Age of Great Inventions

Age of Great Inventions

Discussion & Essay Questions

Available to teachers only as part of the Teaching Great Inventions of the Gilded AgeTeacher Pass

Teaching Great Inventions of the Gilded Age Teacher Pass includes:

  • Assignments & Activities
  • Reading Quizzes
  • Current Events & Pop Culture articles
  • Discussion & Essay Questions
  • Challenges & Opportunities
  • Related Readings in Literature & History

Sample of Discussion & Essay Questions


    1. Big Picture
    • What is your image of an inventor?
      • A frumpy, frazzle-haired nerd working alone in his basement?
    • Did Edison match this description?
    • How was innovation systematized during this period?
    • Why was innovation systematized during this period?
    • Is progress marked by technological advance?
      • In general, does technology improve our lives?
      • Or does it create as many problems as it solves?
    • Do Americans have an appropriate attitude toward technology?
    • Are they too enamored with it?
    • Are they too suspicious of it?