You don’t have to be grown up to change the world. Nothing echoes this sentiment more than children inventing things that go on to change the world. All too often, we view the ability to contribute to society as the sole domain of grown-ups, but these pint-size inventors will turn that notion on its head. From items that are a staple in our everyday lives to innovative technologies that have truly changed the face of the earth, here are items you never knew were invented by children.
Television
Television is one of the most endearing technologies of the past century, and it is matched only by the impact of the automobile. It was the brainchild of a 14-year-old potato farmer from Utah by the name of Philo Farnsworth, who would demo the first fully electronic television system at age 21. His invention was patented in 1927, marking the dawn of a new era in communications technology.
Superman
The Man of Steel was invented by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two 17-year-old teenagers. Designed as the antithesis to bullies who tormented the duo at school in 1932, Superman made his comic book debut in 1938. Since then, the franchise has earned $6.9 billion.
Braille
Braille, developed in 1824 by Louis Braille at the age of 15, has become indispensable in bridging the gap between blind and sighted people. Braille used a series of raised dots on paper to educate blind students and was inspired by an alternative form of writing invented in 1815.
Trampoline
Trampolines have become a staple in most modern homes. They are great for exercise and provide hours of entertainment. George Nissen, who was 16 at the time, invented trampolines in 1930.
The Trampoline, inspired by circus safety nets, has become a backyard favorite for childhood activities and an Olympic sport, where acrobatic feats such as twists and flips are performed.
Toy Truck
Toy trucks have become a rite of passage for any child looking to graduate into adolescence, invented by Robert W. Patch, a thrifty 6-year-old from Maryland. He is remembered in history as the youngest person to receive a U.S. patent for his invention in 1963. The toy truck was distinguished from other toys by its detachable parts, which allowed it also to become a dump truck and flatbed.
Earmuffs
What started off as a simple way to keep ears warm in the winter would morph into a business empire when 15-year-old Chester Greenwood invented Earmuffs in 1873. He wasn’t the first to invent earmuffs, but he was the first to make them comfortable. A simple improvement that would earn Greenwood a patent and a factory that produced 400,000 pairs of earmuffs at its height.
Popsicles
The world owes Frank Epperson a debt for inventing the popsicle in 1905 at age 11. The sweet serendipity of a Popsicle owes its existence to a happy accident when Frank left a soda mixture outside in freezing temperatures. Today, the popsicle is for sweet treats, what Michael Jackson is for pop, an icon.
Snowmobile
If it weren’t for Joseph-Armand Bombardier, who invented the snowmobile in 1922 at age 15, ski resorts the world over would be a different place. Originally named the “Ski-Doo” and relegated to recreational use, today, traversal and exploration of snow-covered landscapes wouldn’t be possible without the snowmobile.
Underwater Walkie Talkie
Driven by the desire to talk to his father underwater on a snorkeling trip to Hawaii, 10-year-old Richie Stachowski invented the water talkie in 1996. The water talkie is a waterproof device for underwater communication that consists of a handheld transmitter and receiver. It enhances the safety and coordination of aquatic adventures and is also a successful company with half a million dollars in annual revenue.
Swim Fins
Benjamin Franklin’s first documented invention was a pair of swim fins he created at age 11 in 1717. Franklin’s original design was made of oval wooden paddles strapped to his hands. Modern swim fins have come a long way since then and have incorporated rubber into their design for increased propulsion; they are essential gear for all aquatic pursuits.
The Kangaroo Cup
Inspired by her grandfather, who has Parkinson’s, to make a cup whose contents would not spill when being used, Lily Born invented the Unspillable Cup at age 9. The Kangaroo Cup, which is designed to be spillproof thanks to its unique design, has gone on to garner its inventor international acclaim and make drinking utensils more inclusive.
Improved Ebola Test
Before 16-year-old Olivia Hallisey’s improved Ebola test, testing for the deadly disease was expensive, inaccurate, and reliant on ambient temperatures. By tweaking the available testing kit at the time, the young inventor was able to create an alternative testing method for the Ebola disease that was not only cheaper but also without the flaws of the original.
Makin Bacon
Bacon has been a central part of breakfasts throughout the world for more than a century now. So it’s no surprise that the inventor of the Makin Bacon would be remembered alongside the iconic food item. Inspired by a lack of paper towels, Abbey Fleck, aged 8, invented a way to cook bacon without paper towels in 1993.
Christmas Lights
As much a part of the holidays as Christmas itself, Christmas lights have gone on to adorn houses the world over. This is all thanks to the handy work of 15-year-old Albert Sadacca, who invented Christmas lights in 1917 after a fire in New York City was caused by candles suspended in a tree.
Hot Seat
Over 30 children succumb to hot cars each year in the United States alone, and the figures stay the same year-on-year. The Hot Seat is a godsend for reducing fatalities. Intuitive Alissa Chavez invented an alarm system that notifies parents whenever they forget their babies in hot cars, which she came up with at 14.
Water Skis
Ralph Samuelson, aged 18, invented water skis to combine his love for snow skiing with his passion for water and aquatic sports. Constructed using strips of wood inclined towards the end as skis, it would take Samuelson several days to perfect his design before water skis, as we know them, were born in 1922.
Magnetic Locker Wallpaper
Embodying an innovative spirit, 14-year-old Sarah Buckel invented magnetic locker wallpaper in 2006. Sarah had a flare for decorating her locker with wallpaper, but cleaning it up and scraping off the adhesive was tiresome at best, so she invented wallpaper that used magnets instead.
Paper Bags
The invention of the brown paper bag that shoppers have become so familiar with today owes its existence to the ingenuity of 12-year-old Margeret Knight. After being hired by the Columbia Paper Bag Company in 1867, Knight invented a flat-bottomed paper bag machine to improve on pre-existing technologies of the time, which led to the creation of the brown paper bag.
Calculator
Everyone is familiar with calculators, but you might not know the boy who invented them, an 18-year-old named Blaise Pascal, in 1642. Pascal, a mathematical genius in his own right, developed the world’s first digital calculator to deal with the complex arithmetical calculations his father encountered as the supervisor of taxes in Rouen.
READ NEXT: 19 Famous Inventors Who Left a Lasting Legacy
Read Next: 18 Forgotten Historical Events That Shaped the World
Every historical event has been pivotal in molding our contemporary world. Each occurrence imprints itself on society, shaping culture, politics, and technology. Whether wars or scientific advancements, these events have far-reaching effects that ripple through time.
Read Next: 18 Forgotten Historical Events That Shaped the World
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.