Advertisement for GE Americana refrigerator with separate refrigerator and freezer compartment, 1964

 1.     Describe why General Electric produced the documents you studied.

2.     Why did Christian Steenstrup apply for a patent?

3.     In your own words, what was the main idea behind General Electric’s refrigerator advertising campaign of the 1920s?

4.     Using research, compare and contrast the icebox and refrigerator. (Perhaps an interview of a family member or neighbor who remembers iceboxes could be used.)

5.     On drawing paper, use a web or mapping to demonstrate the positive aspects of refrigeration.

6.     Using research methods, explain how a refrigerator works. Explain the scientific concepts 

7.     Using drawing paper and art supplies, create a poster advertising the positive effects of one of 

               Radio                                     Television                              Stereo Sound System

               VCR                                      Personal Computer

8.     General Electric introduced a refrigeration unit in the late 1920s which they named the Monitor-top refrigerator. It was named after the Civil War battleship USS 

 What was the historical significance of the 

9.     In the advertisement “Sunday Night Supper,” General Electric linked the refrigerator and the 

      automobile. Explain how these two inventions have transformed society and served as a catalyst

      for the change to a consumer society.  

10.  An author called the refrigerator “a powerful icon of Western prosperity...it stood for the 

      benefits of industrialization.” 

A.   In your own words, explain what he meant by this.

B.  Do you agree with this judgement? Explain your answer.

11.  How has the refrigerator moved from being a luxury item owned only by the upper or middle classes in the 1920s, to a necessity in the modern home?

12.  All technologies have both positive and negative sides. When the refrigerator was introduced there were many positive effects. However, there were also some negative effects on businesses and society. What were some of the negative effects of the acceptance of the refrigerator? Explain your answer.

13.  Take one of the inventions mentioned in Question 7 above, and make a list of its positive and 

      negative effects on the economy and society.

This worksheet may be used as a wrap up activity, to explore some of the broader issues raised by the documents in the packet, or to engage in further research.

          Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, Art

          Worksheets                                                                   Pens

          Copies of all documents                                               Pencils

          Computer                                                                      Art supplies

           1. To analyze and evaluate information gained from reading historical documents.

           2. To present finds and opinions from different primary sources.

           3. To use an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

           4. To explore how the Twentieth Century witnessed the emergence of a consumer society.

           5. To understand how industrialization led to significant changes in economic patterns.

           6. To understand the role of General Electric in the development of the refrigerator and the                 resulting transformation of society.

           7. To understand that our possessions reflect our life and culture.

           1. Distribute the worksheets to each student.

           2. Using the copies all the documents already in the possession of the students, complete 

               the worksheets.

           3. Have a class discussion of the completed assignments.

Standards for Refrigeration Summary Questions