NPS Photo
An employee learning to operate equipment in Thomas Edison's machine shop.
Education Programs
All Programs are limited to one class (Maximum of 30 teachers/students/
chaperones)
Fee waivers for school groups are available.
School programs are only offered at the Laboratory Complex.
The available programs for school groups are as follows:
Thomas Edison and his Invention Factory- Grades 3 -12
Available Wed-Fri at 9:30am, 11:00am, and 12:30pm
Teacher and students explore the Laboratory Complex with the use of an audio tour as their guide. The program takes approximately 1 hour. Classes may also visit the Visitor Center including orientation movie, Museum Store and explore the courtyard and Black Maria.
Idea to Product- Edison’s Invention Process- Grades 3 -6
Available Wed-Fri at 9:30am
Students spend time exploring Thomas Edison’s invention process through a hands-on-activity. Students will also visit the Laboratory Complex with the use of an audio tour guide. Program lasts about 1 ½ hours.
Hollywood, New Jersey- Grades 6 -8
Available Wed-Fri at 9:30am (During March –May)
Program is available March through May because movies are made whenever possible inside the Black Maria which does not have heat or air conditioning. Movies will be reviewed in Building 11 which does have heating and cooling.
Students explore history of motion pictures and Thomas Edison’s Invention Process. In the classroom prior to visiting the Park, students learn about Edison and motion pictures and create a storyboard of a movie that they will film in the Black Maria during their park visit. As part of the visit, students will explore the Laboratory Complex, where Edison and his staff began the idea of motion pictures. Program lasts about 1 ½ hours.
Who’s the Victor?- Grades 9 -12
Available Wed-Fri at 9:30am
Students take a look at an invention that many of us take for granted today, recorded sound. How did it start? How did it change over time? By the end of the program students must decided who’s the Victor? - The Edison Company or The Victor Company?
For more information and for reservations contact:
Park Ranger- Group Tour Coordinator
973 736 0550 ext. 71
973 243 7172 - Fax
We do offer curriculum materials, traveling trunks and materials for loan.