An Electric Battle A WebQuest for War of the Currents

Introduction At the turn of the twentieth century, the War of the Currents had a clear winner—Tesla and his alternating current. However, direct current survived into the twenty-first century. As recently as 2007, some parts of Manhattan were finally converted to alternating current. The transition from direct current to alternating current begin in the late 1920s but took decades, in part, because the foundation of New York City’s energy grid was build by Edison’s company.

Task Your task is to research the everyday devices credited to Edison and Tesla. You will compare these inventor’s influences by creating a script for a 5-min mock “debate” between Edison and Tesla in which they debate their influences on today’s and future technology.

Process Use the resources listed in the Resources section to begin your research. The Web sites listed are good starting points, but further Internet research will be necessary. Record your answers to the following questions.

1. What was the relationship between Tesla and Edison prior to the War of the Currents? 2. Both Tesla and Edison were prolific inventors. If the two were competing to obtain the most number of patents filed, who wins and by what margin? 3. Did any of Tesla’s or Edison’s inventions build upon one another or work together to bring about new technology? 4. Could direct current make a comeback? Explain your answer.

Write a Script Write a script for a 5-min mock debate between Edison and Tesla, in which each tries to convince the audience that he was the more influential inventor. To support their arguments, Edison and Tesla should provide multiple examples of the everyday devices that are the result of their inventions.

Resources Public Broadcasting System (search Tesla) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (search Edison and Tesla) Tesla Memorial Society of New York Edison Birthplace Museum

Evaluation Read this rubric to determine how you will be scored on this activity.

Criteria Points 0 5 10 15 The process It was was evident that The process Answers to followed but resources was not process answers to were used to followed questions were Process questions answer and complete and showed no process questions supported by evidence questions but were not evidence from that answers were answered. resources. resources incomplete or were used. incorrect. A script was A script was written and A script was written and each inventor’s written but each position was the inventor’s well Write a A script was inventor’s position was researched and Script not written. positions in supported by supported by the debate one or two several were not examples of examples of supported. everyday everyday devices. devices. Total Points