african american inventors

A biography of Lonnie Johnson, an engineer at NASA who is best know for inventing the Super Soaker water gun.

"Lonnie Johnson was always building things. As a kid he made rockets. As a teenager he built a robot from scratch. As an adult he worked for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Galileo orbiter and probe that studied Jupiter. And then one day, while hooking up his latest invention to the bathroom sink to test it out...Whoosh! Water shot across the room. 'This would make a great water gun,' Lonnie thought. Meet the innovative engineer who unexpectedly invented one of the most popular toys of all time--the Super Soaker"--Jacket flap of the English edition.

Provides a biography of African American inventor and NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson who invented the Super Soaker. Discusses his childhood, education, and passion for inventing. Includes quotes, photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and further resources.

Describes the lives and works of African American scientists and inventors, including Lewis Latimer, Charles Drew, and Garrett Woods.

Brief biographical profiles of five African-American inventors: Patricia Bath, Philip Emeagwali, Henry Sampson, Valerie Thomas, and Peter Tolliver.

"Simple text and photographs present the life of Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor and entrepreneur"--Provided by publisher.

Profiles the lives of twenty-five African-American inventors who made significant scientific contributions from the eighteenth century to modern times.

"Many of the products we use every day were invented by African Americans, although these inventors unfortunately have not often been given credit for their contributions. Readers will take a fascinating look at the black men and women who have helped shape the world as we know it today with their inventions. Engaging text presents a discussion of the lives of prominent black inventors, including the struggles they dealt with in the past and continue to face today. A timeline of important dates, historical and contemporary images, and informative sidebars enhance this frequently overlooked area of history"--Provided by the publisher.

Chronicles the life and achievements of the NASA engineer and inventor, from his childhood to his accidental invention of the Super Soaker water gun.

From soil-preserving crop rotation methods and innovative beauty products to the filaments that made electric light bulbs possible and laser probes that correct cataracts, African American inventors and scientists have revolutionized daily life in the modern world. With profiles of towering figures like George Washington Carver, Madam C. J. Walker, and Mae Jemison, this inspiring collection celebrates the often unsung and little known accomplishments and innovations of African American scientists, engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. They overcame injustice, prejudice, and inequality of access to triumph in every American field of endeavor, from agriculture to the space program.