1. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0402616. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF). By: Brian Nettleton

2. The following is a list of inventions and discoveries that I feel are some of the most important in history. Many of these inventions have lead the way to other important inventions. This is by no means a complete list. There are thousands of important discoveries that have been made throughout the years and thousands more that are waiting to be made. Who knows what our world would be like without even the littlest discovery. After looking at the following slides, try to imagine what your life would be like without them. What would be different at your house? What would school be like? What would you and your friends do for fun? Write down what you think your life would be like and share your thoughts during class discussion. For more great inventions visit the following sites: http://web.mit.edu/invent/i-archive.html http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/

3. Refrigerator http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/refrigerator.htm The first practical refrigerator was built in 1856 to cool beer in a brewery. The first domestic refrigerator was manufactured in 1913. Refrigeration has allowed farmers and manufactures to transport perishable goods longer distances. It has also allowed people to keep food at home longer and safer.

4. Television http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/television.htm The first long distance television broadcast was made in 1927. Television is a major form of entertainment in most house holds. Like the printing press, television has helped news and information travel great distances, as well as bring it into the home.

5. Electric Motor http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/electric_motors.htm One of the first electric motors was invented in 1821. Electric motors are used in manufacturing and for transportation. Electric motors are also found in every house hold. They are found in appliances, toys, games, and personal computers.

6. The Assembly Line http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/ford.html The moving assembly line was invented by Henry Ford to help him fill orders for his Model T. The assembly line allowed him to build cars fast and efficiently and also cheaper. The assembly line revolutionized manufacturing.

7. Penicillin http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/fleming.html Penicillin was discovered by accident in 1928. Mold spores contaminated an experiment that was being conducted by Alexander Fleming. The mold killed the bacteria in the experiment. Penicillin has saved millions of lives by stopping infections.

8. Pong http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/bushnell.html Pong was invented by Nolan Bushnell. It was first introduced to the public in 1971. Video games are used for recreation and education. Video games have also developed into simulators which are used in industry and the military.

9. Standards and Benchmarks Standard 1: Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and scope of technology. o [1.F] New products and systems can be developed to solve problems or to help do things that could not be done without the help of technology. Standard 3:Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study. o [3.F] A product, system, or environment developed for one setting may be applied to another setting. Standard 6:Students will develop an understanding of the role of society in the development and use of technology. o [6.D] Throughout history, new technologies have resulted from the demands, values, and interests of individuals, businesses, industries, and societies. o [6.E] The use of inventions and innovations has led to changes in society and the creation of new needs and wants. o [6.F] Social and cultural priorities and values are reflected in technological devices.