NATURAL SCIENCE: INVENTION OF THE STEAM ENGINE AND THE TELEGRAPH

Hello again children!!!

In Natural Science we continue learning about machines. 

Today we are going to learn about a machine that changed History: the STEAM ENGINE (la máquina de vapor) that was invented about 250 years ago.

Before this invention, most objects were made by hand but with the invention of the steam engine, objects could be made by machines. This invention was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution because factories (fábricas) began to be numerous and the artisans and workshops decreased in number.

The steam engine uses hot steam from boiling water to move a wheel in a chain. So this invention was also very important in transportation with ships and trains. A steam train or a steam boat could transport more people and more products faster than a stagecoach (diligencia o coche de caballos) or a sailing boat (barco de vela). This was the transport revolution. Here you have two pictures. The steamboat was used in my village in Galicia when I was a kid!!!

                  

Here you have a short video in connection with this invention that I hope you enjoy

The next invention is the TELEGRAPH that started the communication revolution that continues to our days. The telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse in 1,836 and it was the beginning of electronic communication such as we do right now using smartphones or computers.

If you are interested in learning a bit more, here you have a video about this invention.

In your Natural Science book pages 102 - 103 you have some information and more pictures. I'd like you to do exercise 4.