Thomas Alva Edison: Great Inventor Objective: students will gain an understanding of how thomas edison’s hard work and various inventions (including the telegraph, mimeograph, phonograph, and the light bulb) changed the world. Miller, Lyle. Thomas Alva Edison: A Great Inventor . New York, NY: Holiday House, Inc. 1990. Erica C. Russell Book Summary: This is a story about the life, both personal and professional, of the brilliant Mr. Thomas Alva Edison that depicts his life and some of the wonderful inventions he designed during his childhood days into adulthood. This book discusses several of his inventions which includes the telegraph, mimeograph, phonograph, and the light bulb, and describes how his inventions changed the world! Hyperlinks Edison's Inventions The Life of An Inventor Thomas Alva Edison

A quiet life: What would life be like without some of Thomas Edison’s Inventions? Simulated Journal: Imagine that you are the brilliant Thomas Edison, HIMSELF! Discuss three of your inventions in great detail. Describe the place where you designed your invention, discuss what compelled you to create each invention- in great detail (what events were going on around you at the time that made you feel as though your invention was crucial to your lifetime), describe how people used your invention, and describe how your invention has changed the world. (To the right is a photo of Edison’s phonograph).

How has life changed as a result of famous inventors and their contributions to society? Highlight an Invention: On a poster board, you are expected to highlight one of the following inventors: Thomas Edison Alexander Graham Bell The Wright Brothers Albert Einstein You are expected to highlight one of their major inventions by providing a summary of what the invention was used for and how it changed life as it was known during that time period. Make sure you include a picture of the inventor and at least one picture of the invention itself. (Above, the Wright Brothers are preparing for first flight in 1905).

Would we be able to survive life as we know it without a telephone? “Chat and Chew” (Interview) Imagine that you had the opportunity to interview Alexander Graham Bell and ask him about how he designed the first telephone, how it was used, and how it changed the society in which he lived. (You are to prepare at least 5 questions for this interview). Then, share with Alexander how the phone has evolved into what we know it to be today. Discuss with him some advancements that come occurred within telephones (i.e. cordless phones, cell phones, smart phones, etc.) and how these advancements contribute to our daily existence. (Above, the first telephone invented by Alexander Graham Bell).

South Carolina Standards 5-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of major domestic and foreign developments that contributed to the United States’ becoming a world power. 5-3.1 Explain how the Industrial Revolution was furthered by new inventions and technologies, including new methods of mass production and transportation and the invention of the light bulb, the telegraph, and the telephone. 5-3.2 Identify prominent inventors and scientists of the period and summarize their inventions or discoveries, including Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, the Wright Brothers, and Albert Einstein.

References “Edison Invents”: http://invention.smithsonian.org/centerpieces/edison/ “Edison’s Life”: http://americanhistory.si.edu/edison/ed_c.htm “History Wired”: http://historywired.si.edu/detail.cfm?ID=323 Thomas Edison Photo: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/96513667/ Wright Brother’s Photo http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/hec2008000742/ Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/det1994022913/PP/