Notes

Lonnie Johnson - Lesson 1 Introduction

*This lesson will fit best as the first lesson in the Lonnie Johnson scheme of work. It would also work in History, Science or Maths lessons.*

Introduction

Slide 1 – intro

*note* the next few slides go through the information on the biography. It is recommended to print a copy of the biography for each student to annotate/highlight as you read through it together*

Slide 2 – suggested scheme of work. Ideal times to teach this lesson. Not an exhaustive list.

Slides 3-7 – background and childhood of Lonnie Johnson.

Slide 8 – consolidation questions to check understanding of information so far.

Slides 9-14 – information about Lonnie Johnson’s main achievements

Slide 15 – Worksheet Task Part 1 – summary of most important facts of Lonnie Johnson’s life, and assessment of which achievement was best.

Slides 16-17 – Timeline of Lonnie Johnson’s life

Slide 18 – Maths questions based on Lonnie Johnson’s life

Poem

ROCKET MAN

Inventing, creating, building, making things new
Abilities we all share, should enjoy to do

Lonnie Johnson was born in Mobile, Alabama, on October 6, 1949
When racial discrimination and segregation were legal, not a crime

As we are growing, seeing and knowing
Environment’s are teaching, guiding and showing

Often schemes, Ideas, feelings, will take hold
While we ask for answers to questions untold

Lonnie Johnson is one such child
Realising dreams however wild

Lonnie built a Go Kart from a discarded lawnmower and pram parts
Making this was one of his first creations and how our journey starts

Lonnie built a Robot using all he could find
The blueprint he developed within his mind

He almost burned down his family home making rocket fuel
Highlighting the dangers of an inquisitive child, not a fool

Lonnie Johnson attended Alabama’s all-black Williamson High School
Earning the nickname of professor by his friends who saw him as cool

Lonnie represented his school at the Junior Engineering Technical Society’s science fair
Where he won first prize for his Robot “The Linex” which was powered by compressed air

Lonnie was the only African American student who was entered into this competition
Marking him out as one who would rather fight than run to realise their ambition

After graduating with Williamson High’s last segregated class in 1969
Lonnie excelled at university where his aspirations continued to climb

Lonnie went on to work for Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the United States Air Force
Where he helped to develop the stealth bomber program which kept his dreams on course

NASA came next the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Where Lonnie helped to further advance their quest for space exploration

Lonnie Johnson returned to work for the United States Air Force in 1982
He continued to work on his own inventions as this is what he loved to do

One was an environmentally friendly heat pump using water instead of freon
Which unintentionally inspired Lonnie to create his world renowned invention

Using compressed air to fire water became the basis for the Super Soaker
The worlds most powerful water pistol proving Lonnie to be a serious joker

Lonnie Johnson succeeded by staying true to himself
Establishing his own company generating unimaginable wealth

From Go Karts, Robots, Rockets, Super Soakers to the Nerf Gun
Lonnie Johnson has always ensured, following his passion is fun

This is the legacy Lonnie Johnson has left for us all
To ensure we enjoy, work well and always stand tall

Lawrence Hoo

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