Curated OER
October 6, 1889 - 1st Motion Picture
In this writing prompt activity, students learn that October 6, 1889 was the day Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture using a Kinetoscope. Students write about whether they think the invention was the most important invention...
Curated OER
Setting the Stage from the Page
Students examine the differences between the portrayal of characters in books and in motion pictures. Using the novel, The Kite Runner, students discuss the ways in which the characters can be interpreted. Students create original...
Curated OER
Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet
For this motion picture worksheet, students analyze a motion picture and complete information for pre-viewing and then viewing the picture. Students also answer several post-viewing sections.
Curated OER
American Culture and the Movie
Students explore the effects of radio and motion pictures on the American culture. They analyze the development of moving pictures. Students construct a movie poster that promotes cultural homogenization and consumption. They discuss...
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.
US Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Producers and Directors
This resource provides the most recent statistics and information on the careers of directors and producers. Topics covered include working conditions, training, job outlook, earnings, and links to related careers.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Career Profile: Film and Video Editor
After the cameras roll, someone has to spruce up the film and cut out what is unnecessary to make the story flow well. That's the job of the film editor. Read this Science Buddies career profile to find out the skills you need as well as...
National Museum of Science and Industry (UK)
Ingenious: Travelling in the Minds Eye
Virtual travel has become a very popular form of visiting places. Travelling in the Mind's Eye historically delves into the concepts that make a virtual fieldtrip possible. The uses of photography, motion pictures, and reconstruction of...
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.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Magic Lanterns, Magic Mirrors
Like fun house mirrors, motion pictures over the past one hundred years have reflected, challenged, influenced, and altered our visions of ourselves and the world in which we live. This virtual Exhibition was produced by the Photographic...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Tracing the Roots of America's Motion Picture Industry
In the late 1800's, Thomas Edison and his fellow inventors were key in the American film industry's boom.This web site provides a podcast and accompanying transcript tracing the roots of the film industry in America. Podcast [21:27]
Curated OER
National Park Service: Thomas Edison National Historical Park: Edison Biography
Here is a very detailed biography of Thomas Edison ranging from his boyhood and his work as a telegrapher, moving on to his invention of the phonograph and incandescent light bulb, and finally, a description of his laboratories where he...
Rutgers University
Thomas Edison Papers: Edison's Patents
This site offers an exhaustive list of 1,093 patents granted to Thomas Edison. There is also a graphic representing his annual output available. Hyperlinks to much more information. Included are the actual drawings of inventions...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Spanish American War in Motion Pictures
A great web site about the first war that was ever filmed in motion pictures. Very complete collection on all aspects of the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress
Loc: Origins of American Animation
An amazing collection of 21 animated films which spans the years 1900 to 1921. The films include clay, puppet, cut-out animation, as well as pen drawings, and early silent films.
Other
National Film Preservation Foundation: Home
Website of the National Film Preservation Foundation, with links to resources, images, and videos.
Other
Kid Filmmakers: Home
Website for and about kids who are interested in making films, with pictures, videos, and links to resources.
National Museum of Science and Industry (UK)
Ingenious: Tracing Time
Chronicle the evolution of the first still pictures to the advent of the motion picture and time lapsed photography.
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.
ArtLex
Art Lex: Movement
This site from Artlex is a fantastic description of how movement is used in the creation of art. There are links to works of art in sculpture, painting and photography as well as focused interpretations of how different types of movement...
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.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Eadweard Muybridge's Photography of Motion
From the National Museum of American History this is a description and analysis of the photography of expatriate Englishman Eadweard Muybridge. "Freeze Frame: Muybridge's Photography of Motion" iclude's examples of Muybridge's work...