Known for: Yet another artist-turned-inventor, Morse is best known for developing the electric telegraph, which allowed people to communicate over long distances nearly instantly. Samuel Morse (1792–1872) Mathew Benjamin Brady, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Try this: With a few basic supplies, you can experiment with dry cleaning at home. Learn more: Thomas Jennings, Smithsonian Magazine He was the first African American to hold a patent for a process known as “dry scouring.” Today, we call it dry cleaning. Known for: At a time when most Black men in the United States were slaves, Jennings was born free in New York City. Jennings, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Try this: Make your own camera obscura with a box and basic household supplies. Learn more: Louis Daguerre, Inventor of Daguerreotype Photography (ThoughtCo) Over time, he worked to develop the daguerreotype, the precursor of modern photography. Known for: In his work as a professional scene painter for the opera, Daguerre began experimenting with camera obscura for painting large backdrops. Louis Daguerre (1787–1851) George Eastman Museum, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Try this: For a cool science fair project, learn to make a model of a steam-power generator. He used and improved on the technology of the time to make the first commercial steamboats. Known for: Fulton got his start as an artist, but it was his interest in steam engines that turned him into one of the most famous inventors. Robert Fulton (1765–1815) Robert Fulton watercolor, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Try this: Assemble a homemade pulley system to mimic Jefferson’s dumbwaiter. Learn more: Thomas Jefferson: Inventions & Accomplishments His swivel chair was an instant hit, and he also created the dumbwaiter system. Known for: When he wasn’t writing the Declaration of Independence or being president, Jefferson loved to tinker. Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) Thomas Jefferson via Wikimedia Commons Try one of these kid-safe electricity experiments to follow in his footsteps. Try this: Franklin is famous for experimenting with electricity. Learn more: Benjamin Franklin’s Inventions His inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. Known for: This Founding Father was an innovator in more ways than one, and he was among history’s most famous inventors. Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) Joseph-Siffred Duplessis, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Find out how to build your own Da Vinci–style ornithopter with household items. Try this: Da Vinci was fascinated by flying machines. These include the aerial screw, which led to modern helicopters, and an underwater diving suit that was the precursor to today’s scuba gear. He was a gifted artist, but he also invented a wide array of technologies. ![]() Known for: Da Vinci was the original Renaissance Man. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Leonardo da Vinci, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Try this: Visit thrift shops to find an old panini press, then turn it into a printing press. Learn more: Biography of Johannes Gutenberg, German Inventor of the Printing Press (ThoughtCo) The movable type he used made mass printing possible and brought books and reading to the masses. Known for: Gutenberg was the first European to invent the printing press. 1400–1468) Johannes Gutenberg, public domain via Wikimedia Commons Perhaps they’ll be inspired to become famous inventors themselves! 1. Some of these are household names, while others deserve more recognition for inventions that have become essential to daily life.įor each one, you’ll find resources for more information and hands-on activities to help kids learn more about their achievements. And while they definitely belong on this list, they’re just the start of the innovators and inventors that kids ought to know. Ask kids to name famous inventors, and you might get Thomas Edison or Henry Ford as a response.
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