Super Soaker Inventor Lonnie Johnson

Heather E. Schwartz

BookElementaryMiddle SchoolEngineer

About

As a kid, Lonnie Johnson liked to invent things. He often faced prejudice as an African American growing up in the segregated southern United States, but he eventually became an engineer for the US Air Force and NASA. He was working on a different invention when he came up with the idea for a new type of water gun. Johnson knew his toy was more powerful than other squirt guns--he just needed to find a way to make the Super Soaker available to kids all over the country. Learn how Johnson overcame many challenges to become a brilliant engineer and inventor.

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Why it’s great

This inspiring biography shows how curiosity and perseverance can lead to world-changing inventions. Lonnie Johnson’s story teaches kids that science is full of surprises and that creativity, hard work, and a love of learning can turn even everyday ideas into something extraordinary.

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Resource Details

Resource Type: Book
Age Ranges: Elementary, Middle School
Careers: Engineer
Subjects:

Book Details

Author: Heather E. Schwartz