All about Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was a very famous inventor who lived a long time ago. He was born in 1847 in a small town in Ohio. When he was a child, he loved to read and learn new things. He was curious and always asked lots of questions. Even though Thomas had trouble hearing, he didn't let that stop him from doing amazing things.

One of his most famous inventions is the electric light bulb. Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, people used candles and oil lamps to see in the dark. His light bulb made it easy for people to light up their homes and streets. This changed the world and made life much better for everyone.

Thomas Edison also invented many other things. He made a machine that could play music called the phonograph and another machine that helped people talk to each other over long distances called the telephone. In total, he had over 1,000 inventions!

Edison worked very hard in his laboratory, a special place where he tested his ideas. He believed that trying and not giving up was the key to success. Thomas Edison’s inventions still help us today, and he is remembered as one of the greatest inventors in history.

1. Where was Thomas Edison born?
2. What was one of Thomas Edison's most famous inventions?
3. How did Thomas Edison’s light bulb change the world?
4. Why do you think Thomas Edison didn't give up, even though he had trouble hearing?
5. If you could invent something to help people, what would it be and why?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Isaac and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to tell you about my fun trip to Menlo Park. Menlo Park is famous because Thomas Edison did a lot of cool stuff there. He invented things like the light bulb! I went with my family to see the Thomas Edison Center. It was so cool! They had a big tower called the Edison Memorial Tower. It is really tall and shiny.

Inside the museum, we saw some of his old inventions. There were old phonographs that play music and even the first light bulbs. I learned that Edison had a lab where he worked on all his ideas. My favorite part was when we got to see a light bulb that still works after all these years! We also watched a short movie about his life and all the things he invented. It made me feel like I can invent something too someday!

After the museum, we went to a park nearby and had a picnic. It was a super fun day, and I learned a lot about Thomas Edison. If you ever get a chance, you should visit Menlo Park too!

1. What did Isaac visit in Menlo Park?
2. Can you list some of the inventions Isaac saw at the museum?
3. Why is Menlo Park famous according to Isaac?
4. How did Isaac feel after watching the movie about Thomas Edison?
5. What do you think Isaac might want to invent someday?

Profile of Thomas Edison

A Timeline of Thomas Edison to another Festival

After learning all about Thomas Edison, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - Thomas Edison
A full set of teaching plans for Thomas Edisonteaching.