Compare and Contrast - The Inventor's Secret

How were Thomas Edison and Henry Ford similar as children? "He was always doing experiments instead of his chores because he just had to see how things worked."

• They enjoyed reading books.

• They were very quiet and shy.

• They got into trouble by experimenting.

• They liked working on farms.

What was Thomas Edison's main area of interest as a young inventor? "Most of all, Thomas was curious about electricity, invisible energy that flowed and stopped, sizzled and popped."

• Windup toys

• Engines

• Electricity

• Bridges

Henry Ford was inspired by an engine-powered buggy he saw. What idea did this spark? "From then on, Henry thought about one thing: making his own vehicle. A car hardworking families could afford."

• To invent a phonograph

• To build a new kind of engine

• To create a car that families could afford

• To start a machine shop

Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were motivated to make inventions that... "As Thomas grew older he dreamed of creating his own inventions, electric gadgets to make life easier." "Henry was still dreaming about cars. Everywhere he went, his pockets rattled with metal parts."

• Cost a lot of money

• Made life easier for people

• Would only be used in factories

• Were too complicated to understand

Which of the following was one of Edison's most successful inventions? "After changing his design many times, he created an incandescent light bulb that burned all night!"

• A car engine

• A steam-powered machine

• An electric light bulb

• A four-cylinder car

What invention is Henry Ford most famous for improving and making widely available? "Most of all, Henry was curious about engines-machines that chugged and purred, hiccupped and whirred."

• The telephone

• The electric pen

• The gas-powered car

• The steam engine

Which characteristic best describes both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford? "Henry couldn't stand it any longer. He had to find out Thomas's secret!"

• Patience

• Curiosity

• Timidness

• Caution

What was the secret Edison revealed to Ford at the dinner? "Blue eyes sparkling, Thomas leaned in close to Henry. He banged his fist on the table. 'Keep at it!' he shouted."

• Keep at it!

• Use more materials

• Find a better team

• Stop working on cars

How did Edison and Ford help each other in their careers? "Edison was the person who gave Ford the confidence to build his own gas-powered car."

• Edison told Ford to give up on cars.

• They encouraged each other and shared ideas.

• They worked together on building engines.

• Ford helped Edison invent the light bulb.

Comparing Edison and Ford, which statement best describes their main difference? "Edison succeeded, in 1879, in creating a bulb that lasted 13.5 hours. ... Ford developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle-class Americans could actually afford."

• Edison focused on sound and music, while Ford focused on toys.

• Edison created new inventions, while Ford improved existing technology.

• Ford invented electricity, while Edison worked on engines.

• Ford liked electricity, while Edison focused on water power.