Thomas Edison Invents the Light Bulb — Reading Comprehension

Thomas Edison was an American inventor who changed the world. In the late 1800s, people used candles and gas lamps for light. These were unsafe and did not last long. Edison wanted to find a better way. He wanted to invent a safe and long-lasting electric light.

In 1878, Edison began working on his idea. He set up a large laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. There, he worked with a team of smart helpers. Edison believed that teamwork was important. He once said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." This means he worked very hard every day.

Edison and his team tested over 1,000 different materials to find the best one for the light bulb. They tried paper, cotton, and even hair. After months of hard work, they found that a thin piece of carbon worked well. In 1879, Edison made a light bulb that could glow for over 13 hours. This was a huge success!

People were excited about Edison's new invention. Soon, homes and streets were filled with electric light. This changed people's lives. It made homes safer and let people work and read at night. Edison's light bulb helped start the age of electricity.

Interesting Fact: Edison did not invent the first light bulb, but he made the first one that worked well and lasted a long time.

Who invented the long-lasting light bulb?

Where was Edison's laboratory?

In what year did Edison create his famous bulb?

Why did Edison test many materials?

How did Edison's invention help people?

What does Edison's quote mean?

Edison invented the first ever light bulb.

What is a laboratory?