We can learn a great deal about inventing from studying successful inventors. They are very creative people that look for new and better ways to do things. Inventors solve everyday problems with original solutions. Great inventors share what they discover with the world. Their inventions make our lives easier and more fun.

	Thomas Edison is a good example of a persistent inventor.  He tried more than 1,800 ways to make a long-lasting light bulb. Edison learned from each and every one of his mistakes. He didn't give up and we remember him for giving us a successful light bulb. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bledison.htm
	Benjamin Franklin is a good example of a person who was constantly finding solutions to the problems  of his time. His ideas were so great, we are still using them today.  His inventions range from bifocals that help people with special eyesight needs to libraries that help people educate themselves. Franklin thought of the idea of a local fire department and explored the properties of electricity. We also remember him for his help in creating a new country - the United States of America.. http://www.fi.edu/franklin/inventor/inventor.html
	Lady Ada Lovelace worked closely with Charles Babbage. Babbage's work led to the invention of the computer. Lady Lovelace created a computer program to run in Babbage's machine. She made a program based on a series of cards with holes. The pattern of the holes told the machine what to calculate. Lady Lovelace never became rich or famous for her work but she helped bring us the computer age. http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/lovelace.html
	The women of the 19th century had no fun until Elizabeth Miller invented the "bloomers". Because women wore very long and heavy dresses they could not run or jump or play sports. The "bloomers" were a half-skirt and half-pant outfit. Women became free to be active. http://winningthevote.org/F-ESMiller.html
	In 1904,  Robert Goddard said, " It has often proved true that the dream of yesterday is the hope of today, and the reality of tomorrow." Dr. Goddard dreamed of traveling to the moon someday in a rocket. On March 16, 1926, he successfully built and launched the first rocket using liquid fuel. His theories of rocket propulsion paved the road for the exploration of space. http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/service/gallery/fact_sheets/general/goddard/goddard.htm

Inventors are inspiring people. Their ideas can really change our lives. How have the inventions mentioned above influenced your life? Do you have a great idea to share with the world? E-mail me at zucchetf@ardsleyschools.org with your ideas. Every new idea affects us all eventually.