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Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Invention at Play
In this mind challenging and creative site, you will learn how play and inventiveness are related. Hear inventors' stories, set your own inventive thinking in motion, and see video commentaries about the nature of play and whether or not...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives
At this site from the Smithsonian Institute you can explore the world of invention by learning about inventors and their inventions. Searchable by name or subject, it is a great way for students to learn about science and technology.
Curated OER
Cbc Kids: 10 of the Latest Inventions to Make Life a Little Easier
Learn about some of the nifty inventions that add more functionality to common objects. With the Smart toothbrush, your teeth will be clean in no time. The Albert Clock forces you to answer a Math question before it tells you the time....
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Libraries: Innovators Gallery
Who invented the tennis racket, Crayola Crayons or Tupperware? Smithsonian site invites users to explore the achievements of a variety of American innovators and inventors.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Transforming the Waterfront: San Francisco and Oakland, Ca.
Containers-steel boxes stuffed with goods-and the systems for transferring them between ships, trucks, and trains transformed commercial shipping. Containerization streamlined freight handling and slashed the cost of transporting cargoes...
The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford: Thomas A. Edison and the Menlo Park Laboratory
This site, presented by the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, offers a peek into the life and inventions of Thomas Edison. Content is focused mainly on Edison's Menlo Park Laboratory and his invention of the first practical...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation
By studying invention throughout history, this site encourages the inventive and creative spirit in all of us.
Other
Little Inventors: Ingenious Ideas!
Here you will find examples of inventions created by children. They submit their ideas along with drawings and plans. Many of these are made into real objects and posted for the inventors to see what they would look like in real life....
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees
The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) recognizes the enduring legacies of exceptional U.S. patent holders. Inventors not only create new inventions, but they can create new industries that employ millions of people. Their...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Invention Process
Through a number of articles, stories and research we learn about the invention process, including communicating your ideas, staying resilient when things go wrong.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Eric S. Lander, ph.d.
Biography of Eric Lander a scientist and pioneer of human gene research and medicine.
Digital History
Digital History: Resistance to Technological Innovation
Hinderances to technological advances included poor education and hostility to innovation and experimentation. See how this opposition was overcome by the many smalltime tinkerers and inventors who ignited people's interest in technology.
PBS
Pbs: They Made America
Companion site to the four-part series on looking at America through inventors. Focuses on inventors from the early days of the country to modern day. From Robert Fulton and Samuel Colt, to Ted Turner and Russell Simmons, this site...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Racing: A Diversity of Innovation
American auto racing has a century long history of grass roots invention. From an American-European rivalry to uniquely American forms of racing, the history of racing includes business interests, enthusiastic fans, and alternative...
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the National Inventors Hall of Fame to learn about America's rich history of invention and innovation. Here you will find the museum's online exhibits and information about America's many inventors and the products...
PBS
Pbs: A Science Odyssey
Website for the PBS series "A Science Odyssey." Numerous opportunities to explore the people and discoveries of science.
Great Idea Finder
The Great Idea Finder: History of Computing
The Great Idea Finder offers a timeline of the history of computers. Each innovation and invention is also click-able for more information.
The Henry Ford
Henry Ford Museum: Visionaries on Innovation: Henry Ford
Learn about the life of Henry Ford, and his work and experiments that lead to the invention of the Quadricycle and, finally, the Model T, which was introduced in 1908. This site offers a glimpse into Ford's childhood, his work at the...
BBC
Bbc News: The Road to Riches: The 2nd Industrial Revolution
A brief look at some of the inventions and technologies associated with the second industrial revolution, which came into existence thanks to the new discoveries made by chemists and physicists. Offers a look at how these advancements...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History
At the museum's online home, find illustrated and interactive overviews of its collections and programs, along with an extensive set of innovative resources for teaching and learning about major events and themes in American history and...
Other
Mit Technology Review
Technology Review is a magazine by MIT which seeks to "promote the understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on business and society." It provides you with daily technology information including events, discussions, and...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Philo Farnsworth
Crack open a present day television today and it may not be as apparent, but every television designer is aware of the name Philo Farnsworth. Find out about the man behind the first all electric television among the 299 other patents...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity
The Engines of Our Ingenuity is a radio program that tells the story of how our culture is formed by human creativity. The program uses the record of history to reveal the way art, technology, and ideas have shaped us. Episode topics...
Other
Creative Thinking With Thomas Edison
As a master inventor Thomas Edison used many techniques that helped him with his creative ideas. Learn how you can apply some of his techniques to yourself to aid you in your own creative inventiveness.