Celebrating Black History Month with inspiring figures in D&T - Granville T. Woods

Published 1st October 2025

This Black History Month, why not bring the stories of remarkable inventors into your design and technology classroom? One inspiring figure to spotlight is Granville T. Woods. With more than 60 patents to his name, Woods transformed the way we think about transport and communication through his inventions.

Granville T. Woods: problem-solving, innovation, and resilience

One of his most famous creations, the induction telegraph system, allowed moving trains to communicate safely with each other. This real-world problem-solving approach is a perfect example to show students how D&T can address practical challenges. Granville T. Woods’ innovations in wireless telegraphy helped pave the way for modern wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, by demonstrating the potential of communication without wires. Using a micro:bit, students can explore the principles of sending and receiving signals, connecting the classroom to Woods’ pioneering work.

There’s also a natural connection to sustainable travel and transport technologies. Woods’ contributions to transport innovation make him a fantastic springboard for projects like the ‘Inspired by Industry’ Pure Electric context. In this context, students design and prototype cargo-carrying systems for bikes, scooters, and e-scooters. They experiment with materials, multi-material solutions using fabrics and polymers, and use CAD software to refine their concepts. From tool holders to waterproof carriers, students learn practical D&T skills while exploring sustainable, real-world applications. Discover the Pure Electric context here. ‘Inspired by Industry’ is free for all teachers to use, with additional member-only tasks and activities available for Design & Technology Association members.

Woods’ story also offers a valuable lesson in resilience and perseverance in design. Despite facing enormous barriers and defending his ideas against competitors like Edison, he kept innovating. His journey is a perfect way to spark classroom discussions on determination, problem-solving, and the human side of engineering and invention.

By connecting Black History Month with hands-on, inspiring D&T projects, teachers can celebrate diversity in invention while helping students develop critical skills that prepare them for the future of design, technology, and innovation.