Watt's steam engine

In short

James Watt repaired instruments for the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, when a model of Newcomen's engine was brought to him. He realised that it wasted energy because the same cylinder was constantly heated and cooled. In 1769 he patented a separate condenser, where the steam was cooled somewhere else: the engine became much more efficient. Later he adapted it to turn wheels and machinery in factories.

Why it matters Watt's engine powered factories, mills and later trains and ships: the unit of power, the watt, is named after him.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, “James Watt”

Where we are in the era “Age of revolutions”

Your turn

Name ______________________ Class ______ Date __________

1. When did it happen? Find the date at the top and write it here:

2. Tell it in your own words: what happened?

3. Draw the scene below.

storiascopio.com/en/event/watt-s-steam-engine/ · free worksheet, you may photocopy it for your class