The lightbulb

In 1870 people were using candles to light. The candles burned out and could make make a fire. People also used lamps with oil and gas that gave off sooty smells. Inventors had tried to make lightbulbs but all their lightbulbs had a problem. One of the problems was they hurt peoples eyes. Another one is they were too expensive for people's homes.
Edison decided he would be the first person who made a practical lightbulb. He got to work with his team in Menlo Park. A piece of filament could light up a light bulb. Edison and his team tried many types of things. They tried paper and many kinds of woods. They also tried linen, grass, tar and hair. Whatever he tested did not work he would not give up. He would keep on testing materials. Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
In 1879 Edison used a piece of cotton thread that had been baked in the oven. It glowed for thirteen hours! Edison was thrilled, but he still had to do work. He was going to make a on and off switch he wanted it to glow even longer. Edison had to make wires , a lampost post and a generator to light up the town of Menlo Park. Edison flipped the switch and light up New Jersey.