TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Bulbs & Batteries Side by Side
We are surrounded everyday by circuits that utilize "in parallel" and "in series" circuitry. Complicated circuits designed by engineers are made of many simpler parallel and series circuits. In this hands-on activity, students build...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Light It Up
Through an introduction to the design of lighting systems and the electromagnetic spectrum, students learn about the concept of daylighting as well as two types of light bulbs (lamps) often used in energy-efficient lighting design....
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Thomas Edison: Inventor and Entrepreneur
Through a video and primary source activities, students will learn about Edison's remarkable business of innovation and some of his 1,093 patented devices.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Edison
A good description of the inventions and life of this bright and ambitious man. As inventor of the light bulb, phonograph, movie camera and many others, Edison lived a very inspiring life. In Spanish.
Digital History
Digital History: The Wizard of Menlo Park
This resource provides information about the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison. Find out about his childhood, some of his famous inventions, and even some of his mistakes.
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Telephone and Light Patent Drawings
A lesson plan about Alexander Graham Bell's patent for the telephone and Thomas Edison's patent for the electric lamp. Contains good background information and historically pertinent documents. It also discusses the role corporations...
Next.cc
Next: Artificial Light
Multiple activities help students gain a better understanding of light bulbs and the many uses of artificial light. Click on the links provided for further exploration.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Electricity
In this interactive activity, students will explore electricity and be able to design and create a complete electrical circuit. Students will also learn what is necessary to light a light bulb. Creative thought, ideas, and, brainstorming...
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Thomas Edison
The "Wizard of Menlo Park" brought the world electric light, recorded music, and the movies, among other things, and turned innovation into a science by inventing the research laboratory.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute: Edison's Lightbulb: History of Science and Technology
The Franklin Institute features a biography of Thomas Edison and a complete description of the light bulb as well as an experiment.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Inventors & Inventions From the 1700s
Use this site to learn more about early inventors and inventions from the 18th century. This web page offers text and images on various inventors and their inventions. You can also access information about inventors and inventions from...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Edison After Forty
This online exhibition traces Edison's life, both personal and professional after he reached forty. Historic, primary materials are included.
US Department of Energy
U.s. Dept. Of Energy: Comparing Light Bulbs [Pdf]
A guided activity for students to compare incandescent and CFL light bulbs observing the production of heat and light.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Ohm's Law 2
This extension to the Ohm's Law I activity, students will observe just how much time it takes to use up the "juice" in a battery, and if it is better to use batteries in series or parallel.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Energy Conservation
Students are introduced to the idea that energy use impacts the environment and our wallets. They discuss different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, as well as the impacts of energy consumption. Through a series of...
Read Works
Read Works: Famous Inventors Thomas Edison
[Free Registration/Login Required] This short biographical piece shares information about Thomas Edison, the inventor of the phonograph, light bulb, motion picture camera, and more. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Artificial Light
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What artificial light is and five different types, and how each type produces visible light.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Thomas Alva Edison
A variety of images, photographs, and information on the life of Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) can be found in the site by the Library of Congress. Information can be found here regarding his invention and influence on American society....
Other
Energy Star: Choose a Light Guide
This government-sponsored resource helps individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The interactive resource consists of an activity about choosing a light bulb.
Other
Edision Birthplace Museum: Birthplace of Edison
Biographical look at Thomas Edison from the museum of his birthplace. Provides information on his life and his inventions. Also gives a tour of Edison's birthplace.
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Electrifying America
This primary source set explores the development, commercialization, and impact of electricity.
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Light Bulbs
The General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, or Chem 1, is broken into several sections covering various aspects of topics related to chemistry. This section deals with light bulbs and their relation to information on movement of gases and...
PBS
American Experience: Technology Timeline: 1752 1990
Short descriptions of important technological innovations produced in America and the date of their introduction.
Read Works
Read Works: Edison Tried and Tried Again
[Free Registration/Login Required] This biographical passage shares information about Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...