Science 4 LA Q1_W1_D1_Filipino Inventor

Lesson on Grade 4 Science. Filipino Inventor

1. Technology the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area a capability given by the practical application of knowledge

2. a person who invents, especially one who devises some new process, appliance, machine, or article; one who makes inventions. Inventor

3. Fast Facts: Gregorio Zara Known For: Inventor of the video telephone Born: March 8, 1902 in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines Died: October 15, 1978 Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, Sorbonne University Awards and Honors: National Scientist Award (Philippines) Spouse: Engracia Arcinas Laconico Children: Antonio, Pacita, Josefina, Lourdes

4. Early Life Gregorio Zara was born on March 8, 1902, in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's in aeronautical engineering (summa cum laude) at the University of Michigan, and a doctorate in physics at Sorbonne University in Paris (summa cum laude with Tres Honorable, the highest graduate student honor). He returned to the Philippines and became involved in both the government and the academic worlds. He worked in several posts with the Department of Public Works and Communications and the Department of National Defense, mostly in the aviation. At the same time, he taught aeronautics at several universities—including the American Far Eastern School of Aviation, the Far Eastern University, and the FEATI University—and published many books and research papers on aeronautics. In 1934 Zara married Engracia Arcinas Laconico , who the year before had been named Miss Philippines. They had four children: Antonio, Pacita, Josefina, and Lourdes.

5. Discoveries Begin In 1930, he discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance, known as the Zara Effect, which involves the resistance to the passage of an electric current when contacts are in motion. Later he invented the earth induction compass, which is still used by pilots, and in 1954 his airplane engine powered by alcohol had a successful test flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Then came the videophone. Before video calling became as commonplace as it is in the 21st century, the technology had been developed but started slowly, possibly because it was so far ahead of its time. In the middle of the 1950s, long before the start of the digital age, Zara developed the first videophone or two-way television-telephone. The device left the realm of science fiction and comic books when Zara patented it in 1955 as a “photo phone signal separator network.”

6. Videophone Catches On That first iteration didn't catch on, largely because it wasn’t intended as a commercial product. But in the 1960s, AT&T began working on a model of a videophone, called a “picturephone,” aimed at the public. The company released the videophone at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, but it was seen as impractical and didn't fare well. It caught fire as the digital age was beginning in the late 1990s. The videophone first caught on as a device that easily enabled distance learning and video conferencing and also proved helpful for the hearing impaired. Then came such derivations as Skype and smartphones, and the videophone became ubiquitous worldwide.

7. Some inventions: Improved methods of producing and harnessing solar energy, including new designs for a solar-powered water heater, stove, and battery (the 1960s) Inventing wooden aircraft propellers and the corresponding propeller-cutting machine (1952) Designing the microscope with a collapsible stage Helping design the robot Marex X10, which could walk, talk, and respond to commands Inventing the vapor chamber used to visualize radioactive elements

8. 1. What feelings came about when you were reading about his accomplishments? 2. What characteristic/personal traits can we learn from his biography? 3. What do you think it takes to be similar to him?

9. Give your definition of the word invention.

10. Solar Powered water heater

11. aircraft propellers

12. phonograph