Presents the stories behind forty things that were invented or named by accident, including aspirin, X-rays, frisbees, silly putty, and velcro.

"In biomimicry, scientists imitate traits found in nature. An engineer shapes the nose of his bullet train like a kingfisher's beak. A scientist models her solar cell on the mighty leaf. Discover how ten inventors were inspired by animals and plants to create cutting-edge technology"--

From world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor Temple Grandin -- a book of personal stories, inventions, and facts that will blow young inventors' minds and make them soar. Have you ever wondered what makes a kite fly or a boat float? Have you ever thought about why snowflakes are symmetrical, or why golf balls have dimples? Have you ever tried to make a kaleidoscope or build a pair of stilts? In Calling All Minds, Temple Grandin...

Did you know that President Thomas Jefferson used a copier? Or that one of the world's fastest computers is the size of a two-story house? Get ready to learn the strange stories behind technology inventions you use every day. From the teenager who first imagined the television to a $900 smartphone named Simon, you'll find out how we got the technological wonders that help us connect, create, and keep up.

Did you realize that swimming suits used to weigh 22 pounds (about 10 kilograms)? Or that the first people to wear high heels were French royalty (even the king!) in the 1500s? Get ready to learn the amazing stories behind inventions you use every day. From the society woman who invented bras to the Swiss inventor who came up with the idea for Velcro, you'll find out how we got some of our favorite fashion inventions.

Can you believe that the first tennis balls didn't bounce? Or that the world's first basketball hoop was a peach crate? Get ready to learn the amazing stories behind inventions you use every day. From the Minnesota teen who invented water skis to the Missouri mechanic who came up with the idea of driving over cars with his monster pickup truck, you'll find out how we got some of our favorite entertainment inventions.

Makerspaces are places designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. In Move It! Projects You Can Drive, Fly, and Roll, kids will make a mini helicopter fly from a circuit-controlled helipad, build a motorized LEGO car, and more! Colorful step-by-step photos bring each project to life. Techniques and tips help troubleshoot and use the materials within the makerspace.

Did you know that people with rakes used to do the work of garbage trucks? Or that porta-potties were put on ships to keep workers from running to shore for bathroom breaks? Get ready to learn the odd stories behind inventions you use every day. From the T.P. of Chinese emperors to the landfills of ancient Greece, you'll find out how we got the sanitation inventions that keep us healthy and keep the world smelling fresh.

Loads of quirky, cool, and astonishing facts about some of the world's greatest inventions. Did you know that rats are ticklish? Or that one-fourth of the bones in your body are in your feet? Or that President Thomas Jefferson introduced french fries to the United States? From creepy crawlies to ancient inventions, pumpkin-boat racing to the smallest bone in your body, our Weird-but-True Facts series offers all kinds of weird facts that are amazing,...

With LittleBits, you can build your own electronic devices using modules that snap together easily with magnets. Through simple text written to foster creativity and problem solving, students will learn the art of innovation. Large, colorful images show students how to complete activities. Additional tools, including a glossary and an index, help students learn STEM concepts, new vocabulary, and locate information.