Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Chris Barton

BookElementaryEngineer

About

Celebrate Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker, in this inspiring STEM picture book biography about the maker of one of the world’s favorite toys.
 
You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.
 
A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

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Why it’s great

This engaging story celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the power of imagination in science. Lonnie Johnson’s journey from curious kid to inventor of the Super Soaker shows children that mistakes can lead to discoveries and that innovation often begins with simple curiosity and determination.

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Resource Details

Resource Type: Book
Age Ranges: Elementary
Careers: Engineer
Subjects:

Book Details

Author: Chris Barton