SOCIAL STUDIES/WRITING
Letters to Invention Companies

Submitted by: I Love That Teaching Idea! Staff
From: Nibley, Utah
Date Submitted: April 12, 2001

When studying a unit on inventors and inventions, let your students get in touch with the REAL source! Bring in a bag of different things that have been invented. For example: microwave popcorn, lip balm, food coloring- just about anything will do. As you bring out each item from the bag, ask your students how they thought that item may have been invented. Write each product's name on the board. Then ask your students, "If they could only find out the answers to one of the products listed, which one would they most be interested in? Form small groups for students to write letters to the different companies. Perhaps they may even think of their own that they would like to write to! (M&M's always seems to be a favorite!)
Note: As their teacher, you may want to write a separate letter to the company to explain about your class project and how their timely reply will help your students. Most addresses to the companies are found on the back label of the product.