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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

National Park Service: The Invention Factory:thomas Edison's Laboratories

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This Teaching With Historic Places lesson plan about Thomas Edison's laboratories is filled with maps, readings, critical thinking questions, and photographs related to Edison's labs and inventions. This site explains and details the...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Lemelson Center: Thomas Edison's Places of Invention

For Students 9th - 10th
An article by Paul Israel from the Prototype newsletter discusses the various laboratories used by Thomas Edison as he was developing his inventions.
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eBook
Other

Edison:life and Inventions/motion Pictures

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Website
Other

History of Recording Technology: Edison's Invention of the Phonograph

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Website
Rutgers University

Rutgers: The Thomas Edison Papers

For Students 9th - 10th
Links to copies of papers written by Thomas Edison. Also includes biographical information and copies of his patents and companies.
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Article
A&E Television

History.com: 6 Key Inventions by Thomas Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
Edison's genius was improving on others' technologies and making them more practical for the general public. Thomas Edison applied for his first patent in 1868, when he was just 21 years old. The famous inventor's first brainchild was...
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Article
Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
Meet the inventor of the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting, practical electric light bulb, Thomas Edison.
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Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: The Life and Achievements of Thomas Edison

For Students 5th - 6th
A learning module that begins with "The Life and Achievements of Thomas Edison" by Jessica McBirney, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned...
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Handout
Other

Kidcyber: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 3rd - 8th
A biographical overview of the life and many inventions of Thomas Alva Edison.
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Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Thomas Edison's Inventions in 1900s and Today: From New to You!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
For this lesson plan, learners will consider "Thomas Edison's Inventions in the 1900s and Today: From "New" to You!." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
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Handout
Energy for Sustainable Development

Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Pioneers: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 3rd - 8th
A profile of Thomas Alva Edison, who lived from 1847 to 1931, an American who made many important inventions, such as the electric light bulb. A timeline of his inventions is provided here.
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Handout
Rutgers University

Thomas Edison Papers: Motion Pictures

For Students 9th - 10th
From the collection of Thomas Edison's papers at Rutgers University is this description of Edison's involvement in the development of motion pictures in conjunction with his assistant, W.K.L. Dickson.
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Handout
National Inventors Hall of Fame

National Inventors Hall of Fame: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
This site honorsThomas Alva Edison as a historic inventor and focuses attention on his invention of the electric lamp.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 3rd - 8th
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....
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Timeline of Thomas Edison's Inventions

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes Thomas Edison's inventions in chronological order from 1868 to 1915, with mention of his contribution to World War I.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Facts About Thomas Edison

For Students 4th - 8th
Read about the life of Thomas Edison and his many inventions.
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Handout
Great Idea Finder

The Great Idea Finder: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from The Great Idea Finder presents a lengthy biography of Thomas Edison, followed by a wealth of suggested resources including books, movies, and the Internet.
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Handout
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Invention of the Week: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
As the inventor of the lightbulb, phonograph, and the printing telegraph, Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), improved the daily lives of everyday people.
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Handout
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Thomas Edison, the "confused" young student who ended up being one of the greatest inventors in history. Offers a brief list of his many important inventions.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Edison After Forty

For Students 9th - 10th
This online exhibition traces Edison's life, both personal and professional after he reached forty. Historic, primary materials are included.
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Handout
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Magnet Academy: Edison Battery 1903

For Students 9th - 10th
Although it never quite measured up to expectations, the Edison battery paved the way for the modern alkaline battery.
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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Learning Page: Thomas Edison

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This resource provides lesson plans and information about Thomas Edison and his inventions.
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Handout
Science4Fun

Science4 Fun: Thomas Edison

For Students K - 1st
Brief biographical sketch of Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph.
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Website
Curated OER

National Park Service: Thomas Edison National Historical Park: Thomas Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
This site includes information about Thomas Edison's inventions and his home and family life. Find a lengthy biography and several sounds from Edison's original phonograph.

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