Eli Whitney
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
In this unit, you will learn about an inventor, Eli Whitney. You will learn about one of his inventions, the cotton mill, and how it changed slavery. Eli also helped out with the production of firearms for the military during his day. You will also use critical thinking skills to make your own inventions and consider why inventions are important. This unit contains reading lessons, worksheets, an online game and a video give you an in-depth look at Eli Whitney. This unit is designed to last one week, depending on how often you teach history. 
List of Objectives:
- Get to know Eli Whitney.
- Learn about some of his important inventions.
- Understand that without inventors, we wouldn't have some of the things we have today.
- Use your imagination to make some of your own inventions.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
- Paper
- A pen or pencil
- Paper
- A pen or pencil
- Books or the Internet for research
- A printer and basic printing supplies
- Writing paper
- A pen or pencil
- Recycled items
- Something to hold your new creation together (glue, hot glue, staples, tape, etc.)
- Game pieces
- Paper to write the rules
- A pen or pencil
Printables:
- A printer and basic printing supplies
- A pencil
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
| Eli as a Boy | (no rating) |
Learn about the young Eli Whitney in this article.
| Inventor Profile | (no rating) |
American inventor, pioneer, mechanical engineer, and manufacturer, Eli Whitney is best remembered as the inventor of the cotton gin.
| The Cotton Gin | (no rating) |
Eli Whitney was the inventor of the cotton gin and a pioneer in the mass production of cotton.
| The Cotton Gin's Impact on Slavery | (no rating) |
Now that you've read about the cotton gin, let's take a look at how it affected slavery.
| Standardization of Firearms | (no rating) |
As early as 1798, Eli Whitney had turned his talents to the manufacture of firearms.
Reference Websites:
| Eli Whitney | (no rating) |
Eli Whitney was born in the year 1765 in Westborough, Massachusetts.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Eli Whitney Contributions | (no rating) |
In your own words, write a summary about Eli Whitney.
| Importance of Inventions | (no rating) |
Have you ever thought about why you learn about inventors? Inventions are important factors in our everyday lives. Without people thinking of better ways to do things, or making contraptions to make work easier, life would be much different for us. In this activity, you will think of and write ten things that you use every day.
| My Invention | (no rating) |
Help your child become an inventor in this fun, thought-provoking activity.
| Recycled Treasures | (no rating) |
What can you make with recycled items around your house? In this fun activity, you will find out by creating something from various items in your home.
| A New Game | (no rating) |
In this activity, you will invent a new game using pieces from other games you have.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Comprehension Questions | (no rating) |
Read the story, then answer the questions to see what you have learned about Eli Whitney.
| Goldburger to Go | (no rating) |
Use your thinking skills to fix this invention in this online game.
| Cotton Gin | (no rating) |
View this animation showing how the cotton gin worked.
| Effects of the Cotton Gin on Slavery | (no rating) |
Use these worksheets to see how the cotton gin affected slavery.
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Free Online Video:
| Eli Whitney History | (no rating) |
Watch this video and learn some interesting facts about Eli Whitney.
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Free Online Audio: 
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):