I learned about four inventions this week and they were the light switch, skyscrapers, the dishwasher, and electromagnetic waves. First, I learned about the light switch. John Henry Holmes, born in England, in 1857, attended Swan’s demonstration who developed the early light bulb company. A light switch is a switch used to operate electric lights and can be turned on or off. It’s a simple but important invention and it led to other switch types.

Second, I learned about skyscrapers. William Jenney, born in 1832, in Massachusetts, learned engineering in France and fought in the civil war. A skyscraper is a tall building having multiple floors that can be 328 feet tall or more. Taller and taller buildings have been constructed every year since then. 

Third, I learned about the dishwasher. Josephine Cochrane, born in Ohio, in 1839, hosted large parties in fine China and wanted an easier way to clean dishes. A dishwasher is a machine that is used to clean dishes automatically.  Dishwashers save both water and energy, making it easier to wash dishes than hand washing. 

Finally I learned about electromagnetic waves. Heinrich Hertz, born in 1857, in Germany, studied engineering with Helmnoltz in Berlin and thought it was too difficult at first to prove Maxwell’s waves. Electromagnetic waves create a result of vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field. The discovery of electromagnetic waves opened up a wide range of possible applications for electricity.