Light Bulb Craft

This simple yet meaningful Light Bulb Craft Inspired by Lewis Howard Latimer encourages creativity while learning! February is not just the shortest month of the year; it’s a period brimming with the celebration of Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. In the spirit of innovation and creativity, a light bulb craft offers a symbolic nod to the bright ideas and inventions brought forth by Black inventors and scientists. One such figure is Lewis Latimer, the inventor who improved the filament for the light bulb, making electric lighting more practical and accessible for all. This craft is not only a fun project but also a fantastic educational tool to illuminate the minds of young learners about the significant impacts of African American inventors.

Materials Needed

• Yellow or orange construction paper
• Black construction paper
• Black paint
• Paint Brush
• Large craft sticks
• Black marker
• Something to poke two holes at the end of the two filaments (e.g., pencil or bamboo stick)
• Yellow or orange pipe cleaners

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Light Bulb Craft: Cut out a light bulb shape from yellow or orange construction paper. When drawing the base of the light bulb ensure they are slightly larger than the bulb part. This will be the base of your craft. Also cut a narrow curved rectangle pieces from the black construction paper for the very base of the light bulb

2. Paint the Craft Stick: Paint three large craft stick black. Once dry, glue them to the bottom of the paper light bulb to serve as the base. along with the black curved rectangle.

3. Draw the Filament: With a black marker, draw the filament inside your light bulb. This can be a simple curved line heading upwards and slightly out at the top. See pictures for guidance.

4. Poke Holes: Carefully poke two holes at the ends of your drawn filament. This is where you’ll attach the pipe cleaner.

5. Prepare the Pipe Cleaner: Bend a yellow pipe cleaner into a zigzag shape to mimic the look of a light bulb’s filament.

5. Attach the Pipe Cleaner: Insert each end of the pipe cleaner into the holes you’ve made at the filament’s ends. This adds a 3D effect to your light bulb.
6. Display Your Craft: Your light bulb craft is now complete! Find the perfect spot to display it and share its significance.

Tips for Success

• Use safety scissors for cutting and supervise younger children when poking holes for the pipe cleaners.
• Encourage kids to learn a fact about Lewis Latimer or another Black inventor to share when they show off their light bulb craft.
• Be creative with the filament design. Each child can make their filament unique, just like every inventor’s contribution is unique.

Skills Learned

• Fine Motor Skills: Cutting shapes, painting, and handling small materials help improve coordination and dexterity.
• Creativity: Designing their own light bulb allows children to express themselves creatively.
• Historical Awareness: Discussing the significance of the light bulb craft introduces children to important historical figures and events in Black history.
• Science Knowledge: Learning about the function and development of the light bulb can spark an interest in science and invention.

Five Facts about Lewis Latimer

1. Inventive Mind: Lewis Latimer was a brilliant inventor and engineer who played a key role in developing the electric light bulb by inventing a durable carbon filament, making light bulbs longer-lasting and more affordable for people everywhere.
2. Early Life Challenges: Born in 1848 to escaped slaves, Lewis faced many obstacles from a young age but never let them hinder his thirst for knowledge and passion for inventing.
3. A Man of Many Talents: Besides his work on the light bulb, Latimer also helped invent the telephone, working alongside Alexander Graham Bell to draft the patent for Bell’s design in 1876.
4. A Pioneer for African American Inventors: Lewis Latimer was one of the first major African American inventors in the U.S., breaking racial barriers in the fields of science and technology during a time when it was very difficult for African Americans to gain recognition for their contributions.
5. A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation: Beyond his inventions, Latimer was also an accomplished artist, poet, and author, showcasing his diverse talents and leaving a lasting legacy that inspires creativity and innovation in science and engineering to this day.

This light bulb craft for Black History Month is more than just an art project; it’s a beacon of inspiration, celebrating the bright ideas that have come from African American inventors and scientists. By engaging in this activity, kids not only craft something beautiful but also connect with the incredible contributions that have shaped our world. Let’s light up learning with this fun and educational craft!

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Light Bulb Craft Inspired by Lewis Howard Latimer

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Materials

• Yellow or orange construction paper
• Black paint
• Paint Brush
• Large craft sticks
• Black marker
• Something to poke two holes at the end of the two filaments (e.g., pencil or bamboo stick)
• Yellow pipe cleaners 

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Light Bulb Craft: Print out light bulb template available at the end of the post. Use it to trace and cutvthe yellow or orange construction paper into the shape of a light bulb. This will be the base of your craft.
2. Paint the Craft Stick: Paint three large craft stick black. Once dry, glue them to the bottom of the paper light bulb to serve as the base.
3. Draw the Filament: With a black marker, draw the filament inside your light bulb. This can be a simple curved line heading upwards and slightly out at the top. See pictures for guidance.
4. Poke Holes: Carefully poke two holes at the ends of your drawn filament. This is where you'll attach the pipe cleaner.
5. Prepare the Pipe Cleaner: Bend a yellow pipe cleaner into a zigzag shape to mimic the look of a light bulb's filament.
6. Attach the Pipe Cleaner: Insert each end of the pipe cleaner into the holes you've made at the filament's ends. This adds a 3D effect to your light bulb.
7. Display Your Craft: Your light bulb craft is now complete! Find the perfect spot to display it and share its significance.

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