inventions

Brief factual stories about how various familiar things were invented, many by accident, from animal crackers to the zipper.

Samuel Todd shows readers some inventions that make his day easier and better, including velcro, a thermos bottle, training wheels, backpacks, and mittens.

Recounts the stories behind fashion inventions, such as blue jeans, the bra, buttons, swimsuits, velcro, and more.

Describes fun food inventions, including ketchup, doughnuts, PEZ, popsicles, and microwave dinners.

Investigates the facts behind seventeen commonly held beliefs about inventions.

Explores the innovations of the 18th century and how they changed the world forever. Sidebars offer interesting at-a-glance information that can be used to enrich reports and writing assignments, and a detailed timeline offers the big picture view of this life-changing era.

Readers will gain a better understanding of how the digital age has changed the way we live our lives. Sidebars and timelines put finer details in accessible focus.

Gives a fascinating overview of the scientific breakthroughs that took place during the first half of the 20th century. Scientists explored the potential of particles so small that no one had ever seen them before. Fun sidebars support the main narrative and timelines are also included.

Examines over sixty ideas and inventions that originated in China, covering eleven subject areas, including metal, transportation and exploration, paper and printing, and food, and including a time line and map.