Black History Month Worksheets - 3 Boys and a Dog - Free Printable

Let's solve the questions based on the information provided in the text about Elijah McCoy:

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1. Where was Elijah McCoy born?

Answer: Elijah McCoy was born in Canada.

Explanation: The first sentence of the passage states: *"Elijah McCoy was born in Canada in 1844."* Although his parents had been slaves in Kentucky, he was born in Canada after they escaped to freedom.

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2. Who helped Elijah McCoy's parents escape to freedom?

Answer: The Underground Railroad helped Elijah McCoy’s parents escape to freedom.

Explanation: The text says: *"His parents had been slaves in Kentucky, but they escaped. The anti-slavery volunteers of the Underground Railroad helped them get to Canada."*

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3. When did Elijah McCoy receive his first patent?

Answer: Elijah McCoy received his first patent in 1872.

Explanation: The passage mentions: *"In 1872, he received a patent for his device."* This refers to his invention of the automatic lubricator for steam engines.

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4. How many patents did Elijah McCoy receive?

Answer: Elijah McCoy received 57 patents.

Explanation: The passage clearly states: *"By the time he died in 1929 in Michigan, he had received 57 patents on his inventions."*

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5. Name something Elijah McCoy invented.

Answer: One of Elijah McCoy’s inventions was an automatic lubricator for steam engines (also called a "lubricating cup" or "greasing cup").

Explanation: The text says: *"He also invented a lawn sprinkler and a folding ironing board,"* and earlier mentions that *"he designed a device for oiling engines on trains and ships."* The most notable invention was the automatic lubricator, which became so well-known that the phrase *"the real McCoy"* came to mean something genuine or authentic.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. Canada
2. The Underground Railroad
3. 1872
4. 57 patents
5. Automatic lubricator for steam engines (or "lubricating cup")

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