Chapter 19, Student Web Activities, The American Journey, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 19: The Growth of Industry
"Inventions"

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about the many inventions that changed American life during the last half of the nineteenth century. Some of these inventions made travel easier. Others improved communication. The electric lightbulb helped all areas of society. Inventors like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Henry Ford became well known for their contributions to American life. Other inventors who were not as well known also created important inventions that increased the safety of Americans. In this activity you will learn more about one of these inventors, Elijah McCoy.

Destination Title: Inventors Museum

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Directions
Start at the Inventors Museum home page.

Click on Enter Museum Exhibits.
Then click on African American Inventors.
In the menu on the left of the screen, click on the name Elijah McCoy.

After reading the article answer the following questions.

1. Why was Elijah McCoy born in Canada?

2. Where did McCoy serve an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering?

3. Where did the phrase the "real McCoy" come from?

4. How many patents did McCoy hold when he died?

5. Return to the "Museum Lobby" page of the Web site. Find another inventor you would like to learn more about. You may choose another African American inventor, a Colonial inventor, a woman inventor, or any other inventor. Prepare a 3- to 5-minute presentation about your inventor to share with your class.