Inventions & Discovers

Page Updated June 2022 .

An Introduction to Microscopy (microscopes)  The history of the microscope and a wide variety of image examples.

Catalog of the Scientific Community in the 16th and 17th Centuries  This site offers a collection of 631 detailed biographies on members of the scientific community during the 16th and 17th centuries. There are key facts about each individual and their contributions to science.

Famous Astronomers and Astrophysicists  A fabulous who's who of astronomy and astrophysics compiled by Kent State University. The list of people can be viewed in either chronological or alphabetical order.

How Patents Work  Your invention could make you rich, but only if you get a patent. Follow the complex and fascinating patent process.

How Segways Work  After a long wait, the world finally knows what IT (aka Ginger) is all about. Find out what's going on inside the Segway Human Transporter and why its inventor thinks it will change the world.

How Stinger Missiles Work  The Stinger missile is an extremely effective weapon for shooting down aircraft. Learn how the Stinger allows a single soldier on the ground to bring down a plane.

How Submarines Work  A submarine is a true feat of engineering. Learn about the life support, maneuvers, power supply, navigation and deep-water rescue of a submarine.

How to Build a Telescope  In this article two models of telescopes are described: a simple one and a more perfected one. Building the simple telescope, you will become familiar with the optical and fabrication problems of these instruments.

How UPC Bar Codes Work  Every product at the supermarket has a UPC bar code. Find out what these codes do and how you can decode them without a scanner.

Inventions and Discoveries (complete to 1912)  A history of inventions and discoveries into the early twentieth century.

Inventor's Challenge Word Search (pdf)  Find inventors and inventions with this puzzle.

Life of Galileo  A few facts and anecdotes to try to give something of the flavor of Galileo's life and times, plus references to books for those who would like a more complete picture.

Make Your Own Kite  Learn how to make your own simple kite. You can also find out how kites fly, and read stories from around the world that explain the origins of kites.

Re-Living the Wright Way  This Web site gives educators and students of all ages a thorough approach to apply the invention process of the Wright Brothers.

Stephen Hawking  Learn all about this amazing scientist. This site includes a biography, history of his lectures and a scientific glossary.

Super Scientists Word Search (pdf)  Find the different types of Scientists in this puzzle.