Learn about Thomas Edison and the Wright brothers, including their inventions, challenges, and impact on history.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences when needed.
Learning how inventors changed everyday life and travel
Social Studies - Grade 2-3
- 1
Thomas Edison is often remembered for improving a practical electric light bulb. How did electric lights help people in their homes and towns?
- 2
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are famous for building and flying an early powered airplane. What problem were they trying to solve?
- 3
Circle the invention most connected with Thomas Edison: electric light bulb, bicycle, airplane.
- 4
Circle the invention most connected with the Wright brothers: telephone, powered airplane, printing press.
- 5
Put these events in order from earliest to latest: Edison improves a practical electric light bulb in 1879, the Wright brothers fly at Kitty Hawk in 1903, you were born.
- 6
Edison had a laboratory where he and his team tested many ideas. Why is testing important for inventors?
- 7
The Wright brothers owned a bicycle shop before they built airplanes. How might working with bicycles have helped them learn about flying machines?
- 8
Write one sentence that tells why Thomas Edison is an important inventor in history.
- 9
Write one sentence that tells why the Wright brothers are important in history.
- 10
Look at the two inventors. What is one way Edison and the Wright brothers were alike?
- 11
What is one way Edison and the Wright brothers were different?
- 12
The Wright brothers made their famous flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Why do you think a wide, windy, sandy place could be helpful for testing an airplane?
- 13
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: An inventor is a person who makes or improves something new. The best word is inventor, farmer, or mayor.
- 14
Edison and the Wright brothers did not succeed on every first try. What should an inventor do when an idea does not work?
- 15
Imagine you lived before electric lights and airplanes. Name one way your life would be different.