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Lesson 1: Introduction & The Lightbulb
Lesson 1: Introduction & The Lightbulb
Class Expectations
Equipment: Respect the keyboards, chairs, and all equipment.
Behaviour: Be respectful to everyone in the room.
The Most Important Development? We are starting with a big question: What is the most important development in the history of Electronics? Many argue it is the Lightbulb. The entire electrical grid and household supply were originally developed just to power this one invention.
Activity 1: The "Inventor" Hunt
Activity 1: The "Inventor" Hunt
Create a new Google Doc named "Electronics Research".
Question: Who invented the lightbulb?
Hint: It wasn't just one person.
Task: Search online for "Who invented the lightbulb?" and make a list of names you find in your document.
Deep Dive: Pick one person from your list (who is not Thomas Edison) and write a short paragraph about what they contributed to the lightbulb's development.
Lesson 2: Evolution of the Bulb
Lesson 2: Evolution of the Bulb
Activity 1: Timeline of Technology
Activity 1: Timeline of Technology
In your research document, answer the following questions based on your findings from the last lesson:
Roughly what year were the first lightbulbs invented?
How long did these early bulbs last (in hours)?
Activity 2: Material Science
Activity 2: Material Science
Thomas Edison is famous for making the lightbulb "better."
What specific material did he discover that improved the filament?
How long did the bulb last after this discovery?
Later, a new material called Tungsten was introduced. Who discovered it, and how long did it make the bulbs last?
Activity 3: Quick Fire
Activity 3: Quick Fire
Research William D. Coolidge. Write 3 sentences about him in your doc.
Period 3: The War of the Currents (Edison vs. Tesla)
Period 3: The War of the Currents (Edison vs. Tesla)
Activity 1: Biography Profiles
Activity 1: Biography Profiles
In your research doc, create two profiles. Find a picture for each.
Subject A: Thomas Edison
Bio: Birthplace/date, family details, schooling.
Career: First invention, first patent.
The Lightbulb: How many filament samples did he try before finding success?
Stats: Total number of patents? Major inventions?
Subject B: Nikola Tesla
Bio: Birthplace/date, family details, schooling.
Career: First invention, first patent.
Wealth: What prevented him from becoming the world's first billionaire?
Stats: Total number of patents? Major inventions?
Activity 2: The Rivalry
Activity 2: The Rivalry
Research "The Current Wars."
What electrical system did Edison back?
What electrical system did Tesla back?
Which system was better for transmission and why?
The Dispute: Find the story about the "bonus" Edison promised Tesla. What happened?
Lesson 4: The Dark Side of Electronics
Lesson 4: The Dark Side of Electronics
Activity 1: Fact Finding
Activity 1: Fact Finding
In your document, find and record:
5 Interesting Facts about Edison or Tesla.
5 Disturbing Facts about Edison or Tesla.
Activity 2: Video Analysis Watch
Activity 2: Video Analysis Watch
This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things (Veritasium) [17 mins] Notes: As you watch, take notes on the following terms:
Planned Obsolescence
The Phoebus Cartel
Lesson 5: Modern Lighting & Sustainability
Lesson 5: Modern Lighting & Sustainability
Activity 1: The "Everlasting" Bulb?
Activity 1: The "Everlasting" Bulb?
We often hear that LED bulbs last forever. Let's fact-check the claim (50,000 hours) versus reality.
Activity 2: Lifecycle Analysis Table
Activity 2: Lifecycle Analysis Table
Activity 3: Discussion Summary
Activity 3: Discussion Summary
Write a conclusion paragraph: Are LED bulbs actually better for the environment? Consider electronic waste, repairability, and hazardous materials in your answer.
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