Learning About John Deere – Discover a historical figure – Invented to help farmers – John Deere created the steel plow. – Guess the invention – What machine made farming easier? – John Deere’s impact – His invention changed farming forever. | This slide introduces John Deere, an influential historical figure whose invention revolutionized agriculture. Begin the class with an engaging question to pique students’ curiosity about inventions that aid in farming. Explain that John Deere invented the steel plow, which made it easier for farmers to till the soil. Encourage the students to guess what he might have invented before revealing the answer. Discuss how this invention impacted farming, making it less labor-intensive and more productive. Use this opportunity to connect past innovations with modern-day farming equipment and discuss the importance of agriculture in society.

Meet John Deere: The Man Who Changed Farming – John Deere, a skilled blacksmith – He made tools out of metal for farmers. – Invented the steel plow in 1837 – His plow could cut through sticky soil without getting stuck. – Transformed farming practices – Made it easier to prepare land for planting crops quickly. | John Deere was an important figure in American history, particularly in the development of agricultural technology. As a blacksmith, he used his skills to create a plow that was more effective than the wooden ones used at the time. His invention of the steel plow in 1837 revolutionized farming by making it easier and more efficient to till the land, especially the tough prairie soil of the Midwest. This allowed farmers to plant crops more quickly and with less labor. Discuss with the students how inventions can have a big impact on everyday life and encourage them to think about how John Deere’s invention still affects farming today.

The Importance of John Deere’s Steel Plow – Iron plows before John Deere – Old plows would get stuck in the dirt – Steel plow invention – John Deere made plows from steel – Cutting through sticky soil – Steel plows didn’t stick in the mud – Making farming easier | John Deere’s invention of the steel plow represented a significant advancement in agricultural technology. Before his innovation, farmers used iron plows that were not efficient for the tough prairie soil of the Midwest, which often led to the plow getting stuck and making farming more labor-intensive. Deere’s steel plow was more durable and could slice through heavy and sticky soil without clogging, which greatly improved farming efficiency and contributed to the agricultural growth of the United States. This slide aims to help second-grade students understand the impact of John Deere’s invention on farming. Teachers can demonstrate the difference between iron and steel plows by using simple classroom materials to mimic the soil and show how a smoother surface (steel) glides more easily than a rougher one (iron).

John Deere’s Early Beginnings – Born in Vermont, 1804 – John Deere was born long ago in a place called Vermont. – Grew up to be a blacksmith – A blacksmith shapes metal to make things. John Deere made tools to help farmers. – Made tools from metal – Tools like hammers and plows were made by blacksmiths like John Deere. | Introduce John Deere as a historical figure by starting with his early life. Explain that he was born in Vermont in 1804, which is over 200 years ago, to give students a sense of the time period. Discuss his profession as a blacksmith and how it was an important job in the community, making tools that people needed for everyday tasks, especially farmers. Emphasize that being a blacksmith required skill and strength to shape metal. You can bring a metal tool to class to show students or demonstrate how metal is shaped by heating and hammering. This will give them a better understanding of John Deere’s early life and his contributions to agriculture.

John Deere’s Big Move to Illinois – John Deere moved to Illinois – Farmers faced tough soil – The soil was so hard that farmers needed better tools to work with it. – Invented the steel plow – John Deere designed a plow made of steel that could cut through the tough soil. – His plow helped many farmers – This invention made farming easier and changed agriculture. | This slide focuses on a significant event in John Deere’s life, his move to Illinois. Emphasize to the students how John Deere saw a problem – the tough prairie soil that was hard to farm with the tools available at the time – and created a solution by inventing the steel plow. This innovation greatly helped the local farmers and had a lasting impact on farming practices. Discuss with the students how one person can make a big difference by solving problems. You can also bring a small model or picture of a steel plow to show the class what it looks like.

John Deere’s Lasting Legacy – John Deere, a plow inventor – Started a company for farmers – He made plows so more farmers could have them – Company growth over time – From one man’s idea to a big company still running – John Deere’s impact today – They still make farming tools that help farmers all over | John Deere was not just a person but a visionary who saw the need for better farming tools and took the initiative to fulfill that need. He started his own company to manufacture plows that would help farmers work more efficiently. Over the years, his company expanded, and today, it continues to operate, providing a wide range of equipment for agriculture. It’s important to convey to the students how one person’s idea can grow into something that lasts for generations and has a significant impact on an industry. Encourage the children to think about how farming might be different if John Deere hadn’t created his plow and company.

Why Remember John Deere? – John Deere improved farming – His plow invention helped grow more food – Before his plow, farming was very hard. His invention made it easier! – One idea can make a big difference – Think about how one good idea in your life can help others too! – His legacy in agriculture | John Deere was an inventor who changed farming forever with his steel plow. This slide aims to help second graders understand the impact of John Deere’s invention on agriculture. It’s important to convey that his plow made it easier to prepare the land for planting, which allowed farmers to grow more food and feed more people. Highlight how one person’s innovative idea can have a huge positive effect on the community and the world. Encourage students to think of ways they can make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Share stories of John Deere’s life and his dedication to improving farming tools, emphasizing his legacy in the agricultural industry.

Let’s Be Inventors Like John Deere! – Imagine being a blacksmith – Invent a helpful tool – Draw your invention – Use your creativity to sketch – Share how it helps people – Think about problems we have today and how your tool solves them | This class activity encourages students to step into the shoes of John Deere, a blacksmith and inventor, and to use their imagination to create a new tool. Provide students with drawing materials and ask them to think about what kind of tool they would invent to help people today. Once they have drawn their invention, facilitate a show-and-tell session where each student can explain how their tool would be useful. This activity not only teaches them about historical figures and their contributions but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Possible activity variations could include working in pairs, creating a story about their invention, or even building a simple model with craft materials.