Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: The History of the Cylinder Phonograph

For Students 7th - 8th Standards
A learning module that begins with "The History of the Cylinder Phonograph" by The Library of Congress, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned...
Website
Other

Edision Birthplace Museum: Birthplace of Edison

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical look at Thomas Edison from the museum of his birthplace. Provides information on his life and his inventions. Also gives a tour of Edison's birthplace.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Facts About Thomas Edison

For Students 4th - 8th
Read about the life of Thomas Edison and his many inventions.
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.
Website
Other

Earliest Voices: Recording the Early Voices

For Students 9th - 10th
Here's an interesting look at the development of the phonograph by Thomas Edison and other inventors.
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...
Website
Other

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
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.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: Technology Timeline 1750 1990

For Students 3rd - 8th
Did you ever wonder who invented something, and when it was invented? Go to this interactive timeline that highlights inventors/inventions from 1750-1990. Click on the topic to read a brief paragraph about that invention.
Website
Other

History of Rock and Roll: Technology

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a history of audio formats. Follow the links and learn about the 45 RPM, 33 RPM, and the jukebox.
eBook
Other

Edison: His Life and Inventions: The Telephone, Motograph, and Microphone

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers the text of a book by Frank Dyer and Thomas Martin published in 1929 on the inventions of Thomas Edison. This particular page discusses Alexander Graham Bell's development of the telephone and the controversy over Thomas...
Article
Other

The Birth of the Recording Industry

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is a very interesting article about the birth of the recording industry. It primarily deals with the invention and improvement of the phonograph beginning in 1877.
Handout
Science4Fun

Science4 Fun: Thomas Edison

For Students K - 1st
Brief biographical sketch of Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph.
Handout
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies

Mocomi: Thomas Edison Biography

For Students 1st - 8th
Interesting biographical information, famous inventions, and quotes of Thomas Edison, one of America's greatest inventors.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Edison Phonograph Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the history of the Edison phonograph and provides photos.
Graphic
Curated OER

Color Nipper new.gif (9570 Bytes)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a history of audio formats. Follow the links and learn about the 45 RPM, 33 RPM, and the jukebox.
Graphic
Curated OER

Phono6b1.jpg (14303 Bytes)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a history of audio formats. Follow the links and learn about the 45 RPM, 33 RPM, and the jukebox.