About famous invention

About famous invention
Ask kids to name famous inventors, and you might get Thomas Edison or Henry Ford. And while they definitely belong on this list, they’re just the start of the innovators and inventors that kids ought to know. Some of these are household names, while others deserve more recognition for inventions that have become essential to daily life.
For each one, you’ll find resources for more information and hands-on activities to help kids learn more about their achievements. Perhaps they’ll be inspired to become famous inventors themselves!
1. Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468)

Known for: Gutenberg was the first European to invent the printing press. The movable type he used made mass printing possible and brought books and reading to the masses.
Learn more: Biography of Johannes Gutenberg, German Inventor of the Printing Press (ThoughtCo)
Try this: Visit thrift shops to find an old panini press, then turn it into a printing press.
2. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Known for: Da Vinci was the original Renaissance Man. He was a gifted artist, but he also invented a wide array of technologies. These include the aerial screw, which led to modern helicopters, and an underwater diving suit that was the precursor to today’s scuba gear.

Learn more: Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions

Try this: Da Vinci was fascinated by flying machines. Find out how to build your own Da Vinci-style ornithopter with household items.
3. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Known for: This Founding Father was an innovator in more ways than one, and he was among history’s most famous inventors. His inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin Stove.
Learn more: Benjamin Franklin’s Inventions
Try this: Franklin is famous for experimenting with electricity. Try one of these kid-safe electricity experiments to follow in his footsteps.
4. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Known for: When he wasn’t writing the Declaration of Independence or being president, Jefferson loved to tinker. His swivel chair was an instant hit, and he also created the dumbwaiter system.
Learn more: Thomas Jefferson: Inventions & Accomplishments
Try this: Assemble a homemade pulley system to mimic Jefferson’s dumbwaiter.
5. Robert Fulton (1765-1815)

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. He used and improved on the technology of the time to make the first commercial steamboats.
Learn more: Robert Fulton (Ducksters)
Try this: For a cool science fair project, learn to make a model of a steam power generator.
6. Louis Daguerre (1787-1851)

Known for: In his work as a professional scene painter for the opera, Daguerre began experimenting with camera obscura for painting large backdrops. Over time, he worked to develop the daguerreotype, the precursor of modern photography.
Learn more: Louis Daguerre, Inventor of Daguerreotype Photography (ThoughtCo)
Try this: Make your own camera obscura with a box and basic household supplies.
7. Thomas Jennings (1791-1856)

Known for: At a time when most Black men in the United States were slaves, Jennings was born free in New York City. He was the first African-American to hold a patent for a process known as “dry scouring.” Today, we call it dry cleaning.
Learn more: Thomas Jennings, Smithsonian Magazine
Try this: With a few basic supplies, you can experiment with dry cleaning at home.
8. Samuel Morse (1792-1872)

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. He also developed Morse Code: a system of dots and dashes used to send these messages.
Learn more: Samuel F. B. Morse (Brittanica)
Try this: Learn Morse Code and tap out messages to friends and family.
9. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931)

Known for: Edison is one of the most famous inventors of all time. He was prolific, but his best-known inventions include the incandescent light bulb, phonograph, and an early movie camera.
Learn more: Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Try this: Learn how to make your own incandescent light bulb using a glass jar and a battery.
10. Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

Known for: Edison and Tesla’s rivalry is well-known. Tesla was the inventor and proponent of alternating current, which was ultimately proven more reliable than Edison’s direct current. He also created the Tesla Coil, induction motor, and neon lights, among others.
Learn more: Tesla Science Center
Try this: Wow your science fair judges by building a Tesla Coil of your own.