Text alternative for practice activity

Instructions

  1. Read the description for each item.
  2. Determine whether the item is an invention or an innovation.
  3. Once you’ve made your choice, support your decision by choosing from the list of reasons provided.
  4. Select “Submit.”
  5. Read the feedback provided and think about why your choice was correct or incorrect.

Questions

1. Aeron Task Chair, Pre-Production Prototype, 1994

Designers Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf explored new materials that could replicate the cooling effect of historic wicker furniture and studied human sitting habits to create Herman Miller's groundbreaking Aeron task chair. One of the last in a series of experimental prototypes, this 1994 version incorporates the distinctive skeletal appearance that exemplified the production Aeron introduced later that year.

Was the Aeron task chair an invention or an innovation?

Aeron task chair, as described in the text.

Invention

Why? Select all that apply.


this is a correct answer. Innovation

Why? Select all that apply.


Results

Yes! The Aeron Task Chair is a great example of innovation. It made significant changes to the standard chair design so office workers would be more comfortable. This chair design met a need of office workers around the world.

Almost! Remember that innovation improves something existing, addresses a need, and changes behavior. The Aeron Task Chair is a great example of innovation. It made significant changes to the standard chair design so office workers would be more comfortable. This chair design met a need of office workers around the world.

Not quite. Remember that an invention is something created for the first time. The Aeron Task Chair is a great example of innovation. It made significant changes to the standard chair design so office workers would be more comfortable. This chair design met a need of office workers around the world.

 
 

In 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, a machine for recording and playing back sound that was based on earlier work with telegraphs and telephones. This phonograph, which recorded recitation or music onto strips of tin foil, was manufactured for Edison by Sigmund Bergmann, a former employee. This "Concert" sized phonograph was meant for demonstrations of the astonishing new possibilities of recorded sound.

Was the Tinfoil Phonograph an invention or an innovation?

Tinfoil phonograph, as described in the text.

this is a correct answer. Invention

Why? Select all that apply.


Innovation

Why? Select all that apply.


Results

Yes! The tinfoil phonograph is an invention because it was the first machine created to play back sound.

Not quite. Innovation means that something already created has been improved upon. This tinfoil phonograph was the first of its kind, making it an invention.

Not quite. Innovation means that something already created has been improved upon. This tinfoil phonograph was the first of its kind, making it an invention.
 
 

This experimental instrument is a musical icon—it’s Robert Moog's first prototype synthesizer. Synthesizers allow musicians to create unique electronically-produced sounds. Moog's solid-state synthesizer was musically superior and much more portable than earlier vacuum tube-based systems. In 1968, Walter Carlos's album "Switched-On Bach"—performed on a Moog—caught the public's imagination. Synthesizers have been a mainstay of pop music since the late 1960s.

Was the Moog Synthesizer an invention or an innovation?

Moog Synthesizer, as described in the text.

Invention

Why? Select all that apply.


this is a correct answer. Innovation

Why? Select all that apply.


Results

Yes! Since vacuum tube-based systems had already been around for a while, Moog’s solid-state synthesizer was an innovation. It met musicians’ needs and changed the way modern music was produced.

Almost! Remember that innovation improves something existing, addresses a need, and changes behavior.

Since vacuum tube-based systems had already been around for a while, Moog’s solid-state synthesizer was an innovation. It met musicians’ needs and changed the way modern music was produced.

Not quite. Vacuum tube-based systems had already been around for a while. Moog’s solid-state synthesizer improved on the older systems, making it an innovation, not an invention. It met musicians’ needs and changed the way modern music was produced.
 
 

This is one of the first 50 Apple 1 computers. Apple 1s were the first pre-assembled personal computers; Steve Wozniak assembled this one in Steve Jobs's family garage. Before the release of the Apple 1, owning a personal computer meant building it yourself. Wozniak's refined engineering skills, coupled with Jobs's bold marketing abilities, led to a revolutionary and affordable product--as well as a successful company.

Was the Apple 1 an invention or an innovation?

Apple 1 computer, as described in the text.

Invention

Why? Select all that apply.


this is a correct answer. Innovation

Why? Select all that apply.


Results

Yes! Since computers had already been around for a while, the Apple 1 wasn’t a new product. It was an innovation because it made computers significantly smaller. This made them available to anyone and has permanently changed our computing behavior.

Almost! Remember that innovation improves something existing, addresses a need, and changes behavior.

Since computers had already been around for a while, the Apple 1 wasn’t a new product. It was an innovation because it made computers significantly smaller. This made them available to anyone and has permanently changed our computing behavior.

Not quite. Since computers had already been around for a while, the Apple 1 wasn't a new product. Instead, it was an innovation because it made computers significantly smaller. This made them available to anyone and has permanently changed our computing behavior.
 
 

One worker at Ford's Highland Park Plant connects a Model T driveshaft to its transmission, while another lowers an engine onto the chassis using a chain hoist. This 1913 assembly line was relatively crude—workers pushed or pulled vehicles to each station. The next year, Ford would install chain-driven, moving assembly lines to improve efficiency and increase productivity.

Was the assembly line an invention or an innovation?

Ford Model T assembly line, as described in the text.

Invention

Why? Select all that apply.


this is a correct answer. Innovation

Why? Select all that apply.


Results

Yes! While car assembly was not new, the assembly line process made vast improvements to the existing assembly process. Henry Ford's assembly line is the innovation that irrevocably changed the way cars were built.

Almost! Remember that innovation improves something existing, addresses a need, and changes behavior.

While car assembly was not new, the assembly line process made vast improvements to the existing assembly process. Henry Ford's assembly line is the innovation that irrevocably changed the way cars were built.

Not quite. Car assembly was not new. The assembly line, however, was a brand new process that made vast improvements to the existing assembly process. Henry Ford's assembly line is the innovation that irrevocably changed the way cars were built.

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