Technology's Impact in American History (TIAH) 2020: Invention and Innovation in American History

Participants in the  Invention and Innovation colloquium will examine primary sources from the Library of Congress and the Lemelson Center to explore inventions and innovations that shape our everyday lives.  One of the few specific functions spelled out in the Constitution is that the federal government should issue patents to allow inventors to protect their discoveries. Understanding America's rich invention history can help inspire new cultures of innovation.  What is the special chemistry of time and place that fosters the drive to create and improve?

Teachers selected will work under the guidance of a colloquium team to create primary source lessons and resources for their classroom and for use by other teachers.

This TIAH colloquium is a collaboration between NCHE and the Teaching with Primary Sources Program of the Library of Congress and takes place at the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation located in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

 

Details: 

Each participant will receive a $500 stipend to offset costs associated with attendance (ex. travel or hotel costs). Housing is not provided. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the venue for participants on each day of the colloquium.  Each attendee will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the National Council for History Education. 

After the program, participants will be asked to submit a lesson based on the ideas that they explore during this colloquium.  These lessons will be shared online through the TPS Teachers Network.

To apply: 

Complete the online application.  Applicants must be current K-12 school teachers. Applications will be accepted until the cap has been reached. Additional applicants will be placed on a wait list.  

Application