Technology & Industry

Learn about inventors, industry, and the technology that makes things work.

Sub-headings:

Military

Resources in this category:

About.com Guide to Inventors
http://inventors.about.com/

Learn all about inventors and their inventions. Also includes a collection of links on various topics related to inventions such as patent registration, young inventors, and even one on wacky patents!

AC/DC: What's the Difference?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc.html

This site offers a simple and interactive explanation that shows the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Also, learn "what exactly an electric current is and two ways that the currents can be produced inside a battery, a generator, and a light bulb.

Automotive Learning On-line
http://www.innerauto.com/

"Detailed illustrations, animations, quizzes and an extensive hyperlinked database combine to make the Insight series of educational software the ideal reference for automotive information. ""There is so much information, in fact, the program seems determined to teach you more than you want to know." - The New York Times

Clean Sweep U.S.A.
http://www.kab.org/kids/defaultx.htm

What’s up with all that garbage? Learn about composting, recycling, waste-to-energy plants, and landfills at this fun colorful site.

Clockworks: From Sundials to the Atomic Second
http://www.britannica.com/clockworks/main2.html

Clockworks is an exploration of time, with a history of timekeeping devices.

Cryptokids from the National Security Agency
http://www.nsa.gov/kids/

What’s the difference between a code and a cipher? Learn how to make ciphers and communicate secretly with your friends. Lots of games and activities including brainteasers and cryptograms are included.

The FCC Kids Zone Home Page
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/kidszone/

"The FCC kids’ zone is a safe place for children of all ages to learn fun facts about the telephone, satellites, fax machines, computers,television, radio and much, much more. Guided by mascot, "Broadband", you can learn about the FCC, find out how things work, check out rumors, find out what some tough words mean, and learn how things we use everyday were invented. In addition to all the above, the Web site contains lots of interactive games and puzzles, surveys, telecom factoids and much more. It provides a useful tool for children to learn about the FCC and let the FCC know what’s on their minds."

GPS: A New Constellation
http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gps/index.htm

"In the past, the stars were used for navigation. Today's world requires greater accuracy. The new constellation of artificial stars provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS) serves this important need." Learn about GPS and how it helps people find their way on land, at sea, and in the air. Plus, this site talks about how GPS is used to create accurate maps, and how GPS helps farmers and foresters in taking care of their land.

Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century
http://www.greatachievements.org/

"The goal of the Greatest Achievements project is to celebrate a remarkable century of technological achievement...Explore our list of the top 20 achievements, and learn how engineering shaped a century and changed the world." Some of the achievements listed here include electrification, highways, the automobile, computers, the Internet, health technology, and lasers. Each of the 20 entries includes a detailed history and a timeline.

Inside AT&T Labs-- Brain Spin
http://www.att.com/attlabs/technology/forfun/

Learn about Alexander Graham Bell or the telephone or fiber optics or even the internet stucture.

The Invention Dimension: Invention of the Week
http://web.mit.edu/invent/i-main.html

Features a new inventor and invention each week. Click on the Inventor of the Week Archives link to find more stories about famous and not-so-famous inventors!

Inventive Kids
http://www.inventivekids.com/

"Play, learn and have fun! Choose your activity and click to begin an inventive experience."

Inventive Women
http://www.inventivewomen.com/

"Imagine, from the tasty chocolate chip cookie to computer programming, inventions by women are everywhere! And many of these inventions were created by Canadian women. This site begins to tell their impressive story."

Robots 4 Kids
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/robots.htm

Robots 4 Kids is full of up-to-date links to great robot websites for a variety of age groups. There are special projects for younger children, contests and links to amateur and professional robotics clubs.

Roller Coasters
http://www.britannica.com/coasters/

Learn about the invention and history of the roller coaster - the scream machine.

The Showroom of Automotive History
http://www.hfmgv.org/histories/showroom/intro.html

Learn about famous American cars, such as the Model T, the Tucker, and the Mustang. Includes photographs, specifications, and some online activities and games.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Education Center
http://education.usace.army.mil/index.html

The Army Corps of Engineers Education Center has plenty for teachers and kids! Online educational games give teachers fun activities to go along with lessons and educate their students while teaching them. The Science & Engineering Room in the Young Engineers’ Club has instructions for science fair projects in several different areas.