Inventions

In the history of the world, there has probably been no other century marked by such dramatic changes in technology as this one. Inventions like the telephone, radio, TV, car, and computer – all of which have come about in the last 100 years – have changed the way we live, work, and play. This exciting era of innovation is the focus in Inventions, for kids, which examines all of these major developments, as well as a few more whimsical ones, like the Frisbee. The unit kicks off with a look at Thomas Edison, the ultimate inventor, and an overview of the traits most inventors share, such as an ability to work hard and a willingness to put work above all else. Inventors, kids will discover, are also unafraid to make mistakes – in fact, they learn from them.

Next, kids will read about inventions like Henry Ford’s “horseless carriage” (the car), Marconi’s “wireless telegraph” (the radio), and the telephone – along with the its “grandchild”, the cell phone. (Amazingly, the first call made on one, in 1983, was to Alexander Graham Bell’s grandson!) Then they can have a little fun learning about some “accidental” inventions, like safety glass and leotards, and some very tasty ones, like popsicles. Wrapping things up, they’ll explore computers, microchips, lasers, fiber-optics, and other modern inventions. For kids who fancy themselves the next Thomas Edison, this unit should really spark their imaginations!