Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Edison After Forty: The Challenge of Success"

Edison Invents

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:30:20 GMT

Students will learn more about Thomas Alva Edison's creative genius. His mind gave us electric lights in our home and an entire system that produced and delivered electrical power. He was the first to record sound, and he also started the recording industry. Edison developed the first movie camera and produced the first movies. The website includes a biography of Edison, instructions on how to make a light bulb, and a list of related resources.

Lighting a Revolution

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:33:28 GMT

Explore the process of invention and compare Thomas Edison's well-known work on the electric light bulb a century ago with several modern lighting inventions with this online activity. This resource looks at the process of innovation through a sequence of five steps: preconditions, invention, promotion, competition and consequences. A guest lounge and library include two photo galleries, scripts and curator notes for the exhibition, a mystery object, technical reference and historical overviews.

Treasures of American History: Creativity and Innovation

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:55:17 GMT

In this section of the online exhibition entitled Treasures of American History, students will learn how the creative and innovative genius of Americans has led to the reinvention of daily and business life, the redefinition of popular culture and the creation of artistic masterpieces. A Spanish version of the exhibition is available on the exhibition's homepage.