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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word is used in reference to McCoy's fascination with mechanical objects?

2. Jan Earnst Matzeliger is most well known for revolutionizing which industry?

3. What type of mill was built?

4. Banneker chastised the man for which of the following?

5. In what year did Latimer's former master try to claim him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Banneker's grandparents were farmers. Explain why the couple had unusual success and with which crops.

2. How did the public receive McCoy's inventions? What common phrase showed the industries' appreciation for McCoy's work?

3. Rillieux became interested in what process? What process was in place when Rillieux began? How did Rillieux's invention help the industry?

4. What life changing event occurred in Banneker's pre-teen years?

5. When and where was Elijah McCoy born? What actions taken by McCoy's parents may have ensured McCoy's success?

6. What items did Banneker use to assist in creating the project? How long did it take to build? What was unusual about the piece?

7. What gift was given to Banneker? What about the gift fascinated Banneker to the point of near obsession?

8. Norbert Rillieux was born to a wealthy French inventor. What invention did the father create? How did the father's education affect Norbert? Why was the decision made?

9. Explain the heritage and early years of Jan Earnst Matzeliger. Where did the family originate? At what age did Matzeliger come to the US?

10. How did Latimer's case change the face of the law in regards to escaped slaves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some cities, foreign and domestic, seemed to be more open to accepting black pioneers in science. Why were some cities friendlier than others? Which were the most open and supportive? Which were oppressive? How did the scientists deal with the oppression in some cities? What foreign cities contributed to the education and professional life of a scientist? Examine the scientists' experiences in the cities of their youth. Be sure to include Carver's experiences in New Orleans.

Essay Topic 2

There are many trends that are apparent throughout the text in regards to education. Which universities were attended the most? Were the universities influential? Which still exist? Why did the doctors and scientists choose to attend and sometimes work at these particular schools? What were the educational barriers placed before the men as they attempted to enter college? Examine the benefits of university education as it applies to each scientist and/or inventor.

Essay Topic 3

Several of the inventors in the book came from notable heritage. Explain the heritage of at least three of the inventors, how they were similar, and how the ancestry affected their ability to invent new products, techniques, and machines. Which inventor benefited most from his heritage? Which inventors saw little or no benefits? How did the inventors' education levels affect their ability to invent? What was the most common activity of the inventors after retirement?

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