Curated OER
Invention Convention
Fifth graders recognize the work of Leonardo da Vinci. They invent a new machine for the 21st century and make a model of the invention.
Curated OER
Who Invented It? When? Chinese Inventions: An Introductory Activity
Students use Robert Temple's "The Genius of Chins: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery and Invention", to understand how much the Chinese have contributed with their scientific and technological ability.
Curated OER
Alexander Graham Bell: Voice of Invention
Students watch a Biography episode about Alexander Graham Bell -- his remarkable inventions, family life, and the individuals who influenced his work.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Dison National Historical Site: The Invention Factory
This terrific interactive site from the National Park Service describes the different buildings on Thomas Edison's West Orange, New Jersey's laboratory facility. After exploring the buildings, follow Edison's invention and application of...
Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Thomas Edison
This resource provides lesson plans and information about Thomas Edison and his inventions.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science (Boston): Leonardo's Mysterious Machines
A game that showcases the inventive genius of Leonardo da Vinci, who made drawings of helicopters, planes, and tanks long before these machines ever became modern-era realities. Have fun learning about Leonardo's many ideas while you...
Great Idea Finder
The Great Idea Finder: Qwerty Keyboard Invention
Where did the idea of the QWERTY keyboard come from? Read about typewriter inventor, Christopher Sholes, and how he came up with his idea of a new keyboard design way back in 1875. Additional links to related sites, fascinating facts,...
Rutgers University
Blueprint for Change: The Life and Times of Lewis H. Latimer
An extensive look at the inventor, Lewis Latimer, from the Thomas Edison Papers at Rutgers University. Read essays about his life and inventions, the culture in Boston which encouraged his work, and his life outside his inventions. A...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Carbons to Computers: The Typewriter
Created a little less than 150 years ago, the typewriter was the forerunner for the computer. This page offers a detailed history of the birth of the typewriter along with several visual examples.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: More About Bell
Part of the larger site about Alexander Graham Bell from the series, American Experience, this biography focuses mainly on his education and experimentation which resulted in his development of the telephone. Included is information...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: George Eastman: The Wizard of Photography
American Experience offers a comprehensive look at George Eastman and his development of photography. Included are a timeline, biographies of important people in Eastman's personal and professional life, discussions in the history of...
PBS
Pbs: They Made America
Companion site to the four-part series on looking at America through inventors. Focuses on inventors from the early days of the country to modern day. From Robert Fulton and Samuel Colt, to Ted Turner and Russell Simmons, this site...
Other
Earliest Voices: Thomas Edison
This resource offers historic voice recordings of Thomas Edison. There is a recording of animal sounds, and a speech given at an electrical exhibition in 1908. A biography and downloadable images of him are also included.
Other
Edison:life and Inventions/motion Pictures
This page is part of an online text of a book published in 1929 by Dyer and Martin on the life and work of inventor Thomas Edison. Discusses Edison's role in the development of motion pictures, but be sure to view the rest of the book...
Other
Lee De Forest, American Inventor: The Complete Lee De Forest
An extensive site covering all aspects of Lee de Forest, his inventions, writings, and personal life. Find drawings and pictures of his audion tube and find out about his legacy, especially in the world of electronics.
Other
Earliest Voices: Gallery From the Vincent Voice Library
This site addresses the advent of the voice recording. The introduction talks about the country at the time of this invention, the feelings of people on the topic, and early recording itself. Included are voice recordings of such...
Other
Toaster Museum Foundation: The Cyber Toaster Museum
Breakfast without toast? It wasn't until the early 1900s that this amazing invention was discovered. Learn interesting and fascinating facts behind the invention of the toaster while viewing pictures of the many different designs through...
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Domestic Technology
Has technology helped to shape our society? This is not necessarily a connection that comes to mind when we think about inventions and scientific advances. Learn about the history of domestic technology and its effects on the evolution...
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Washing Machines
The Canada Science and Technology Museum tells the story of the evolution of the washing machine. Starting from the laborious laundry procedure of washing clothes by hand, learn how laundry was first mechanized. Then, came the...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Thomas Edison's Places of Invention
An article by Paul Israel from the Prototype newsletter discusses the various laboratories used by Thomas Edison as he was developing his inventions.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Thomas Edison's Inventive Life
This site is a complete resource for learning about Edison's life, his inventions, and electricity. If you like experimenting, there are instructions included for how to make your own light bulb. Good photos.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Invention of the Electric Guitar
Can you imagine music without the electric guitar? The Lemelson Center provides us with a comprehensive overview on the history behind its invention and design. Includes photos depicting how the design has changed over the years and...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives
At this site from the Smithsonian Institute you can explore the world of invention by learning about inventors and their inventions. Searchable by name or subject, it is a great way for students to learn about science and technology.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation
By studying invention throughout history, this site encourages the inventive and creative spirit in all of us.