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Learning About Bill Gates – What is a historical figure? – Someone who did important things in the past. – Meet Bill Gates – He co-founded Microsoft and changed computers. – Why is Bill Gates important? – He made a big impact on technology and helps people. – Bill Gates’ big achievements – Created Microsoft Windows; gives to charity. | Begin the lesson by discussing the term ‘historical figure’ and encourage students to think of people who have done significant things in history. Introduce Bill Gates as a modern historical figure who has made a substantial impact on the world through technology and philanthropy. Explain his role in creating Microsoft and how his work with computers has changed the way we live and work. Highlight his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Use simple language and relatable examples to help second graders understand his contributions. Encourage students to ask questions and think about how one person can make a difference in the world.

Learning About Bill Gates – Bill Gates created Microsoft – Microsoft makes software for computers – Pioneer of personal computers – Helped make computers common in homes – Works to improve the world – Through his foundation, he helps people with health and education | Bill Gates is an important figure in technology and philanthropy. He co-founded Microsoft, which developed Windows, the operating system that revolutionized personal computing. His work made computers accessible and user-friendly, leading to the widespread use of PCs in homes and schools. After his success in technology, Gates focused on philanthropy, using his wealth to tackle global challenges through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Discuss with students how one person can make a significant impact on both technology and society. Encourage them to think of ways they can use their own skills to help others.

Early Life of Bill Gates – Born on October 28, 1955 – Avid reader and math whiz – Loved to solve puzzles and read books – Fascinated by computers early on – Used computers at school and was curious – Started programming at a young age – Wrote his first computer program at 13 years old | This slide introduces students to the early life of Bill Gates, emphasizing his birthdate for historical context. Highlight his passion for reading and excellence in mathematics to inspire students about the importance of these skills. Explain how his early interest in computers set the stage for his future achievements. Share the fact that Bill Gates started programming at the age of 13 to show students that it’s never too early to start learning about technology. Encourage students to think about their own interests and how they can pursue them. You can ask students to share what they enjoy doing and what they would like to learn more about, relating it back to how Bill Gates followed his passion for computers from a young age.

Bill Gates and Microsoft – Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft – Started Microsoft with Paul Allen – Microsoft’s user-friendly computers – They made computers easy to use – Computers became home essentials – Now, many have computers at home – Gates’ impact on technology | This slide introduces Bill Gates and his significant contribution to the world of technology through Microsoft, which he started with his friend Paul Allen. Emphasize how their work made computers accessible and user-friendly, allowing more people to have them in their homes. Highlight the importance of Gates’ vision in making technology a part of everyday life and how it has shaped the modern world. Encourage students to think about how computers help them learn and play. Share examples of how computers are used at home and in school, fostering an appreciation for the advancements in technology.

Bill Gates’ Impact on the World – Bill Gates is very wealthy – He helps people globally – Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Focuses on education and health – Provides resources and support worldwide – His foundation gives a lot | Bill Gates is known for being one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, but it’s important to highlight his philanthropic efforts as well. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has made significant contributions to various causes, including education and healthcare, impacting lives around the globe. When discussing this with second graders, emphasize the positive change one can make by helping others. Use simple examples like helping a friend or donating old toys to explain the concept of philanthropy. Encourage students to think of ways they can help people in their community.

Class Activity: Be an Inventor Like Bill Gates! – Think like Bill Gates, an inventor – Draw your helpful invention – Explain how it helps others – Does it make life easier or solve a problem? – Get ready to present to the class | This activity encourages students to embrace their creativity and innovation by imagining themselves as inventors. Bill Gates, known for his significant contributions to technology and philanthropy, serves as an inspiration. Students should be guided to think about problems they see in the world or their community and brainstorm inventions that could provide solutions. Allow them to express their ideas through drawings and brief explanations. When presenting, each student will have the opportunity to explain their invention’s purpose and how it could help others. The teacher should facilitate a discussion on the importance of inventions in society and how they can improve lives, just as Bill Gates’ work has done.