Conversation Cafe Rethinking History Changing Inventions

INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED HISTORY What inventions have changed the course of history? Give a reason for your answer. (Steam engine, V2 rocket engine, Electric telegraph, X-ray machine, Model T Ford, Penicillin, Pilot ACE Computer) What inventions have changed the course recent history (The 30 years)? What are the positive and negative effects? How would you improve them? What category of life do you believe will see the greatest inventions in the next 100 years? (i.e. Technology, transportation, health sciences, etc)

USELESS INVENTIONS - What do you think of these?

What useless inventions have you seen? Describe or draw a picture of one. Have you ever had an idea for a useless invention? THE MIND AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE INVENTOR What do you think an inventors life is like? What is the motivation of an inventor? What does necessity is the mother of invention mean? Do you agree with it? What are some examples of inventions the world would be better without? Do you think the person who invented the atomic bomb was happy with his discovery? Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in producing an atomic bomb, I would not have lifted a nger. Albert Einstein discussing the letter he sent Roosevelt raising the possibility of atomic weapons.

ONE LAST THOUGHT: If nuclear/atomic power had not been discovered and used, would we have discovered safer, cleaner, and more renewable forms of power quicker?