Great Inventors & Their Inventions by Frank P. Bachman is a well-known public domain work that introduces readers to the inventors and inventions that have shaped our lives today. Originally copyrighted in 1918, the text covers 16 inventors and their inventions, weaving the stories together with the purpose of encouraging the imaginations and hearts of its readers:
These materials are not only interesting, but they convey their own vivid lessons on how big things are brought about, and on the traits of mind and heart which make for success…. While appealing to [the readers’] interest in inventions and in men who accomplish great things, may it also bring them into contact with ideas which will grip their hearts, fire the imagination, and mold their ideals into worthier forms.
By spending two weeks on each inventor and his invention, there will be 32 lessons — enough for a standard school year with a bit of wiggle room for holidays and other activities.
You’ll find free download options for the text in the introduction.
Free Science Studies: James Watt & the Steam Engine
James Watt was a Scottish inventor and engineer best known for his role in the advancement of steam technology.
Free Science Studies: Robert Fulton & the Steamboat
Robert Fulton was a talented engineer and inventor who is best known for building the first commercially viable steamboat.
Free Science Studies: George Stephenson & the Locomotive
George Stephenson was an English civil and mechanical engineer best known for building the first steam locomotive railway line.
Free Science Studies: Michael Faraday & Electricity
Michael Faraday was a renown British scientist best known for his electromagnetic theory, which led to the development of the electric engine and locomotive.
Free Science Studies: Spinning Machines
Hargreaves, Arkwright, Crompton and others invented and adapted the spinning machines that launched the Industrial Revolution.
Free Science Studies: Eli Whitney & the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney was an American mechanical engineer and inventor best known for his invention of the cotton gin.
Free Science Studies: Elias Howe & the Sewing Machine
Elias Howe was an American inventor best known for his invention of the sewing machine.
Free Science Studies: Cyrus McCormick & the Reaper
Cyrus McCormick was a businessman and inventor best known for his invention of the mechanical reaper which revolutionized farming.
Free Science Studies: Henry Bessemer and Steel
Henry Bessemer was an English engineer and inventor who is best known for the development of a cost effective process for manufacturing steel.
Free Science Studies: Johannes Gutenberg & Printing
Johannes Gutenberg was a metal-worker and inventor who is best known for the invention of the printing press.
Free Science Studies: Samuel Morse & the Telegraph
Samuel Morse was a painter and inventor best known for the invention of the electric telegraph and Morse code.
Free Science Studies: Alexander Graham Bell & the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell Scottish-born engineer, pioneer in communications for the deaf, and inventor best known for the invention of the telephone.
Free Science Studies: Thomas A. Edison
Thomas Edison was an American businessman and inventor best known for the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera.
Free Science Studies: Orville & Wilbur Wright
Orville and Wilbur Wright were American businessmen, inventors, and aviation pioneers.
Free Science Studies: Guglielmo Marconi
Guglielmo Marconi was an Italian physicist, electrical engineer, and inventor best known for his pioneering development of radio communications.
Free Science Studies: John P. Holland & the Submarine
John P. Holland was an Irish engineer best known for his invention of the submarine. Resources.
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