Inventions: Making Connections
Making Connections
All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.Introduction
Look at the pictures and make connections... How is life changing? What is the impact of the inventions on industry?Name:
Class:
Class:
Worksheet
Inventions: Making Connections
Making Connections
Examine the documents and text included in this activity. Fill in any blanks in the sequence with your thoughts and write your conclusion response in the space provided.
Enter your response
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Conclusion
Inventions: Making Connections
Making Connections
Which invention do you think is the most important?Your Response
Document
Drawing for an Electric Lamp
1/27/1880
The Patent Office granted Thomas Edison a patent for his "electric-lamp." Edison's patent was an improvement on electric lamps, not the invention of them; but because of Edison’s design changes and the materials he used—such as a carbon filament—his patent allowed for an electric lamp that was reliable, safe, and practical. It paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Transcript
To the Honorable Commissioner of Patents:Your Petitioner Thomas A. Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey prays that Letters Patent may be granted to him for the invention of an Improvement in Electric Lamps and in the method of manufacturing the same set forth in the annexed specification. (Case no. 186).
And further prays that you will recognize Lemuel W. Serrell, of the City of New York, N.Y., as his Attorney, with full power of substitution and revocation, to prosecute this application, to make alterations and amendments therein, to receive the Patent, and to transact all business in the Patent Office connected Therewith.
1879
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 595450
Full Citation: Drawing for an Electric Lamp; 1/27/1880; Patents Issued to Thomas A. Edison, 1868 - 1911; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/patent-application-incandescent-light-bulb, April 27, 2024]Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Document
Photograph taken after midnight on April 17, 1912, G St. near 14th. These boys, 10, 11, and 12 years old, were stuck with over fifty papers in their hands, and vowed they would stay until they sold ou
4/17/1912
The title field contains a summary of the notations Lewis Hine typed on the back of the photograph.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 306616
Full Citation: Photograph taken after midnight on April 17, 1912, G St. near 14th. These boys, 10, 11, and 12 years old, were stuck with over fifty papers in their hands, and vowed they would stay until they sold ou; 4/17/1912; Papers Accompanying Specific Bills and Resolutions of the Committee on the District of Columbia from the 63rd Congress; Papers Accompanying Specific Bills and Resolutions, 1903–1972; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, ; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/photograph-taken-after-midnight-on-april-17-1912-g-st-near-14th-these-boys-10-11-and-12-years-old-were-stuck-with-over-fifty-papers-in-their-hands-and-vowed-they-would-stay-until-they-sold-out-if-it-t, April 27, 2024]Photograph taken after midnight on April 17, 1912, G St. near 14th. These boys, 10, 11, and 12 years old, were stuck with over fifty papers in their hands, and vowed they would stay until they sold ou
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Document
Girl working in Box Factory. I saw 10 small boys and girls working. Has a bad reputation for employment of youngsters, but work is slack now. Tampa, Fla.
1/28/1909
This primary source comes from the Records of the Children's Bureau.
National Archives Identifier: 523166
Full Citation: Girl working in Box Factory. I saw 10 small boys and girls working. Has a bad reputation for employment of youngsters, but work is slack now. Tampa, Fla.; 1/28/1909; Records of the Children's Bureau, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/girl-working-in-box-factory-i-saw-10-small-boys-and-girls-working-has-a-bad-reputation-for-employment-of-youngsters-but-work-is-slack-now-tampa-fla, April 27, 2024]Girl working in Box Factory. I saw 10 small boys and girls working. Has a bad reputation for employment of youngsters, but work is slack now. Tampa, Fla.
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Document
New York City at night
ca. 1935
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Information Agency.
National Archives Identifier: 541882
Full Citation: New York City at night; ca. 1935; Records of the U.S. Information Agency, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/new-york-city-at-night, April 27, 2024]New York City at night
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Document
Airshaft of a dumbbell tenement, New York City, taken from the roof
ca. 1900
This primary source comes from the Records of the Public Housing Administration.
National Archives Identifier: 535468
Full Citation: Airshaft of a dumbbell tenement, New York City, taken from the roof; ca. 1900; Records of the Public Housing Administration, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/airshaft-of-a-dumbbell-tenement-new-york-city-taken-from-the-roof, April 27, 2024]Airshaft of a dumbbell tenement, New York City, taken from the roof
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Document
Drawing for an Electric Lamp
1/27/1880
The Patent Office granted Thomas Edison a patent for his "electric-lamp." Edison's patent was an improvement on electric lamps, not the invention of them; but because of Edison’s design changes and the materials he used—such as a carbon filament—his patent allowed for an electric lamp that was reliable, safe, and practical. It paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Transcript
To the Honorable Commissioner of Patents:Your Petitioner Thomas A. Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey prays that Letters Patent may be granted to him for the invention of an Improvement in Electric Lamps and in the method of manufacturing the same set forth in the annexed specification. (Case no. 186).
And further prays that you will recognize Lemuel W. Serrell, of the City of New York, N.Y., as his Attorney, with full power of substitution and revocation, to prosecute this application, to make alterations and amendments therein, to receive the Patent, and to transact all business in the Patent Office connected Therewith.
1879
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 595450
Full Citation: Drawing for an Electric Lamp; 1/27/1880; Patents Issued to Thomas A. Edison, 1868 - 1911; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/patent-application-incandescent-light-bulb, April 27, 2024]Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Document
Drawing for Improvements in Telegraphy
3/7/1876
After years of experiments, Alexander Graham Bell finally found a way to transmit speech. Bell’s attorney filed this patent application for the telephone on February 14, 1876. The patent was issued on March 7, 1876
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 595437
Full Citation: Drawing for Improvements in Telegraphy; 3/7/1876; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/drawing-for-improvements-in-telegraphy, April 27, 2024]Drawing for Improvements in Telegraphy
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Drawing for Improvements in Telegraphy
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Document
Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Patent Drawing and Oath
3/7/1876
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 302052
Full Citation: Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Patent Drawing and Oath; 3/7/1876; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/alexander-graham-bells-telephone-patent-drawing-and-oath, April 27, 2024]Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Patent Drawing and Oath
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Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Patent Drawing and Oath
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Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Patent Drawing and Oath
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Document
Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad
1866
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 530892
Full Citation: Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad; 1866; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/directors-of-the-union-pacific-railroad, April 27, 2024]Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad
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Document
Drawing for an Electric Lamp
1/27/1880
The Patent Office granted Thomas Edison a patent for his "electric-lamp." Edison's patent was an improvement on electric lamps, not the invention of them; but because of Edison’s design changes and the materials he used—such as a carbon filament—his patent allowed for an electric lamp that was reliable, safe, and practical. It paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came 1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians, and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer to success.
On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light. The patent number for his electric lamp is 223,898.
This document was featured in "Teaching with Documents: OurDocuments.gov" in the November/December 2002 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education.
Transcript
To the Honorable Commissioner of Patents:Your Petitioner Thomas A. Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey prays that Letters Patent may be granted to him for the invention of an Improvement in Electric Lamps and in the method of manufacturing the same set forth in the annexed specification. (Case no. 186).
And further prays that you will recognize Lemuel W. Serrell, of the City of New York, N.Y., as his Attorney, with full power of substitution and revocation, to prosecute this application, to make alterations and amendments therein, to receive the Patent, and to transact all business in the Patent Office connected Therewith.
1879
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 595450
Full Citation: Drawing for an Electric Lamp; 1/27/1880; Patents Issued to Thomas A. Edison, 1868 - 1911; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/patent-application-incandescent-light-bulb, April 27, 2024]Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Drawing for an Electric Lamp
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Document
Architectural Drawing of First Order Lighthouse for Bodys Island, North Carolina
3/1871
This item consists of an architectural drawing for a first order lighthouse on Bodys Island in North Carolina. The drawing is an elevation drawing which shows the side of the light station on a flat plane. The drawing also features a cross section of the lighthouse that shows the inside of the lighthouse as if it were cut through at a particular line.
Additional details from our exhibits and publications
The U.S. Coast Guard constructed lighthouses as part of its maritime safety program. Body, now spelled Bodie, light is on North Carolina’s outer banks.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Coast Guard.
National Archives Identifier: 594800
Full Citation: Architectural Drawing of First Order Lighthouse for Bodys Island, North Carolina; 3/1871; Records of the U.S. Coast Guard, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/architectural-drawing-of-first-order-lighthouse-for-bodys-island-north-carolina, April 27, 2024]Architectural Drawing of First Order Lighthouse for Bodys Island, North Carolina
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Pierre Joseph, on mower on field of Louie Pierre. Pierre Joseph is employed by Louie Pierre
7/23/1914
This image documents investigations and construction on various units of the Flathead Irrigation Project. The Project was initiated to determine rights and distribute water originating on the Flathead Indian Agency in Montana to both tribal and non-tribal land. The establishment of the Reservation in 1855 preceded Montana statehood by nearly 35 years and presented many challenges in establishing seniority and providing for equitable distribution of water for the irrigation of farms and ranches.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
National Archives Identifier: 293339
Full Citation: Pierre Joseph, on mower on field of Louie Pierre. Pierre Joseph is employed by Louie Pierre; 7/23/1914; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/pierre-joseph-on-mower-on-field-of-louie-pierre-pierre-joseph-is-employed-by-louie-pierre, April 27, 2024]Pierre Joseph, on mower on field of Louie Pierre. Pierre Joseph is employed by Louie Pierre
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Family with Their Covered Wagon During the Great Western Migration
1866
The original caption for this photograph reads: "The Covered Wagon of the Great Western Migration. 1886 in Loup Valley, Nebr." A family poses with the wagon in which they live and travel daily during their pursuit of a homestead.
The image shows a family pausing to pose for a picture in Loup Valley, Nebraska, on their journey to a homestead. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed a citizen to claim up to 160 acres of western lands in exchange for farming and improving that land.
Text adapted from “The Homestead Act of 1862” in the October 1997 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education, which includes background information and teaching suggestions about The Homestead Act.
The image shows a family pausing to pose for a picture in Loup Valley, Nebraska, on their journey to a homestead. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed a citizen to claim up to 160 acres of western lands in exchange for farming and improving that land.
Text adapted from “The Homestead Act of 1862” in the October 1997 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) publication Social Education, which includes background information and teaching suggestions about The Homestead Act.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Work Projects Administration.
National Archives Identifier: 518267
Full Citation: Photograph 69-N-13606C; Family with Their Covered Wagon During the Great Western Migration; 1866; WPA Information Division Photographic Index, ca. 1936 - ca. 1942; Records of the Work Projects Administration, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/family-covered-wagon, April 27, 2024]Family with Their Covered Wagon During the Great Western Migration
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Photograph with caption 'Excavator on Mile 52 being pulled by traction-engine, plow side. August 8, 1904
8/8/1904
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
National Archives Identifier: 282335
Full Citation: Photograph with caption 'Excavator on Mile 52 being pulled by traction-engine, plow side. August 8, 1904; 8/8/1904; Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/photograph-with-caption-excavator-on-mile-52-being-pulled-by-tractionengine-plow-side-august-8-1904, April 27, 2024]Photograph with caption 'Excavator on Mile 52 being pulled by traction-engine, plow side. August 8, 1904
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