Modern Marvels

Household Wonders

From the outhouse to the smart house, our lives have improved drastically in the last 150 years. Today, there are fully automated homes in which everything, from the home heater to the outdoor waterfall, can be operated at the push of a button. But life wasn't always so easy for homemakers who were wrapped in the

• Boudoir
• Geometric
• Hydrotherapy
• Ingenuity
• Jute
• Myriad
• Sanitarium
• Strategic
• Tenacious
• Ubiquitous

Discussion Questions

1. Many of tomorrow's homes, and even some of today's, will be

2. Many of the technological advances we enjoy in our homes today were once only available to the wealthy. How does technology become affordable and more

3. Almost every home in American has an alarm clock. Discuss the role of the alarm clock in American society. How is the alarm clock a by-product of the Industrial Revolution?

4. Sometimes we will tell someone to

5. Mattresses have come a long way since the original versions. Discuss the evolution of the mattress. How are today's mattresses different than earlier ones?

6. Electric blankets keep you warm and snug during the cold winter nights. Why were electric blankets invented?

7. Our hygiene or cleanliness standards are much higher today than in earlier periods. How did consumerism promote better hygiene?

8. Roy Jacuzzi invented the bath system that bears his name. How did he do this? What are the principles behind the Jacuzzi?

9. Hairdryers have changed many times over since they were first introduced in the 19th century. Why have they changed so much? How do hairstyles and fashion trends influence the type of hairdryer popular at any given time?

10. Most Americans have some form of linoleum in their homes. But when first introduced in the 19th century, it was only for the very wealthy. How is this flooring material manufactured?

11. Lazy Boy recliners are a part of American leisure. How did these famous chairs get their name?

Extended Activities

1. Design an automated

2. Try to live one day without using any gadgets in your home. Keep a journal of your experience and share it with your classmates.

3. Create a poster or chart illustrating the process of linoleum production.

Related Videos

• 

Air Dates

• November 17, 2004
• December 20, 2005