National Inventors’ Day Is Today!

 Events
Feb 112024
 
An Early Edison Light Bulb

An Early Edison Light Bulb

National Inventors’ Day is today! In 1983 President Ronald Reagan declared February 11 to be National Inventors’ Day, honoring Thomas Edison who was born on this day in 1847. The day recognizes all inventors and encourages everyone to try out new ideas. Children could list all the inventors they can think of and perhaps rank them in order of importance. They could research famous people who were also inventors. For example, Abraham Lincoln is the only president who received a patent. They could also learn more about creating an invention by reading Kids Inventing! A Handbook for Young Inventors by Susan Casey.

Doughnut Was Invented in 1847

 Events
Jun 222024
 
Donuts

Doughnuts

Doughnut was invented in 1847. According to legend, Elizabeth Gregory made the first doughnuts with nuts in the middle. Her son, sea captain Hanson Gregory, cut out the center with a round pepper tin. Now about ten billion doughnuts are consumed in the United States each year. Children could celebrate the doughnut invention in several ways. They could poll friends and family as to favorite types of doughnut. They could invent a new flavor of doughnut. Of course, they could make or buy doughnuts and then consume!

Liberia Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jul 262024
 

Liberia celebrates Independence Day. In 1816 freed slaves settled in a town in Africa later named Monrovia. The colony grew and became the first republic in Africa in 1847. The country is about the size of Tennessee, and it has a tropical climate. Agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, bananas, and rice. Almost four million people live there, and most of the major cities are along the Atlantic coast. Monrovia remains the capital. Children can learn more at: Liberia.