Questions on Nathaniel Alexander

Grades 3-5

What are chairs used for, and why do people need them?
Have you ever used a folding chair? Why do you think it’s useful?
Why do you think Nathaniel Alexander wanted to invent a new kind of chair?
How do inventors help make life easier for people?
What challenges do you think Black inventors faced in the past?
Can you think of something that could be improved in your classroom? How would you design it?
How does creativity help people solve everyday problems?
Why is it important to learn about Black inventors like Nathaniel Alexander?
What would life be like if we didn’t have chairs?
If you could invent something new, what would it be?

Grades 6-8

Why was Nathaniel Alexander’s folding chair an important invention?
How do you think his design improved public spaces like churches and schools?
What makes a good invention—creativity, usefulness, or something else?
What obstacles did Black inventors face when trying to patent their ideas?
Research another Black inventor and compare their contributions to Nathaniel Alexander’s.
Why do you think some inventors are more well-known than others?
How do small inventions, like the folding chair, have a big impact on everyday life?
What skills do inventors need to turn their ideas into reality?
How do you think technology has changed the way people invent things today?
If Nathaniel Alexander were alive today, what advice do you think he would give to young inventors?

Grades 9-12

How did Nathaniel Alexander’s invention contribute to innovation in public seating?
How do patents protect inventors, and why was this especially important for Black inventors in the early 1900s?
Compare the impact of Nathaniel Alexander’s folding chair to another everyday invention we take for granted.
What challenges did Black inventors face in gaining recognition for their contributions?
How do simple innovations like the folding chair change industries, such as event planning and transportation?
What economic and social barriers existed for Black inventors in the early 20th century?
How has the process of inventing and patenting changed from Nathaniel Alexander’s time to today?
What are some other overlooked inventions by Black innovators that have shaped modern life?
How can we encourage more diversity in science, technology, and innovation today?
Research an invention you use every day. Who invented it, and what impact has it had on the world?

Inventor’s Blueprint – Design your own invention and explain how it would improve daily life.
Folding Chair Redesign – Improve Nathaniel Alexander’s invention by creating a modern version with new features.
Mini Documentary – Create a short video about Nathaniel Alexander and the importance of Black inventors.
Patent Process Exploration – Research how patents work and create a step-by-step guide for young inventors.
Historical Newspaper Article – Write a fictional news story announcing the invention of the folding chair in 1911.
Engineering Challenge – Build a small model of a new type of chair using paper, cardboard, or other materials.
Black Inventors Exhibit – Research other Black inventors and create a virtual or physical exhibit highlighting their work.
Compare & Contrast Essay – Compare Nathaniel Alexander’s folding chair to another historical invention and analyze their impact.
Innovation in Action – Identify a common problem in your school or home and design a creative solution.
Marketing a Product – Create an advertisement or commercial promoting the folding chair as if it were a brand-new product today.

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