JoinTrash or Treasure?
Why do some inventions stand the test of time, while others disappear from the market entirely? In the activity described here, students work in groups of four to research pre-1950s inventions they see at antique/collectible stores, garage sales, and on the Internet. Specifically, for each item, students create a simple time-line and identify changes, competitors, and reasons for a company’s success or demise.