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Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Generator

For Students 9th - 10th
Generate electricity with a bar magnet! Discover the physics behind the phenomena by exploring magnets and how you can use them to make a bulb light. Java required.
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Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Shaking Up Some Energy

For Students 3rd - 8th
Shake N' Light flashlights have been advertised on televisions across the nation in the recent year. But many do not understand just how they get energy to light up the bulb without using batteries. Do this experiment to make your own...
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Handout
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Magnet Academy: Fluorescent Lamp 1934

For Students 9th - 10th
Compared to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps last longer, require less energy and produce less heat, advantages resulting from the different way in which they generate light.
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Activity
Science Struck

Science Struck: Lemon Battery Experiment

For Students 4th - 8th
In this step-by-step experiment, you will learn how to make a battery using four lemons and use it to light an LED bulb.
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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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Handout
Other

Black Inventor Online Museum: Lewis Latimer

For Students 9th - 10th
The biography of the fascinating African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. In addition to finding out about his development of the carbon filament for the incandescent lamp, you can read about his expertise in patent law, his association...
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Wizard of Menlo Park

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Lemelson Center: Invention Features: Lewis Latimer

For Students 9th - 10th
Smithsonian site features the life and many accomplishments of Lewis Latimer, the famous African-American inventor.
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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
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
PBS

American Experience: Technology Timeline: 1752 1990

For Students 9th - 10th
Short descriptions of important technological innovations produced in America and the date of their introduction.
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Handout
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: Inventors & Inventions 1801 1850

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Enchanted Learning presents several brief overviews of major early nineteenth century inventors and their inventions. The information is accessible by clicking on the corresponding link.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Thomas Alva Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 - October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and the long-lasting, practical...
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Graphic
Curated OER

Science Kids: Science Images: Thomas Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a black and white photo of a famous American inventor named Thomas Edison. His many inventions included the practical electric light bulb and phonograph (a device used to play recorded sound).