Let There be Light

Have you ever given the light bulb much thought? Today the (Light Bulb) is so much a part of our everyday living that it really does not seem all that important.  But, had you lived back in the late 1800’s the (Light Bulb) was life changing. It changed both the social and economic structure of society.

The (Light Bulb) allowed activities to extend into the night. Manufacturing Industries could work longer hours. Other businesses could operate all night long if they wanted to. Longer working hours increased production which in turn increased profits.

The way people viewed the night changed the view of society living as well. No longer were you confined to darkness after the sun went down. The (Light Bulb) allowed cities and people in general to stay active into the night. Society became more interactive with each because of the (Light Bulb). Light bulbs can also be used outside to light the streets, which meant crime-rates were lowered and the streets became safer at night

The implementation of the (Light Bulb) led to the need for a widespread electrical-distribution system.  The (Light Bulb) initiated a whole array of new developments. Refrigerators, washing machines, vacuums, electric irons all became common. Life became very convenient, not only to those living in the city, but to rural America as well.

The (Light Bulb) is resistant to wind, rain and is by far less of a fire hazard.

Who would have thought that in the year 2014 that a different type of (Light Bulb) would have been the reason for three Physicist’s to share a Nobel Prize. Again the (Light Bulb) is revolutionizing the world. Ever heard of the LED light? It stands for Light Emitting Diode.

The LED bulb is Eco-friendly in that they do not emit poisonous gas and they do not contain harmful chemicals that may pollute the environment.

The LED is cost effective as they are long lasting, durable and save energy as well as money.

The LED is small, compact and can be utilized in so many devices, from the smallest calculator to the largest Television screen. They consume very little energy and do not produce heat.

The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2014 was awarded jointly to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura "for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources”.

It is possible that Cub Scout today could one day win a Nobel Prize for a Scientific Invention, Idea or device that could revolutionize the world. Help us motivate the next generation of Scientists, Innovators, Teachers or Leaders. Help STEM grow within the Mason-Dixon Council. It could be our future.