English File Pre Intermediate Third Edition - unit 10A - track 4.37

lau elma

13 Jul 202004:33

Summary

TLDRThis episode of 'Science Today' highlights the contributions of women inventors who have significantly impacted modern life. From Josephine Cochran's dishwasher in 1886 to Mary Anderson's windshield wipers in 1903, these inventions have made daily tasks easier. Marion Donovan's disposable diapers in 1950 revolutionized childcare, while Betty Graham's 'Lipstick' (Tip-Ex) in 1956 simplified corrections. Stephanie Kwolek's Kevlar in 1966, a material stronger than steel, has saved countless lives through bulletproof vests. The program challenges the notion that all inventions are male-led, showcasing the ingenuity of women.

Takeaways

👩‍🔬 The dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochran in 1886 to address the issue of her servants breaking dishes during washing.
🍽 Josephine's invention was initially adopted by hotels and restaurants before becoming a household appliance used worldwide.
🚗 Mary Anderson invented the windscreen wipers in 1903, solving the visibility problem for drivers during rain or snow.
👶 Marion Donovan created disposable nappies in 1950, which significantly eased the lives of parents and later evolved into more eco-friendly options.
📝 Betty Naismith Graham invented 'Lipstick', also known as 'Mistake Out' or 'Tip-Ex', in 1956 to correct typing errors without starting over.
💄 Mrs. Graham's invention turned her into a wealthy woman and her son Mike Naismith became a member of the famous American group, The Monkees.
🛡️ Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar in 1966, a material stronger than steel and lighter, which is used in bulletproof vests.
🏆 Kevlar's invention has potentially saved thousands of lives, highlighting the impact of women's contributions in safety and security.
🌟 The script emphasizes that women inventors have made significant contributions to various aspects of modern life, challenging the common perception that invention is a male-dominated field.
📚 The program 'Science Today' highlights the stories of women inventors, bringing their achievements to light and inspiring future generations.
🔍 The script serves as a reminder to look beyond the obvious and recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women in the field of invention.

Q & A

What invention is discussed at the beginning of the script that has made a significant impact on daily life?
-The script begins by discussing the invention of the dishwasher by Josephine Cochran, which has made a significant impact on daily life by making dishwashing more efficient and safe.
Who is credited with the invention of the dishwasher, and why did she invent it?
-Josephine Cochran is credited with inventing the dishwasher. She invented it because she was annoyed by her servants breaking plates and glasses while washing them after parties.
What was the initial market for Josephine Cochran's dishwasher invention?
-Initially, Josephine Cochran's dishwasher was targeted at hotels and restaurants, but it has since become a household appliance used by millions worldwide.
Which woman invented the windscreen wipers, and what problem did it solve?
-Mary Anderson invented the windscreen wipers, solving the problem of drivers not being able to see clearly during rain or snowfall, as they previously had to open their windows.
What significant contribution did Marion Donovan make to childcare with her invention?
-Marion Donovan invented disposable nappies, which significantly improved the convenience and hygiene of childcare by allowing for easy disposal after use.
Why was Marion Donovan's invention of disposable nappies not immediately adopted by companies?
-Although Marion Donovan invented disposable nappies in 1950, it took until 1961 for an American company to buy her idea, indicating a lag in the adoption of this innovation.
What invention by Betty Naismith Graham revolutionized the way secretaries handled typing mistakes?
-Betty Naismith Graham invented a white liquid called 'Type-X' that could be used to paint over typing mistakes, eliminating the need to start over on a new sheet of paper.
What was the impact of Betty Naismith Graham's invention on her personal life?
-Betty Naismith Graham's invention of 'Type-X' made her a very rich woman, and her son Mike Naismith became a famous pop star as a member of the American group, the Monkees.
Who invented Kevlar, and what is its primary use?
-Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, a material that is incredibly strong and lightweight, primarily used in the production of bulletproof vests.
How has Stephanie Kwolek's invention of Kevlar potentially impacted lives globally?
-Stephanie Kwolek's invention of Kevlar has likely saved thousands of lives by providing effective protection in bulletproof vests for policemen, soldiers, and politicians worldwide.
What is the overarching theme of the script in terms of historical contributions?
-The overarching theme of the script is to highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women inventors throughout history who have made substantial impacts on various aspects of modern life.

Outlines

00:00

👩‍🔬 Women Inventors: Unsung Heroes of Innovation

This paragraph introduces the theme of the video script, which is to highlight the contributions of women inventors who have significantly impacted our daily lives. It challenges the common misconception that all famous inventors are men by presenting examples of women who invented the dishwasher, windshield wipers, disposable diapers, and more. The script emphasizes that these inventions have made a substantial difference in the way we live today, and it invites the audience to reconsider their assumptions about the gender of inventors.

🍽️ The Invention of the Dishwasher by Josephine Cochran

The first detailed summary focuses on Josephine Cochran, a wealthy American who invented the dishwasher in 1886. Frustrated by the breakage of her tableware during manual washing by servants after parties, she decided to invent a machine to safely wash a large number of plates and glasses. Initially, her invention was adopted by hotels and restaurants, but it eventually became a household appliance used by millions worldwide.

🌧️ Mary Anderson's Life-Changing Windshield Wipers

The second summary discusses Mary Anderson's invention of the windshield wipers in 1903. Prior to her invention, drivers had to open their windows to see through rain or snow, which was highly inconvenient and dangerous. Anderson's invention revolutionized driving safety by allowing clear visibility in adverse weather conditions, and it has since become a standard feature in vehicles.

👶 Marion Donovan's Convenient Disposable Diapers

This summary highlights Marion Donovan's invention of disposable diapers in 1950. Coming from a family of inventors, Donovan created a nappy that could be used once and then discarded, which was a significant improvement over the reusable cloth diapers of the time. Although it took until 1961 for an American company to adopt her idea, disposable diapers are now used by millions daily and have been made more eco-friendly with biodegradable options.

✍️ Betty Naismith Graham's Typing Mistake Solution: Tipp-Ex

The fourth summary tells the story of Betty Naismith Graham, who invented Tipp-Ex (correction fluid) in 1956. As a secretary, she faced the frustration of having to start over on a new sheet of paper every time a typing mistake was made. Her invention allowed for mistakes to be painted over, which not only saved time but also made her a wealthy woman. Her son, Mike Naismith, also found fame as a member of the American pop group, The Monkees.

🛡️ Stephanie Kwolek's Kevlar: A Material for Protection

The final summary in the script describes Stephanie Kwolek's invention of Kevlar in 1966. This lightweight yet incredibly strong material is stronger than steel and is used in the production of bulletproof vests. Kevlar's invention has likely saved thousands of lives by providing effective protection for law enforcement, military personnel, and politicians. The script concludes by reinforcing the message that women inventors have made indispensable contributions to society.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Inventors

Inventors are individuals who create new devices, methods, or systems that did not exist before. In the context of the video, inventors are highlighted for their significant contributions to modern life, particularly focusing on female inventors who are often overlooked. The script mentions several women inventors and their inventions, emphasizing the theme that innovation is not gender-specific.

💡Josephine Cochran

Josephine Cochran was an American inventor known for inventing the dishwasher in 1886. The script uses her as an example to illustrate that women have played a crucial role in inventing everyday conveniences. Her invention was initially adopted by hotels and restaurants, but eventually became a household necessity, demonstrating the impact of her work on society.

💡Dishwasher

A dishwasher is an appliance designed to automatically clean dishes, cutlery, and other kitchenware. The script mentions the invention of the dishwasher by Josephine Cochran, showing how it has become an integral part of modern kitchens, making the task of washing dishes more efficient and convenient.

💡Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson was the inventor of the windscreen wiper. The script highlights her contribution to improving driving safety during inclement weather. Her invention has become a standard feature in vehicles worldwide, illustrating the importance of her work in enhancing road safety.

💡Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers are devices that remove rain, snow, or other particles from the windscreen of a vehicle, ensuring clear visibility for drivers. The script explains how Mary Anderson's invention of the windscreen wipers solved a significant problem for drivers, making it a vital component of modern automobiles.

💡Marion Donovan

Marion Donovan was an inventor who is credited with inventing disposable nappies in 1950. The script points out her invention as a significant advancement in childcare, offering convenience and hygiene. Her idea was eventually adopted by an American company in 1961, leading to the widespread use of disposable nappies today.

💡Disposable Nappies

Disposable nappies are single-use diapers made from absorbent materials that can be thrown away after use. The script discusses Marion Donovan's invention of disposable nappies, which have made a significant impact on the lives of parents and caregivers by providing a convenient and hygienic alternative to reusable cloth diapers.

💡Betty Naismith Graham

Betty Naismith Graham was an inventor who created 'Tip-Ex', a liquid used to cover typing mistakes on paper. The script uses her story to show how everyday frustrations can lead to innovative solutions. Her invention revolutionized the way people correct mistakes, making her a successful entrepreneur and highlighting the theme of women's ingenuity.

💡Kevlar

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber known for its high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion and cutting. The script introduces Stephanie Kwolek as the inventor of Kevlar, which is used in the production of bulletproof vests. Her invention has likely saved thousands of lives, underscoring the video's theme of the significant contributions of women inventors to safety and protection.

💡Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek was a chemist who invented Kevlar in 1966. The script highlights her as an example of a female inventor whose work has had a profound impact on the safety of law enforcement, military personnel, and others who rely on bulletproof vests for protection.

💡Innovation

Innovation refers to the process of creating new methods, ideas, or products. The script emphasizes the theme of innovation by showcasing various women inventors and their inventions. It challenges the common perception that major inventions are made by men, thus broadening the understanding of who contributes to technological and societal advancements.

Highlights

Introduction to the topic of women inventors in history.

Josephine Cochran invented the dishwasher in 1886 to solve the problem of broken plates and glasses during washing.

Josephine was motivated to invent the dishwasher due to her frustration with servants breaking items after dinner parties.

The dishwasher was initially adopted by hotels and restaurants before becoming a household appliance.

Mary Anderson invented the windscreen wiper in 1903 to improve visibility during poor weather conditions.

Before Anderson's invention, drivers had to open their windows to clear the windscreen during rain or snow.

Marion Donovan created disposable nappies in 1950, revolutionizing childcare and convenience for parents.

Donovan's invention was not commercialized until 1961 when an American company bought the idea.

The development of biodegradable disposable nappies has made Donovan's invention more eco-friendly.

Betty Naismith Graham invented 'Lipstick' or 'Tip-Ex' in 1956 to correct typing mistakes without starting over.

Graham's invention made her a wealthy woman and her son Mike Naismith became a famous pop star.

Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar in 1966, a material stronger than steel and lighter, used in bulletproof vests.

Kevlar's invention has potentially saved thousands of lives, including those of policemen, soldiers, and politicians.

The program challenges the common misconception that all significant inventions were made by men.

The various inventions discussed highlight the substantial contributions of women to modern conveniences and safety.