Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Willard Libby Carbon Dating
Use this site to learn about radiocarbon dating and the scientist who discovered it, Willard Libby (1908-1980 CE).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: George Westinghouse
This brief article on the life and contributions of George Westinghouse (1846-1914) includes a picture. Read about his air brake as well as his development of the alternating current system.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Roy J. Plunkett
This website provides biographical information about Roy J. Plunkett and his discovery of Teflon.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Gertrude Belle Elion
A synopsis of Gertrude Belle Elion's (1918-1999 CE) life. Read about her amazing discovery of a drug that could fight leukemia and also aided in the advancement of kidney transplants.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Louis Pasteur
This site provides general information on Louis Pasteur (1822-1895 CE) and his patent number 135,245. The site also describes how he created pasteurization.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Orville & Wilbur Wright
This article briefly summarizes the Wright Brothers' scientific curiosity and ambitions which fueled their desire to create the first flying machine.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: J. Robert Oppenheimer
Credited with the creation of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb. Read about Oppenheimer's education and involvement in the atomic explosions, which "changed the world forever."
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak
A brief biography of two entrepreneurs who founded Apple Computers, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, whose combine talents made Apple Computers a success.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Maya Lin
Use this site to learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the architect who designed it, Maya Lin.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: George Westinghouse
Find information about George Westinghouse's contributions to both railroad safety and the adoption of alternating current for motors and the transmission of electricity.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Helen Free: Indicator for Detecting Glucose
This site provides information on the collaboration of Alfred and Helen Free and thier medical discoveries.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Thomas Edison: Inventor of the Light Bulb and Much More
Kids learn about Thomas Edison's biography. Invented many things including the light bulb and phonograph.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Invent Your Own Gelatin Dessert
Students learn about the history of Jello and create their own dessert. They analyze the success of their dessert afterwards and make suggestions on how to improve it. They are also invited to take a photo of their creation and email it...
Other
Eli Whitney/cotton Gin
A collection of websites on Eli Whitney and his invention, the cotton gin.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Elisha Graves Otis
Brief article about Otis, the developer of the electric elevator brake which made skyscraper construction so practical.
Other
Rube Goldberg
Get a look into the life of the wacky machine inventor Rube Goldberg. Includes a terrific biography, a gallery of his cartoon inventions, and a link to The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Technology of the 1800s
[Free Registration/Login Required] Article considers the inventions and innovations in communication, transportation, and manufacturing that drove America forward in the nineteenth century. Includes a link to an interactive history of...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Libraries:industrial Drawings at the Smithsonian: Doodles & Drafts
Drawing is a key element in an inventor's skill set. When it comes to the working out of new ideas, inventors turn to pencil and paper. Mixing art and science, this exhibition site showcases a collection of industrial drawings that...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Telephone
The home page to the PBS feature film on the invention of the telephone. The People and Events section has biographies and commentary on the invention of the telephone and its subsequent success. Be sure to click on Gallery for pictures...
PBS
Pbs: Technology at Home
Travel back in time to find out when everyday items such as a computer, radio, or telephone first appeared in homes. You can also connect to links about the people who invented these items.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Guillermo Marconi
This site chronicles the father of wireless communication. Examines his life and how his accomplishments affected both society and warfare.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Things to Do at Home
Families can come together through games designed to make history something fun and integral to family life. Build a sod house like prairie settlers did in the 1800s. Go back in time to visit five families that lived in the same house...
Other
Edision Birthplace Museum: Birthplace of Edison
Biographical look at Thomas Edison from the museum of his birthplace. Provides information on his life and his inventions. Also gives a tour of Edison's birthplace.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Treasures: Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words
Learn about the life and contributions of Benjamin Franklin by examining his letters, books, cartoons, speeches, and manuscripts. An excellent resource for teaching and learning about the history of the United States using primary source...