Get to Know
Thomas Edison
Discover why we turned Thomas into a superhero
ABOUT THOMAS EDISON
Superhero Backstory
Thomas was born grew up in a small town and was a very curious child who loved music and was fascinated with technology, he would spend hours working on experiments at home.
At the age of 7, a mysterious illness caused Thomas to fall into a coma. When we woke up he found he had lost his hearing but had gained the ability to control electricity and light. When he turned 12, something strange happened. He witnessed a bank robbery. The robbers were armed with guns, and they were threatening to shoot the hostages. Thomas knew that he had to do something, so he used his powers to create a powerful electric field that surrounded the bank. The robbers were caught off guard, and they were quickly arrested by the police.
This unknown hero, called "The Wizard", became a local celebrity, and she was soon recruited by Team Remarkablz.
At the age of 7, a mysterious illness caused Thomas to fall into a coma. When we woke up he found he had lost his hearing but had gained the ability to control electricity and light. When he turned 12, something strange happened. He witnessed a bank robbery. The robbers were armed with guns, and they were threatening to shoot the hostages. Thomas knew that he had to do something, so he used his powers to create a powerful electric field that surrounded the bank. The robbers were caught off guard, and they were quickly arrested by the police.
This unknown hero, called "The Wizard", became a local celebrity, and she was soon recruited by Team Remarkablz.
Thomas Alva Edison
Occupation: Inventor
Born: 1847
Died: 1931
Nationality: American
Thomas was born in Milan, Ohio, on February 11, 1847. Thomas was not considered a very good student, but he loved science, and began experimenting in his basement when he was a teenager.
In 1862, he got his first job as a telegraph operator and in 1869 invented the stock ticker, a device that automatically printed stock prices on a paper tape. The stock ticker was a success, and Thomas used the money he made from it to start his own company, the Edison Telegraph Company.
He opened his first research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey and soon became known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park". Thomas continued to invent throughout his life. He held over 1,000 patents, and his inventions had a profound impact on the modern world.
Thomas died on October 18, 1931, at the age of 84. He is considered one of the most important inventors in history.
Born: 1847
Died: 1931
Nationality: American
Thomas was born in Milan, Ohio, on February 11, 1847. Thomas was not considered a very good student, but he loved science, and began experimenting in his basement when he was a teenager.
In 1862, he got his first job as a telegraph operator and in 1869 invented the stock ticker, a device that automatically printed stock prices on a paper tape. The stock ticker was a success, and Thomas used the money he made from it to start his own company, the Edison Telegraph Company.
He opened his first research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey and soon became known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park". Thomas continued to invent throughout his life. He held over 1,000 patents, and his inventions had a profound impact on the modern world.
Thomas died on October 18, 1931, at the age of 84. He is considered one of the most important inventors in history.
Top Quarkz
Thomas features in our signature card game, Top Quarkz. The game supports development of maths, literacy and decision making skills all while learning about some of the most impressive scientific discoveries throughout history.
We've explained the drawing and his playing card below so you can learn more about both his superhero and real-life identity.
We've explained the drawing and his playing card below so you can learn more about both his superhero and real-life identity.
THE DRAWING EXPLAINED
Electrokinesis is the ability to generate and manipulate electricity with the mind.
The electric symbol for the light bulb can be found on Thomas' chest.
Superpower
Discovery
Thomas developed an improved electric light bulb. It lasted much longer and was more energy efficient.
In 1876, Thomas established his first laboratory facility in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
Location
SideKick
One of Thomas' mentors in his early years was a fellow telegrapher and inventor named Franklin Leonard Pope.
Why Rubber? Rubber stops electricity by acting as an insulator.
Weakness
Top Quarkz Card Explained
Each drawing we create has one or more hidden treasure(s) about our superheroes' life experiences, depictions in art, jobs or discoveries. Did you find the ones hidden in this drawing?
Hidden Treasures
We pack a lot into our cards - from amazing imagined superpowers to biographical information and hidden treasures.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Invention of the Light Bulb
While Thomas Edison improved on the lightbulb he was not the first person to create a light bulb.Learn all about the Invention of Bulb in this brilliant little video.
The Telegraph: The Civil War Text Machine
Edison got his first job as a telegraph operator, find out more about the telegraph in this great video from Untold History.
Thomas Edison
A documentary that explores the life of America's most famous inventor.
Video: Peekaboo Kidz
Video:Untold History
Video: PBS
What Do Inventors Do?
Some of the greatest inventions were created by accident. Find out more in this brilliant video by Brightside.
Video Credit: Bightside
Video Credit: Bightside
Find out about these exciting inventors!
Check out Elijah's fact file. Elijah was a canadian engineer and inventor. His most famous invention helped trains run faster.
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Katharine invented what is known as "invisible" glass in 1940. She discovered how to make low-reflectance glass. It is still used on items such as windshields, and glasses!
If you would like to find out more about Thomas check out this great book!
Who Was Thomas Alva Edison? An accessible, appealing biography of the inventor. You can purchase the book on Amazon, or listen on Audible.
Author: Margaret Frith
Publisher: Listening Library
Publisher: Listening Library
Rubber stops electricity because it acts as an insulator. An insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to flow through it.
When an electric current is applied to a piece of rubber, the electrons are not able to move through the rubber molecules and the current is stopped.
Rubber is used in many electrical applications because of its insulating properties.
When an electric current is applied to a piece of rubber, the electrons are not able to move through the rubber molecules and the current is stopped.
Rubber is used in many electrical applications because of its insulating properties.
Why Does Rubber Stop Electricity?
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