Curiosity & Invention

Sparking Curiosity

Need to start stewing some new ideas? Or maybe you've got a bored scientist in need of some mentors? Check out these books for burgeoning inventors, blossoming scientists, and bored geniuses!

Ada Twist, Scientist

A perfect book for precocious questioners and the families that want to give them all the support they need, Ada’s curiosity is sure to stimulate!

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie sets a great example of persistence and effort in the face of "failure" - which is just another step in the process of creation!

Bored - Nothing to Do!

An older title about two boys who let their curiosity and creativity take them to new heights, literally! Being bored can lead to awesome inventions!

Hidden Figures

Need some inspiration? Hidden Figures tells the story of the four amazing black women who were responsible for some important math – getting NASA into space!

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Need a cool idea? Lonnie Johnson’s invention of the super soaker was one of the best – and this book delivers even more of his cool inventions!

Albie Newton

Follow Albie’s (mis)adventures in a new preschool as he uses his creativity to make new friends! This limerick picture book is great for young inventors!

This Little Scientist: A Discovery Primer

Need some models for your tiny inventor or young researcher? This book of 10 scientists will prompt a plethora of awesome ideas and exciting inventions!

Hedy Lamarr's Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor

Hedy Lamarr wasn’t just a famous movie star, she was an insightful inventor responsible for amazing advancement in radio control. A great book for kids with an interest in history!

Ada Lovelace,

Poet of Science

Who’s the one who made the computer possible? It was Ada Lovelace, and this lovely book shows how she made the first computer program!

So You Want to Be an Inventor?

From Edison to Whitney, this book shows the work of well-known (and not so well-known) inventors and how they changed the world. Great for ideas!

Inventive Alternatives

Need to take some time off from the leatherbound journal with all your cool new ideas? Check out these games and shows to get your brain going again!

Super Solvers: Gizmos and Gadgets

(Computer Game)

Ever wanted to build an airplane? Race a car? Well, if you’re looking to learn about all of the things that affect vehicles and the basics of moving objects, this vintage game is still the ticket for fun and learning!

The Incredible Machine

(Computer Game)

Make your wildest contraptions a (virtual) reality in this game about making Rube Goldberg machines to solve different problems. Can you get your mouse-powered conveyor to transport a banana to your cannon?

Minecraft

(Video Game - All Platforms)

This popular game is the perfect prompt for creative minds! It’s building blocks at its core, but so much more with the inclusion of online and elaborate worlds.

Mouse Trap

(Board Game)

What if Rube Goldberg machines had instructions? This is perfect game to get young minds thinking about cause and effect, and all the wild things that come from starting off the perfect chain reaction!

Ada Twist, Scientist

(Netflix Series)

Perfect for preschool age kiddos that want more from the Ada Twist series! Follow Ada as she solves problems and finds friends in this charming animated series.

Annedroids

(Amazon Prime Series)

Nick and Shania befriend the junkyard-owning, android-making Anne in this fun series focused on problem-solving and friendship. Add in some deep questions and get ready for invention!

howstuffworks

(Discovery Channel Series/Website)

How does a refrigerator work? What makes scissors cut? How does anything do, well, anything? This great site is perfect for the “but why” questions your inventor might ask!

The Genius Generation

(Podcast)

Need examples of kid inventors for your genius? Listen no further than this great podcast featuring kids and young adults, and their awesome inventions!

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

(Podcast)

From “Why are people left-handed" to “Why is everyone talking about Ukraine” this podcast presents topics to inquiring minds. A great family for conversation about big questions.

Wow in the World

(Podcast)

Another great podcast from Tinkercast, Wow in the World covers new topics in science, technology, and innovation – but in a way that appeals to younger audiences.