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.
Other
Lemelson Center's Invention at Play: Alexander Graham Bell
A summary of Alexander Graham Bell's telephone invention.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Kevlar Inventor
Read a biography of Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of Kevlar.
Other
Landeshauptstadt Dresden (City of Dresden)
Bilingual site with a wealth of information about the city, facts & figures, its history, culture, economy, sights, tourism, sports, etc. Click German flag in the top navigation to access the site in German.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: Favorite Technologies of the 1950s
Photographic essay recalls some of the best technological advances of the 1950s in cooking, personal hygiene, radio, laundry, television, transportation, and more.
Other
History of Recording Technology: Edison's Invention of the Phonograph
Click through the pages on this site to read about Edison's development of the phonograph as well as a discussion of Edison's rivals who were seeking to develop a similar product. Read about the changes in the ways to record sound as the...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Automobile Collection
See the wide range of gas-powered vehicles manufactured in America in the late 19th century. Click on each picture to read a detailed description of the vehicle, how it worked, and the history of its manufacture. From the Smithsonian...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Zoom Inventors and Inventions
This site has an alphabetized list of inventions and inventors throughout history. You can also explore by era, topic or nationality.
National Museum of Science and Industry (UK)
Ingenious: War Is the Mother of Invention
The classic argument as to whether war is the mother of invention or vice versa is examined on this site. Also, investigate if war and inventions go hand in hand.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Forgotten Inventors
This illustrated feature from the American Experience Web site highlights the frequently forgotten inventors of several useful, innovative technologies.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Bubble, Bubble, Pop
Learn how to make bubble gum from scratch using a bubble gum making kit.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives: Stephanie Kwolek and Kevlar, the Wonder Fiber
Smithsonian site features Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of kevlar. Learn about her famous discovery and the road she took to get there. Contains links to read more about women inventors.