Nikola Tesla Biography for Students

This Nikola Tesla biography for students is a perfect way to introduce kids to one of the most influential scientists and inventors of the modern age. It focuses on his accomplishments but not on his controversies (yep, no mention of his pigeon obsession or phobia of pearls).

The article is also a great addition to an energy unit because it highlights the forms of energy that Tesla worked with and discusses the law of conservation of energy. However, no prior knowledge is needed, so this article can be assigned as a stand-alone lesson in any curriculum. Perfect as a sub plan!

Students will read about:

• Nikola Tesla’s early life and education
• The brief period that Tesla worked for Thomas Edison
• The basics of AC power versus DC power and why Tesla advocated for AC power
• Tesla’s major inventions, including the Tesla coil, the induction motor, and the hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls

Teacher Notes:

• This Nikola Tesla biography for students is not editable.
• An answer key is included.
• A link to the Google Slides version is provided in the downloadable PDF.
• We have lots of scientist biographies in the Scientists Section of Our Store!
• You can also shop our TPT store!

Related Standards:

• NGSS MS-PS3-2: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
• NGSS MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.