Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Make a Lightbulb"

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.

Spark!Lab Homepage

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:41:09 GMT

This webiste, from the Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab, uses fun activities to help kids and families learn about the history and process of invention. Students can play games, conduct science experiments, explore inventors’ notebooks, and even invent! Spark!Lab, the newest hands on space for families and others visiting the National Museum of American History, shows the real story behind an inventor’s work.