Rutgers University
Blueprint for Change: The Life and Times of Lewis H. Latimer
An extensive look at the inventor, Lewis Latimer, from the Thomas Edison Papers at Rutgers University. Read essays about his life and inventions, the culture in Boston which encouraged his work, and his life outside his inventions. A...
Other
United States Patent and Trademark Office: The Cycle of Invention
Read about the cycle of invention where one invention inspires someone to create another one.
Great Idea Finder
Great Idea Finder: Lewis Howard Latimer
An extensive biography of the life of African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. Find out about his primary claim to fame in the development of an incandescent light bulb, but be sure to read about his many patents, and his importance to...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Edison
A good description of the inventions and life of this bright and ambitious man. As inventor of the light bulb, phonograph, movie camera and many others, Edison lived a very inspiring life. In Spanish.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Invention of the Week: Thomas Alva Edison
As the inventor of the lightbulb, phonograph, and the printing telegraph, Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), improved the daily lives of everyday people.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Howard Robard Hughes, Sr.
Read this concise biography of Howard Robard Hughes, Sr., the inventor of the Hughes Rock Bit, which was key in the birth of the Texas oil drilling industry.
Curated OER
Black Inventor Online Museum: Lewis Latimer
The biography of the fascinating African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. In addition to finding out about his development of the carbon filament for the incandescent lamp, you can read about his expertise in patent law, his association...
Curated OER
Black Inventor Online Museum: William Purvis
Read about the African-American inventor, William Purvis, who improved the fountain pen. Included is a list of his other inventions.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Roy J. Plunkett
Read about Roy Plunkett's invention, teflon, one of the best-known and most widely used polymers that was created by accident.
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.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Hedy Lamarr
Use this site to learn about Hedy Lamarr (1913-2000 CE), the movie actress who "helped the Allies win World War II" through her involvement in inventing "a classified communication system."
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Inventive Women Part 1
Students will learn about female inventors and their contributions to American technology.
Great Idea Finder
The Great Idea Finder: Qwerty Keyboard Invention
Where did the idea of the QWERTY keyboard come from? Read about typewriter inventor, Christopher Sholes, and how he came up with his idea of a new keyboard design way back in 1875. Additional links to related sites, fascinating facts,...
Other
California State Polytechnic University: Women Inventors: Sarah E. Goode
The hideaway bed was originally invented by a former slave and furniture store owner, Sarah E. Goode.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Inventions
Investigate past and present inventions, and use the tape player as an example to explore issues inventors must deal with, including patents, theft and technological obsolescence. Use the scientific method to choose, design and develop...
Curated OER
Black Inventor Online Museum: Lewis Latimer
The biography of the fascinating African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. In addition to finding out about his development of the carbon filament for the incandescent lamp, you can read about his expertise in patent law, his association...
Curated OER
Black Inventor Online Museum: Jan Matzeliger
Patent drawing submitted by Jan Matzeliger for his shoe-lasting machine.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Edison's Miracle of Light
This site explores the various challenges Edison faced upon attempting to produce electric power. It contains a historical essay, a complete list of Edison's patents, information on the AC and DC currents, recordings produced by the...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Invention of the Week: Alexander Graham Bell
This site provides a biographical sketch of Alexander Graham Bell and his inventions. Find out about Bell's patents in addition to the telephone.
A&E Television
History.com: 9 Groundbreaking Inventions by Women
Women inventors are behind a wide range of key innovations, from Kevlar to dishwashers to better life rafts. Female inventors have played a large role in U.S. history, but haven't always received credit for their work. Women --...
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Alexander Bain
Find out about the life and work of Alexander Bain, the Scottish inventor and engineer who was first to invent and patent the electric clock.
Other
Museum of Ingenuity: Musee J. Armand Bombardier
The museum of Joseph Armand Bombardier(1907-1964), the Canadian inventor of the snowmobile. The museum offers its visitors a look into the personal and professional life of Bombardier as it outlines his achievements, patent information,...
Rutgers University
Rutgers: The Thomas Edison Papers
Links to copies of papers written by Thomas Edison. Also includes biographical information and copies of his patents and companies.
Other
Dupont: History of Teflon
This website tells the history of the development of teflon, and incldues information on Dr. Roy Plunkett, the inventor of teflon.