TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Smudge Proof Lipstick Was Invented: Moments of Vision 6
Today, lip cosmetics are a billion dollar industry, with 1 out of every 3 women claiming that they won't leave home without applying lipstick. But how did it come to be so common? In the sixth installment of our 'Moments of Vision'...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How the Rubber Glove Was Invented: Moments of Vision 4
It's hard to imagine a modern hospital being able to function without rubber gloves- but they weren't actually invented until 1890. In the fourth installment of our 'Moments of Vision' series, Jessica Oreck shares the surprisingly...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A Call to Invention: Diy Speaker Edition
There's a pleasure in making things for yourself- especially something unexpected. William Gurstelle shows how to make your own speakers from objects probably already laying around your house, like copper wire and an empty yogurt cup. [6...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Rapid Prototyping Google Glass
Rapid prototyping is a method used to accelerate the innovation process. Tom Chi explains how this method was used to create one of Google's newest inventions, Google Glass. [8:08]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Unintended Consequences
Historian Edward Tenner tells stories that illustrate the under-appreciated gap between our ability to innovate and our ability to foresee the consequences. [16:10]
PBS
Pbs Kids: How to Be an Inventor
Part of the Real Stories series from "Martha Speaks," this read-along story teaches young children how easy it is to be an inventor.
Other
U.s. Scouting Service Project: Merit Badge: Entrepreneurship
This site provides an outline for the entrepreneur to follow when thinking about starting a business.
Other
History of Telephone Sets: Graham Bell Invents the Telephone
A short summary of how Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) came to invent the telephone.
Other
The Daguerreian Society: l.j.m. Daguerre
Originally printed in the The Illustrated London News (July 1851), this article pays tribute to Louis Lacques Mande Daguerre and his discovery, the Daguerrotype. Learn about the styles and techniques employed in some of his famous...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Elijah Mc Coy
According to this article, Elijah McCoy (1844-1929 CE) is one of the most prolific inventors in American history. Read about his parents who escaped slavery by traveling on the Underground Railroad and about his invention, the automatic...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Frederick M. Jones
Inventor Frederick M. Jones is featured in this brief biography for his lasting contributions to the refrigerator and cinema industries.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Wilson Greatbatch
Cardiac pacemaker inventor, Wilson Greatbatch, is featured in this brief biography.
How Stuff Works
How Stuff Works: 5 Strange Items Developed From Nasa Technology
Review an article highlighting five inventions developed by NASA that evolved into sought after mainstreamed creations such as baby formula and Speedo swim suits.
Other
Eli Whitney/cotton Gin
A collection of websites on Eli Whitney and his invention, the cotton gin.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Design a Flying Machine
The purpose of this activity is for the students to draw a design for their own flying machine. They will apply their knowledge of aircraft design and the forces acting on them. The students will start with a brainstorming activity where...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Time for Design
Students are introduced to the engineering design process, focusing on the concept of brainstorming design alternatives. They learn that engineering is about designing creative ways to improve existing artifacts, technologies or...
Read Works
Read Works: Catch That Clock!
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the invention of an alarm clock with wheels. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Who Needs a Better Mousetrap?
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about invention and problem solving. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Staying Dry in the Snow
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a ten-year-old girl who made an invention to keep hands dry when playing in the snow. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Practice Makes Perfect
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about creating or improving innovative products. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Steps to Inventing
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text listing the four steps kids can follow to become inventors. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Analysis of the C Major Invention (Bwv 772) by Bach
This site is an analysis of this well known Bach invention. Online sound clips enhance the diagrams and text. The site is also available in Spanish.
Space.com
Space.com: "Nasa Spin Offs: Bringing Space Down to Earth"
This article from January 26, 2005, offers a video and a list of many common items used daily that exist because of NASA innovations. These include Cat Scans and MRIs, more precise and safer breast imaging, artificial limbs using...
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Speedy Shelter (Pdf)
This is a hands-on challenge to invent a sturdy emergency shelter that's easy to build. Provides a full list of materials with ideas on how to build, test, and redesign it if necessary. Activity focuses on the engineering design process...