Gloria Austin asked sixth-grade students at Houlton Southside School: “Who invented the car?” A list was provided: Albert Einstein; Henry Ford or Chevy Chase – None of them. Check side note. And, “What is in a car now that wasn’t in the first model?” Side note: After research, Karl Benz a German engine designer and car engineer, is generally regarded as the inventor of the petrol-powered automobile, and together with Bertha Benz, pioneering founder of the automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. Ford did not invent the automobile, but he developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle class Americans could afford to buy.
Grace Toupin
She guessed “Henry Ford” because “It was not Albert Einstein because he invented the light bulb and stuff. Ford was the first model.”
“An electronic engine. Now there is a push start in cars.”
Chance Beaulieu
“I’ve heard of him. But, I don’t remember his name. Guessing Ford or Chevy because of the name.
“A transmission.”
Chance didn’t give a reason why.
Jacob Ouellette
He didn’t know, but guessed “Henry Ford” because “Ford is one of the oldest car companies.”
“Technology. Some cars now have IPads and they are trying to figure out how they can go by themselves.”
Lexi Crouse
She also guessed “Henry Ford.” She said it was based on “his last name being Ford. That is what most cars I see are, but older models.”
“Butt warmers. People were not smart enough then to invent it.”
Martha King
“Henry Ford. I read about him.”
“Windshield wipers.” When asked why not? “That’s a good question. I don’t know.”
Tristan Jackman
He didn’t know right off, but guessed “Henry Ford.” He said “My Dad goes on long lectures and I remember him saying something like that.”
“GPS system. Because they didn’t have machines to make it.”
