All about Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan was an amazing inventor who made life safer for many people. He was born on March 4, 1877, in Kentucky, and he loved learning and solving problems. Even though he didn't have much formal education, he was very smart and curious.

When Garrett grew up, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he started his own sewing machine repair business. He noticed that people needed better ways to protect themselves in dangerous situations, so he invented a special safety hood. This hood helped firefighters breathe clean air when they were fighting fires. It became very popular and saved many lives.

One day, Garrett saw a terrible accident between a car and a horse-drawn carriage. He thought about how to make streets safer and invented the three-position traffic signal. This traffic signal had three lights: red for stop, green for go, and yellow for caution. His invention helped prevent accidents and is still used today!

Garrett Morgan also improved hair care products and started a newspaper to help African American communities. He was very creative and always wanted to help others. Garrett Morgan passed away on July 27, 1963, but his inventions continue to make our world a better place.

1. When and where was Garrett Morgan born?
2. What business did Garrett start when he moved to Cleveland?
3. What did Garrett invent to help firefighters?
4. Why do you think Garrett Morgan's traffic signal was important?
5. How do you think Garrett Morgan's inventions have made the world a better place?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Kevin, and I am 8 years old. I want to tell you about my trip to Cleveland. It was so cool! We went there because we heard about Garrett Morgan, a famous inventor who lived in Cleveland. He invented the traffic light and a gas mask. Isn't that awesome?

One of the best parts of the trip was visiting the Cleveland History Center. They had a whole section about Garrett Morgan. I learned that he made the traffic light safer for people by adding the yellow light. Before him, there were just red and green lights. The yellow light gives drivers time to slow down. It was fun to see all the old traffic lights and how they have changed over time.

We also saw a replica of his gas mask. It was used by firefighters and even in World War I. I got to try on a firefighter hat, and I felt like a hero. I never knew how much one person could change the world until I learned about Garrett Morgan.

After the museum, we walked around the city and saw some old buildings and cool places. Cleveland is such an interesting city with lots of history. I can't wait to go back and learn more!

1. Who is Garrett Morgan and what are two things he invented?
2. Why did Garrett Morgan add the yellow light to traffic signals?
3. What did you feel like when you tried on the firefighter hat?
4. How did the visit to the Cleveland History Center change your understanding of Garrett Morgan?
5. If you could invent something to make the world safer, what would it be and why?

Profile of Garrett Morgan

A Timeline of Garrett Morgan to another Festival

After learning all about Garrett Morgan, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - Garrett Morgan
A full set of teaching plans for Garrett Morganteaching.