This book points out a number of the inventions, patents and labor saving devices developed by Black inventors.
Made in China
Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China
Suzanne Williams
Gr. 4-6. Rather than giving a narrative survey of Chinese history,
this colorfully illustrated book focuses on specific topics related
to ancient Chinese culture, history, tradition, and invention.
The book is a chronological survey, highlighting the ways
in which the constant invention of ideas, the impulse to improve,
the renewal of old practices in areas as diverse as the American
railroad and the rise of jazz, have all animated the progress
of American history.
Simple Machines
A machine is a tool used to make work easier. Simple machines
are simple tools used to make work easier. Compound machines
have two or more simple machines working together to make work
easier.
Simple Machines
These devices were all in common use for centuries before Leonardo's time. Each one makes work easier to do by providing some trade-off between the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied.
Building
Big
Learn how they build Bridges, Domes, Skyscrapers, Dams, and Tunnels.
Then try out the various projects. Look here for facts about
the World
Trade Center.
Building on
Ground Zero
Young children will like Outfitting Firefighters. Historians,
the how and why of the collapse of the twin towers, scientists
the information about metals. May not be suitable for the sensitive.
Toiletology
101
Let's plunge in; flush out the facts and plumb the depths of
toilet repairs. Almost everything you ever wanted to know about
your toilets!
Camp Invention
This is a real camp especially for young inventors, held around
the country. It is sponsored by The National Inventors Hall of
Fame and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Design
a Pneumatic or air-powered machine
Invent your own air-powered machine. Draw a picture of what your
machine might look like. What kind of air source will you use?
Balloons, hair dryer, fan, your breath, etc.
Discover
Engineering
Learn how engineers are making the world a better place for future
generations and how you can help.
Engineer Girls
You'll have the power to make a difference! By becoming an engineer,
you can help solve problems that are important to society.
The Engines
of Our Ingenuity
Read or listen to this radio program that tells the story of
how our culture is formed by human creativity. Over 1000 shows
here. Use the keyword
page.
Gadgets,
Innovations and Stuff to Build
Children who invent, innovate, design and build are not playing;
they are engaging in the same work as real engineers and
designers. They often use the same tools.
Scamper
Use this quick and fun activity anywhere, anytime. Try SCAMPERing
in the car, while walking, or just sitting around! It's a game
for inventive kids.
US Patent and Trademark
Kids Pages
People have invented some truly odd things. Businesses have some
strange trademarks. But this is also a site with lots of games
to play while you learn how to patent your inventions or trademark
your art.
Museum
of Ancient Inventions
Some of these items, with slight modifications, are still in
use today. Click on each picture to find out more. Can you make
some of these items yourself?
Thomas Edison's
Home Page
He led no armies into battle, he conquered no countries,
and he enslaved no peoples... Nonetheless, he exerted a
degree of power the magnitude of which no warrior ever dreamed.
I love to make projects that really work
Create a Box Compass
This site has a lovely compass "rose" pattern for you
to print out and use with your home-made compass.
How To Build A Catapult
This is a great little siege engine that really hurls projectiles! You just need some wood, a few screws, a rubber band and a couple of hours. This little catapult really hurls projectiles.
Lego Mindstorms
Brainstorm with others who love to make complicated things with
Legos. For advanced Lego lovers.
Lie
Detector
Here's a simple lie detector that can be built in a few minutes,
but can be incredibly useful when you want to know if someone
is really telling you the truth. It is not as sophisticated as
the ones the professionals use, but it works. It works by measuring
skin resistance, which goes down when you lie.
Making a Chinese compass
How to make a compass if you are lost and have no tools. And how to make a compass with some household stuff.
Make
a Light Bulb
How long can you make your iron filament glow? Thomas Edison
tried hundreds of times to make filaments that would glow and
not burn up. He used many different materials, from cardboard
to bamboo. Edison was persistent--he never gave up trying until
his project worked!
Mini-Flyer
Free plans for building a hovercraft powered by a leaf-blower.
Build in less than a day for $50, not counting the leaf blower.
Return the leaf blower to its normal job later on.
Oatmeal
Crystal Set Project
Complete plans for building a basic AM broadcast crystal set.
These plans are excerpted from The Crystal Set Handbook, by Philip
N. Anderson.
Oh,
Look! Lego Lessons!
Over 60 plans for Lego devices, some using gears and small motors,
that really work. Lots of angled photographs so you can see how
each is made.
Pinhole
Camera
Here's how to make a simple camera from an empty Pringles can.
Quiz Show
"Push Buttons"
Adds fun to any Quiz Show game. The first person to push the
button lights their corresponding light and locks all other contestants
out.
Science Toys
Make toys at home with common household materials, often in only
a few minutes, that demonstrate fascinating scientific principles.
Steam
Engine Plans
The can will start turning slowly at first but in seconds it
will be at hundreds of rpms. It will wobble a little even if
you got every thing balanced but if not watch out!
Twirling Windmill
Make your own windmills to decorate the top of a pencil or just for fun.
Building a Mousetrap Car Part 1 of 4
In this first video, I give you a quick introduction into the various parts you will need to make your Mousetrap Car. In the following videos, you will learn how to build your mousetrap car and see the results.
Clothespin Button Racer
An easy boredom buster. Make two and race them down a ramp of cardboard.
Mousetrap
car and vehicle propulsion theory
A mousetrap powered car is a vehicle that uses a mouse trap for
a motor. There are many different ideas but the most common and
probably the most successful ideas is to attach a string to the
mouse trap and axle or the string pull.
See also: Science Supplies
to purchase special parts for some projects.
