) D
(3) C
(4) A

Part II activity sheet: Supplemental information

Here are everyday items, inventions or discoveries to cite.

England: steam engine, steam locomotive, sewing machine, bicycle, Parliamentary system of government, the English language.

Germany: automobile engine, modern freeways, the concept of “movable type” (Gutenberg), thermometer (Fahrenheit).

The Roman Empire: modern architecture (houses, baths, coliseums), aqueducts for transporting water, road networks, Latin (the foundation of modern languages).

NOTE: Where appropriate, support this lesson plan with other information found within The Story of Pencils pages. In particular, you may wish to check out our Pencil History page.