Look around you: everything from our cars to our phones to the lights in our house to some of the foods we eat; all came from someone's imagination. At some point in time, someone had an idea that started with the question, "I wonder?" February is African American History Month and this week we let our curiosity run wild as we take a look at all the inventors, scientists, innovators, artists, and more who've made contributions to the world around us!
"Deep down within anyone there's a flame that maybe had gone dormant that can be fanned or ignited in case it had blown out. This is the flame of curiosity, the flame of wonder, of awe, of all the things that make you want to learn something more tomorrow than you knew today."
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
READ: What Color is My World? By Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more - inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.
PLAY: 20 Questions--Invention Edition
Spark everyone's curiosity by playing 20 Questions. This is for two or more players.
One player decides on a topic, like an invention or inventor. The other player(s) take turns coming up with questions to guess what the topic is. These should be questions, with one word or short answers, such as, "is this person alive or dead?" or "is this an invention we still use?" or "does this invention need electricity?" See which player can guess the topic by asking the fewest questions. The person who gets the topic correct becomes the next player to create a topic for the others to guess.
EXPLORE: Make a Curiosity Journal
What is it that you'd like to know more about? How something works? What it would be like to build something? Something about a particular animal? You can make a Curiosity Journal to record all of your thoughts and what you learn.
Supplies:
- Blank notebook
- Construction paper
- Markers, crayon, colored pencils
- Stickers, glitter glue, etc.
- Tape or glue
- Optional: clear contact paper
Instructions:
- First, decorate the cover of the notebook, using the construction paper as a base, and making a title for your journal (such as My Curiosity Journal, or John's Curiosity Journal, etc.). Use the markers, crayons, and/or colored pencils, and embellish further with stickers, glitter glue, etc. Use tape or glue to secure the construction paper to the cover of the notebook. If you like, use clear contact paper to make it more durable.
- Now you're ready to write in your journal. Maybe you've seen a spider web and wondered how a spider makes one. Sketch a picture of the web, write down the questions you have, and research how spiders make their webs and write that in your journal. Or maybe you went to a fascinating storytime about bears, and you want to learn more about bears. Write down what you learn.
- Here are some journal prompts to help you along your curiosity journey:
- Can you draw what you observed?
- How do you think ______ was made?
- What questions do you have about _____?
- Have you ever seen anything like this before?
- Does this remind you of anything?
- Look closely at ______. What details do you notice?
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the links below to register and find out more details about the programs, including days, times, and needed supplies.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the links below to register and find out more details about the programs, including locations, days, and times.
Junior Scientists
If your child is into science, technology, engineering and math (or if they would like to be), this is the time for them to shine. Read or talk through a STEM book with us and then we’ll do a STEM-based activity together.
This program is similar to the in-person Jr. Scientists program, but is held earlier in the day for families with flexible learning schedules.
Junior Artists
Does your child learn best with paint, paper, popsicle sticks and glue? Add in a book and some games and you’ve got the perfect program for your young artist. Get ready to dive into an imaginative adventure with this week’s book, then create along with us as we build a masterpiece!
This program is similar to the in-person Jr. Artists program, but is held earlier in the day for families with flexible learning schedules.
Story Journeys
Does your child light up when they really connect to a story? Story Journeys brings picture books to life with drama activities and non-fiction connections. Come read with us as we explore some amazing stories and make literacy connections.
Junior Readers
Does your child light up when they really connect to a story? Junior Readers brings picture books to life with drama activities and non-fiction connections. Come read with us as we explore some amazing stories and make literacy connections.
