Safety Signal Star Lesson Plan
Safety Signal Star
Teacher Lesson Plan
Time
60 Minutes
Audience
Ages 5-6
Approach
Project-Based
The Why
Students will learn about Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor who created the three-position traffic signal. This lesson connects history with everyday safety, inspiring young learners to see how one person's idea can keep an entire city safe.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify Garrett Morgan as the inventor of the traffic signal and explain the meaning of traffic light colors (Stop, Caution, Go).
Required Materials
-
Red, Yellow, Green, Black construction paper
-
Scissors and Glue sticks
-
Markers or Crayons
-
Worksheet: "Garrett Morgan and Traffic Lights"
Instructional Steps
01 5 MIN
Icebreaker: Red Light, Green Light
Play a quick game to get the energy up and introduce the concept.
- "Green Light" = Move towards the finish line
- "Red Light" = Freeze!
- Discuss: Why do we need signals to tell us when to stop?
02 10 MIN
Introduction to Garrett Morgan
Show pictures of Garrett Morgan and early traffic signals. Explain that long ago, streets were messy with horses, bikes, and new cars all bumping into each other. Garrett Morgan saw the problem and invented a way to keep everyone safe!
03 30 MIN
Project: Build a Signal
Guide students to build their own paper traffic light.
"Now we are all inventors! We are going to build a tool that tells people when it's safe to go."
04 15 MIN
Reinforcement Worksheet
Students complete the "Garrett Morgan and Traffic Lights" worksheet to practice tracing the inventor's name and identifying color meanings.
05 5 MIN
Closure & Gallery Walk
Recap: "Who was the hero that invented the traffic light?" Let students hold up their models and do one final "Red Light, Green Light" using their own signals.
Safety Signal Star Worksheet
Safety Signal Star
Garrett Morgan & The Traffic Light
Name: _________________________________
Date: __________________
1
Who invented the traffic light?
Trace the name of this brave inventor:
Garrett Morgan
2
What does the red light mean?
S T O P
3
Draw a traffic light and color it!
Did you know? Garrett Morgan also invented a safety mask used by firefighters! He spent his whole life finding ways to keep people safe.
Safety Signal Star Slides
Inventor Spotlight
Safety Signal Star
The Story of Garrett Morgan
The Problem
Long ago, the streets were messy and dangerous!
- Horses and wagons
- New "motor-cars"
- People walking
Nobody knew when to go or when to stop!
Garrett Morgan
Invention Hero
"He was an inventor who saw a problem and decided to fix it."
Garrett Morgan was:
Smart Brave Creative Helpful
The Three-Position Signal
Why was it special?
Before Garrett, signals only said "Stop" or "Go."
He added the Yellow Light to warn people to slow down!
What Do They Mean?
STOP
Red
Stop!
Yellow
Slow Down & Wait
Green
Go!
Your Turn!
Become a Signal Builder
Project Steps:
1
Cut out 3 circles (Red, Yellow, Green)
2
Glue them to your black paper box
3
Add a handle to hold your signal
4
Test it with Red Light, Green Light!
Signal Star Review
Who invented the traffic signal?
Which color did he add to keep us safe?
Why are inventors important?