Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Invention at Play Homepage"

History Explorer Podcast: The First Video Game

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:51:59 GMT

In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, hear museum staff person Petrina Foti discuss inventor Ralph Baer, the first video game, and how to read the stories in objects. The resource package includes a transcript, teacher guide, and student worksheet.

Marine Patent Models

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:04:04 GMT

Students will learn about the history of maritime invention. This reference page is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Podcast: Brad Brewer Animates the Inanimate

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:13:57 GMT

In this podcast, Brad Brewer of The Brewery Troupe, an African-American puppet company, brings an inventor's history to life with puppets.

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.

Vote: The Machinery of Democracy Homepage

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:09:00 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will explore the history of voting methods in the United States, study how ballots and voting systems have evolved over the years as a response to political, social, and technological change, transforming the ways in which Americans vote. The exhibit includes sections on paper ballots, reform, the gear & lever voting machine, Florida 2000, and present and future ballots.