The Wizard of Menlo Park
First, let’s meet Thomas Edison. Edison’s inventions changed the lives of millions of people during his lifetime. Today, billions of people still use devices based on those he helped create. Edison was born in Ohio in 1847 and was raised mostly in Michigan. He worked for a time in Boston and New York City before opening his first workshop in Newark, New Jersey. Edison later moved to Menlo Park, also in New Jersey, where he built a large research laboratory.
Watch this video to learn some interesting details about Edison’s character traits and accomplishments. After watching, answer the questions in Take Notes below.
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A reporter nicknamed Edison "the Wizard of Menlo Park" in 1879.
Take Notes
From the video, you can see the impact that Thomas Edison had on the world as an inventor. You also get a peek at what he was like as an adult. In the space below, write two or three words you would use to describe him. (Click SAVE when you have finished. To see your saved or submitted work again, click MY WORK at the top of the page.)
