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Thomas Edison National Historical ParkHistoric Photo of Laboratory
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Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Curriculum Materials
 

Lesson Plans

Teaching with Historic Places - The Invention Factory: Thomas Edison's Laboratories

Objectives for the Students

  • To describe how Edison created the first modern research and development laboratory complex and explain its function.
  • To explain how Edison used his new complex to develop products and create industries that still affect our lives today.
  • To describe the process of invention from having experienced it through a simulation activity.
  • To investigate how technological and industrial developments have affected the students' own community.

 

Teaching with Historic Places
Teaching with Historic Places
A variety of National Park's lesson plans are available online.
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Photograph of Thomas Edison at the age of fourteen years.  

Did You Know?
There is a rumor that Edison was actually born in Mexico, based on his middle name Alva. However, Alva was the name of a family friend, Captain Bradley. When he was young, Edison's nickname was "Al," from his middle name Alva.

Last Updated: September 20, 2007 at 09:19 EST