Informational+Speech-Caroline

Outline: Central Idea Statement: The microwave oven has radically altered the American way of life, yet it has been around for less than 70 years.

I. Introduction II. The very first microwave oven A. Accidental invention; explain magnetron B. Basic info about first microwave oven ("Radar Range") 1. Size 2. Price 3. Uses III. About the inventor A. Percy Spencer's background 1. Schooling and work experience 2. Work at developing Raytheon company B. Spencer's reaction to his discovery (uses of microwaves) IV. The modern microwave A. First Consumer model (give stats) V. Impact of the microwave oven on [American] lives A. Changing food habits B. Living in today's culture (more rushed, pressure to be on time, people have less quality time with friends and family as family mealtimes become shorter and nonexistent) VI. Conclusion

Research:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2012/1005/The-20-most-fascinating-accidental-inventions/Microwave-oven first microwave: 5+ ft tall, 750 lbs, $5000 magnetron: "a vacuum tube that releases energy to power radar equipment" - radar very important in WW2: helped detect enemy boats, planes, German U-Boats much easier; magnetrons powered radar equipment

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/microwave.htm first microwave oven: 1161 Radarange (sold 1954); 1600 watts; only practical for restaurant/institutional uses first consumer microwave oven: (1967) sold by Amana corporation (part of Raytheon company), sales start slow, but microwave becomes more common staple in kitchens by end of 1971 (price go down and capabilities expanded)

http://www.vat19.com/brain-candy/accidental-inventions-microwave.cfm Percy Spencer's background/childhood -mostly self-taught -high achieving and hard worker -curious; ingenious; sent for popcorn after a candy bar melted in his pocket from microwaves (emitting from magnetron)

Other sites for research: http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/spencer.htm http://www.raytheon.com/ourcompany/history/ [] (effect of microwave oven on US lives) [] (wealth of info on Spencer and first microwave)