George Washington Carver

Summary
To introduce George Washington Carver to the students using a short reading passage with a corresponding comprehension worksheet.

Objectives
• Students will be introduced to the life of George Washington Carver.

• Students will gain an interest in historical figures that have played a significant role in history.

• Students will practice their reading comprehension abilities.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
George Washington Carver was born to slave parents on July 12, in Diamond Grove, Missouri. One night, as an infant, he and his mother were kidnapped by raiders. Though George was unharmed and returned to the farm, his mother disappeared and that would be the last George would see of her. Therefore, Moses and Susan Carver, owners of the farm, took responsibility for George and raised him and his brother.

Unlike children today, George?s education didn?t start until he was twelve years old. At the time, schools were segregated and George was unable to attend the local school. As an alternative, he moved to a different county in Missouri where he attended a one room schoolhouse. George excelled in his studies and was accepted into Iowa State?s College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now known as Iowa State University). Upon graduation, he was offered a position on the school?s faculty.

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