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Power to the Peanut

George Washington Carver was an influential scientist and a promoter of environmentalism. Students will learn about and create an image of this important historical figure.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    George Washington Carver (1864-1943) was an American agricultural scientist and inventor as well as a promoter of environmentalism. Born into slavery a year before it was abolished, he went on to receive a college education and several honorary doctorates of science. He was one of the most prominent Black scientists of the early 20th century. Have students learn about his life and work. What techniques did he develop to improve soil depleted by repeated plantings of cotton? How did he help poor farmers improve their crops as well as their own quality of life? Why did growing nitrogen-fixing plants like peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes help restore the soil? What food, industrial, and commercial products did he develop using peanuts?

  • Step 2

    Have students create a collage portrait of George Washington Carver. They can draw images of peanuts or other items relating to his life, then cut them out and affix them to their artwork.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their completed artwork to the class and discuss some of George Washington Carver's great accomplishments.

Standards

SCI: Use evidence to support the concept that behaviors can be influenced by the environment and the environment is impacted by behavior. 

SS: Time, Continuity, and Change: Analyze the causes and consequences of past events and developments, and place these in the context of the institutions, values and beliefs of the period in which they took place. 

Adaptations

Have students investigate other notable Black scientists who influenced history. Suggestions include Charles R. Drew (1904-1950), a surgeon and medical researcher who improved techniques for blood storage and developed large-scale blood banks; Katherine Johnson (1918-2020), whose orbital mechanics calculations were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflights; and Percy Julian (1899-1975), a chemist and pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants.

Betsy Graves Reyneau (1888-1964) was an American painter best known for a series of paintings of prominent African Americans. Have students learn about this artist and her dedication to equal rights for all. Have them view her portrait of George Washington Carver, her first and most famous subject.