Direction: A discovery and an invention are different, but they are related. A discovery occurs

when something that exists in nature is recognized for the first time. Fire is an example of a

discovery. An invention is something that is made for the first time by a creator. An invention

never existed before the act of creation. The telephone and the automobile are two examples of

important 20th century inventions.

Either in a group or by yourself, draw up a list of inventions made in the 20 th century. After your

list is finished, discuss the inventions you have named, using the following questions as

guidelines:

1. What are three most important 20th century inventions that you have listed? why? In other

words, why do you rate these as the most influential/important inventions?

2. What are some important inventions prior to the 20th century ? Why ?

3. Which invention has brought the most happiness to people ? which has caused the most

unhappiness ?

4. Are any of the inventions you have listed luxury items ? Which of the inventions you

have become accepted as necessities ?

5. What would you world be like without a certain in invention ? How has your life been

influenced by these inventions ? Would you like to go to back to 1990 when none of

these things existed ? Can you visualized life as it was then ?

6. What would you like to see invented now ? What do you think will be one of the most

important inventions that will be made in the future ? What are you going to invent ?