October 11, 1887 · Alexander Miles

Automatic Elevator Doors

Alexander Miles patented automatic opening and closing elevator doors, eliminating the dangerous manual shaft doors that caused injuries and deaths.

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Related Inventions

Other Black inventions and innovations that changed the world.

1881 · Lewis Latimer

Carbon Filament for the Light Bulb

Lewis Latimer invented the carbon filament that made electric light bulbs practical and long-lasting, and helped draft the patent for Alexander Graham Bell's telephone.

Want to teach this invention? We've done the work for you.

Automatic Elevator Doors Complete Teaching Bundle

📖

Lesson Plan

Comprehensive lesson plan covering the invention, the inventor, how it works, and its lasting impact on everyday life.

Grades 3–8 · STEM + History

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Student Workbook

Interactive workbook with reading passages, inventor biography, STEM activities, design challenges, and a quiz.

Grades 3–8 · 12 Sections

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Flashcard Set

40 cards covering vocabulary, key facts, inventor details, how it works, and review challenges.

Grades 3–8 · 40 Cards

$14.99
Coming Soon

Instant digital download · Printable PDF · Grades 3–8 · STEM + History

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📖 Lesson Plan

Automatic Elevator Doors | Lesson Plan
Black History Guides
SAMPLE
Learning Objectives
1
Describe how Alexander Miles invented the Automatic Elevator Doors and why it mattered.
2
Explain how the invention works using kid-friendly STEM vocabulary.
3
Analyze the impact of this invention on everyday life and modern technology.
Essential Question
"How did Alexander Miles's invention change the world, and what can we learn from their story?"
Inventor
Alexander Miles · October 11, 1887
Black History Guides
Page 1 of 8

📝 Student Workbook

Automatic Elevator Doors | Student Workbook
Black History Guides
SAMPLE
Reading Comprehension

Read the passage about Alexander Miles and the Automatic Elevator Doors, then answer the questions below.

Questions
1
What problem did this invention solve?
2
How does this invention affect your life today?
Design Challenge
If you could improve this invention, what would you change?
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Black History Guides
Page 3 of 18

🃏 Flashcard Set - Click to Flip!

Key Fact · Card 1 of 40
Alexander Miles: Automatic Elevator Doors
Answer
Alexander Miles patented automatic opening and closing elevator doors, eliminating the dangerous manual shaft doors that caused injuries and deaths.

Click the card to flip it

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Frequently Asked Questions

Each bundle lists a suggested grade range, but those are just starting points, not limits. Every child learns at their own pace, and we believe no kid should be held back from knowledge they're ready for. Parents and teachers know their students best, so we encourage you to teach at whatever level fits your learner.
The bundle includes three digital PDF products: a STEM-integrated lesson plan covering the invention, inventor biography, how it works, and lasting impact; a 12-section student workbook with reading passages, STEM activities, design challenges, and a quiz; and a 40-card flashcard set covering vocabulary, key facts, inventor details, and review challenges.
Yes. Our invention bundles integrate STEM concepts with social studies, aligning to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) engineering practices and Common Core ELA standards. Activities include design thinking, cause-and-effect analysis, and real-world problem solving.
Absolutely. The workbook is self-contained and works equally well for classroom instruction and homeschooling. It includes a reading passage, guided activities, and a completion certificate. Everything you need for an independent learning session.