Genius at work!

Chronicles the life and accomplishments of Thomas H. Gallaudet, describing how he helped a young girl who could not hear, and discussing his efforts to develop and teach American Sign Language.

Describes the life of American inventor Samuel Colt, discussing his efforts to popularize the revolver and the impact this had on weaponry.

Profiles the life of James Naismith, credited with having invented the game of basketball in 1891.

A biography of Theodore H. Maiman, the engineer who invented the laser.

Explains how scientist Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, the super-strong thread that is used to make bullet-proof vests and other protective gear.

Describes the life and accomplishments of Igor Sikorsky, the Russian-American man who built the first successful helicopter.

A brief biography of African-American Vivien Thomas, who helped to revolutionize open-heart surgery.

Describes the life and accomplishments of Madam C. J. Walker, detailing how she created a hair care empire and helped African-Americans in the early twentieth century with her line of beauty and hair products.

Examines the life and career of Les Paul, discussing his work as a performer, and looking at his contributions to music as an inventor of sound-on-sound tracks, and as the creator of signature guitars.

Offers a brief overview of the life of W. K. Kellogg, the creator of cornflakes, describing how he built his breakfast empire and changed the way the country ate.