sagira Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 http://www.ntesla.org/ntesla/NT-P1.html I find his life fascinating. A few years ago I read his biography. Do any one if you teach about Tesla? Interesting, how Edison is lauded everywhere while he is obscure to most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tntgoodwin Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 My kids know that he is responsible for the Tesla coil but that is it at this point. I had plans to introduce him during our study of electricity next year but wasn't exactly sure how yet, if it would be a brief mention, or reading about him, or having them do some research. Not really sure yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Yes, my dh found the life of Tesla fascinating and he worked with our kids on learning about his discoveries, and unfortunate circumstances afterward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 DH, an electrician, is a huge Tesla fan. He's been fascinated with him for years, and has shared many resources with the boys. Our household electricity gods are Faraday, Maxwell, Braun, and Tesla. Marconi is the bad guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share Posted February 29, 2012 DH, an electrician, is a huge Tesla fan. He's been fascinated with him for years, and has shared many resources with the boys. Our household electricity gods are Faraday, Maxwell, Braun, and Tesla. Marconi is the bad guy. Yes, my dh found the life of Tesla fascinating and he worked with our kids on learning about his discoveries, and unfortunate circumstances afterward. Awesome. Do you care to share any resources? Preferably living books (if any). We are CM flavored here :) Have you used any of the books the link sells? My children are 8 and 4, and 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 He just used the internet as his resource. Maybe it is time to dig into that topic again, more indepth this time. I am sure our younger ones know nothing, he geared it for the older boys. Thanks for the reminder of something else we need to work on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvina Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I read this book : My Inventions (by N Tesla) which is a collection of autobiographical notes. It was very interesting, not very long, and you can actually feel his personality coming out from the pages. Not only his experiments and ideas are interesting, but his mental processes and the quality of his "inspirations" are amazing too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 My DH used the internet and some library books. I think he also focused on the older boys, for several reasons. First, the story of Nikolai Tesla isn't always pretty. Secondly, to understand the science you have to have a bit of background to appreciate it. (Sonlight Science D, about Electricity and Magnetism, was sufficient entree to electricity for my boys, especially combined with Snap Circuits kits and DH's expertise.) Lastly, Tesla is best in his own words, IMO. We didn't use any children's books. That doesn't mean an 8yo couldn't learn about this, though! I'm not trying to discourage, just explaining why we used the upper level materials. You could start with youtube; just search "Tesla Experiment." Lots of 'wow factor' experiments there! Snap Circuits kits and Usborne books about electricity and magnetism would be lots of fun. The TOPS books and kits available through Sonlight are awesome, too. I just found this PBS Movie on Tesla, so maybe you'd like to try to find it for free somewhere and preview it. And finally, I did find one children's book that got two great reviews at Amazon: Nikola Tesla: Physicist, Inventor, Electrical Engineer I hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 We used the last book that Tibbie linked. Ds has read a biography of Tesla as well. He wants to make a Tesla Coil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Tesla should be a "natural" when it comes to learning about electricity. How much one delves into his life is more optional. Modern Marvels had a really good show about electricity in general (and included Tesla). Off Limits about Buffalo had a section talking about Tesla and showing what's left of his original power plant at Niagara Falls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 We watched a bio from Netflix on him a few years ago. Plus my dad is a huge Tesla fan, so ds hears about him all the time. Sorcerer's Apprentice has a neat "supporting character" of Tesla coils. The Prestige is another interesting movie (preview for age), which has David Bowie as Tesla in a supporting role. Then, of course, for the geek, you have the Tesla vs. Edison t-shirt from Think Geek. We'll study more about him in science again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 My kids loved the character on Sanctuary. :D It was fun to learn about the real Tesla. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenmama2 Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 There is a musical about Tesla's life. Could be fun to seek out for a unit study approach to Tesla. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenmama2 Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_-_Lightning_in_His_Hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristenR Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I got the book, They Called Me Mad, for Christmas and haven't actually read it cover to cover yet. It does look like a fun read- I just haven't had time. They do have a section on Tesla in it. Might be worth it to check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 My kids loved the character on Sanctuary. :DIt was fun to learn about the real Tesla. He is such a nice Vampire. :) I mus t admit that is how I know about him. Other then the fact I could have guessed he had something to do with electricity based on his last name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 We watched a bio from Netflix on him a few years ago. Plus my dad is a huge Tesla fan, so ds hears about him all the time. Sorcerer's Apprentice has a neat "supporting character" of Tesla coils. The Prestige is another interesting movie (preview for age), which has David Bowie as Tesla in a supporting role. Then, of course, for the geek, you have the Tesla vs. Edison t-shirt from Think Geek. We'll study more about him in science again. Thanks for these links! Fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 He is such a nice Vampire. :) I mus t admit that is how I know about him. Other then the fact I could have guessed he had something to do with electricity based on his last name. You guys beat me to it. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Yes, we studied him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted March 1, 2012 Author Share Posted March 1, 2012 I read this book : My Inventions (by N Tesla) which is a collection of autobiographical notes. It was very interesting, not very long, and you can actually feel his personality coming out from the pages. Not only his experiments and ideas are interesting, but his mental processes and the quality of his "inspirations" are amazing too. Very interesting! I already read most of the excerpt just now.. Free on Kindle too, thanks. My DH used the internet and some library books. I think he also focused on the older boys, for several reasons. First, the story of Nikolai Tesla isn't always pretty. Secondly, to understand the science you have to have a bit of background to appreciate it. (Sonlight Science D, about Electricity and Magnetism, was sufficient entree to electricity for my boys, especially combined with Snap Circuits kits and DH's expertise.) Lastly, Tesla is best in his own words, IMO. We didn't use any children's books. That doesn't mean an 8yo couldn't learn about this, though! I'm not trying to discourage, just explaining why we used the upper level materials. You could start with youtube; just search "Tesla Experiment." Lots of 'wow factor' experiments there! Snap Circuits kits and Usborne books about electricity and magnetism would be lots of fun. The TOPS books and kits available through Sonlight are awesome, too. I just found this PBS Movie on Tesla, so maybe you'd like to try to find it for free somewhere and preview it. And finally, I did find one children's book that got two great reviews at Amazon: Nikola Tesla: Physicist, Inventor, Electrical Engineer I hope this helps! Yes it does! Ds likes his Snap Circuits Jr. and plays with it. I'm just surprised that in the "general homeschool community" (whatever that is :tongue_smilie:) Edison is given an almost idol-like status, whereas I don't see Tesla mentioned, or barely given a short paragraph. We used the last book that Tibbie linked. Ds has read a biography of Tesla as well. He wants to make a Tesla Coil. That's awesome! We watched a bio from Netflix on him a few years ago. Plus my dad is a huge Tesla fan, so ds hears about him all the time. Sorcerer's Apprentice has a neat "supporting character" of Tesla coils. That's right! I saw the movie. The Prestige is another interesting movie (preview for age), which has David Bowie as Tesla in a supporting role. I had forgotten about this.. this is where I got intrigued about Tesla to begin with years ago. Then, of course, for the geek, you have the Tesla vs. Edison t-shirt from Think Geek. I think I am the geek :tongue_smilie: My husband talks about Tesla and thinks Edison was a jerk. :tongue_smilie: The more I dig, the more I get the impression that that was the case. As I told dh, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Edison was loud about his inventions, and a good self-promoter. That looks like a fun book. Yes, yes it does. Thanks, everyone! I'm thinking of introducing Tesla formally in 5th, as that's when ds is going to delve in Modern History. However, we can explore online and read a book or two for fun now. I can see ds being either an architect, engineer, or inventor. It is probably too early to tell, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 For fun (adults!) the Drunk History video on Tesla via Youtube is absolutely hilarious! I think I learned more about him from that than I did throughout school... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralloyd Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 (edited) We are Tesla fans here too. My husband wants me to teach about him before Edison. I have a bio, at home that turned out to be a little above my kid's heads. We will try it again in a year or two. I can't find it on Amazon anymore, but I did come across this sight- http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdtesla.htm It has a pretty good bio. Plus, if you go to the bottom there are other links and printable, so you could do a unit on him. Eta: There are also books linked to amazon at the bottom! Edited March 1, 2012 by coralloyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Way2blessed Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 Bumping this old post because we have just become obsessed with Tesla. We happened upon him studying the Tunguska event in relation to Meteor Day. Of course, I am fairly certain that most of the hoopla surrounding a Tesla/Tunguska connection is pure conspiracy theory, it led us to studying Tesla more in depth and Wow! Just ...Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 Tesla is one of DS's heroes. We were not able to mention Edison in our house for awhile when DS was researching Tesla's life and contributions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy Grommy Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 For some Tesla steampunk fiction, check out the comic The Five Fists of Science. Tesla and Mark Twain team up against Edison and J.P. Morgan to save the world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 We love Tesla here. My kids read his biography by Lisa Aldrich - Nikola Tesla and the Taming of Electricity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 For some Tesla steampunk fiction, check out the comic The Five Fists of Science. Tesla and Mark Twain team up against Edison and J.P. Morgan to save the world! That sounds awesome. Will have to check out a copy for my dd who is a big Tesla fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 I wish you were close enough to come see the Mid America Science Museum Tesla Coil. I have seen it too many times to count and it still fascinates me. That is a google link to several articles about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted July 3, 2012 Share Posted July 3, 2012 I will pass this on to my friend -- though I suspect she already knows. They named their daughter Tesla after him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I haven't watched it. But thought those on this thread might be intersted in this.... a free online documentary on Nikola Tesla. http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/nikola-tesla-the-genius/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 PhysicsQuest had a focus on Tesla a couple of years ago. You can download all the printed material (comic book, experiments on light, magnetism and electricity). "Nikola Tesla and the Electric Fair" is the title. You read the comic and do the experiments to solve a mystery (the clues are the results of the experiments). http://www.physicscentral.com/experiment/physicsquest/past/pq08.cfm These are aimed at middle school. While you're there, look at the other previous Quests. If you sign up in the fall, you'll get a free (not even shipping) kit with the comic and materials to do this upcoming year's Quest (it came sometime in the winter). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I've read aloud articles from Cracked.com and The Oatmeal, edited for language...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 We are planning on studying him this year. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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