DEC introduces the VAX
Choose a PDF, read on screen, and try the word game.
Choose your PDF reading
All four include an image, vocabulary, comprehension questions, a follow-up reading, and teacher guidance. These English PDFs have selectable text; use the reading below for adjustable text and listening tools.
Read on this page
Words to know
- technology
- tools and methods people develop to solve problems
- network
- connected people, places, or machines
- industry
- work that makes goods or provides services
Digital Equipment Corporation introduced the VAX-11/780 computer. The Massachusetts company was part of the region’s growing technology industry. Computer systems helped researchers and businesses work in new ways.
Talk about the reading
What happened? Point to a detail that supports your answer. What does the picture help you understand? What would you like to investigate next?
Follow-up: The Blizzard of ’78
A major blizzard brought deep snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding. Roads became blocked, and people helped one another. The storm affected Massachusetts communities in different ways.
How are the two events connected or different? Their order does not prove that one caused the other.
Read the follow-up event →Word match: use the reading
Select a word, then select its meaning. You can use a keyboard or tap. Read the word bank if you need a clue.
Choose a word to begin.
Check the evidence
Research source for this event ↗
Original site illustration. Image source and rights ↗
Historical images, later portraits, reconstructions, and modern topic illustrations are identified in their captions. They are different kinds of evidence.
Try a source investigationVisit a Massachusetts place
Try a source investigation