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...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: George Washington Carver
An introduction to George Washington Carver, the talented, intelligent inventor. Learn why he was called a "Miracle Worker" for his vast knowledge of plants and agriculture. (In Spanish)
Digital History
Digital History: The Wizard of Menlo Park
This resource provides information about the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison. Find out about his childhood, some of his famous inventions, and even some of his mistakes.
Great Idea Finder
Computing History
This site contains a listing of computing inventions and inventors throughout history with links for more detailed information.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 695: John Ericsson
A biography of John Ericsson, a man who invented in three countries over most of a century. He invented an early locomotive, a hot-air engine, screw propeller, and the Monitor, which was used in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an...
Energy for Sustainable Development
Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Pioneers: Lee De Forest
A profile of Lee de Forest who lived from 1873 to 1961. He was one of the most important inventors of radio and electronic technology, whose inventions touch everyday life.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Electric Range 1892
From the Stone Age to today, the search is constantly underway for better, more efficient ways to cook food. Reflecting many of the advances in science and technology, the electric range has become a popular choice for homes and businesses.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Alexander Graham Bell
An interesting description of the career of the man who invented the telephone. Learn more of his adventurous life as you read. (In Spanish)
Florida State University
Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Galileo Galilei
Biography of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), one of the most famous scientists and inventors of all time. He is best remembered for his invention of the telescope, which caused him to question the contemporary belief that the Earth was the...
Other
Federal Highway Administration: Garrett A. Morgan Program
This site from the Federal Highway Administration provides a detailed biography of Garret A. Morgan (1877-1963 CE), as well as focusing on two of his most important inventions: the three-position traffic signal and the safety hood....
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Iconoscope 1923
American inventor Vladimir Zworykin, the "father of television," conceived two components key to that invention: the iconoscope and the kinescope.
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...
Read Works
Read Works: Benjamin Franklin: The Ultimate Solution Creator
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Benjamin Franklin and some of his inventions. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Selected Essays on Barbed Wire: Brief History of Barbed Wire
Provides information on the development and use of barbed wire. Includes biographies on Joseph F. Glidden, Jacob Haish, and Isaac L. Ellwood, who were instrumental in its invention and marketing. For more information on barbed wire,...
Read Works
Read Works: Child's Play
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text and interview with a girl named Kylie Copenhagen who invented a board game. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Cyrus Mc Cormick
A Virginia farmer invented a mechanical reaper, then harvested profits in the Midwest's exploding grain belt, innovating credit, service, and sales practices that became essential parts of American big business.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre
Learn about the father of photography, his efforts and research that took him to this point. (In Spanish)
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Frank Hornby
Learn how Frank Hornby managed to excel in toy invention based on engineering principles.
PBS
Pbs: Africans in America: Part 3: Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin
History of Eli Whitney and his cotton gin. Other links to sites with information on this topic.
Other
Colt Collectors Association: Colt's Life
A chronological list of events that happened in Samuel Colt's life and in the Colt company.
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.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Thomas Edison
The "Wizard of Menlo Park" brought the world electric light, recorded music, and the movies, among other things, and turned innovation into a science by inventing the research laboratory.
PBS
Pbs Who Made America? Elisha Otis
A ceaseless tinkerer created the first safe elevator, then died before he could see it revolutionize architecture, cities, and the way we live.
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Stephanie Kwolek
Learn about the life and work of Stephanie Kwolekbest, known for inventing the first of a family of synthetic fibers of exceptional strength and stiffness.