Programs: Inventing Thomas Edison: Program Details
 

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Your students are invited into Mr. Edison’s Orange, New Jersey laboratory!

As they enter, your young scientists will be amazed to see Mr. Edison’s working laboratory recreated. They soon meet Tom Swenson. After a short introduction to the Edison's time life and times  Mr. Swenson mesmerizes the audience as he transforms into Thomas Edison right before their eyes using hairpieces, makeup and costume.

Then “Mr. Edison” tells of his life, his values, his amazing adventures and his inventions. All the time, as he did in real life, Mr. Edison is constantly tinkering with inventions old and new! For this performance, authentic relics and true reproductions relevant to the life of this great American inventor have been secured — the first light bulb, an early phonograph, telegraph key, an early telephone! Edison’s laboratory is full of laboratory equipment and visual aids which help demonstrate his inventive process.

They learn of how Edison overcame many obstacles, i.e. being a different learner and deafness. They hear and also SEE how his devotion to strong values was central to his life — hard work, demanding his inventions help mankind as well as an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Throughout he also reveals a tremendous sense of humor and positivism!

Connections to the history of the times is emphasized, as is the relevance to our future which is going to demand so much scientific excellence and fresh ideas from our youth.

Lots of student participation in demonstratons and experiments. This curriculum-based program is truly fun, fascinating, inspiring and motivating.

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