Children are indeed the future, not only because they will grow up and be the leaders of the next generation but also because they have greatly contributed to our evolution with unique inventions. Some of the world’s most impactful inventions were created by children, demonstrating the curiosity and creativity of children. From iconic inventions like the Braille System to marvellous creations like a toy truck, here are some famous inventions by kids that have had a lasting impact on the world.
1. Braille System, Louis Braille (1824)
The unique writing method for the visually impaired was invented by Louis Braille when he was only 15 years old. Louis, born in France, was blinded by an accident at the age of three, but he did not let his disability hinder him from reading. He was inspired by the military communication code when he created the Braille system by modifying the military communication code into raised dots. The revolutionary invention allowed visually impaired people to read across the globe.
2. Popsicle, Frank Epperson (1905)
At the young age of 11, Frank Epperson invented Popsicle when he accidentally left a mixture of soda and water with a stirring stick on his porch one chilly night in 1905. The following morning, he discovered the frozen mixture. Popsicle was initially called “Epsice” when Epperson began selling the frozen treat at a local amusement park. Epperson grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Epsicle was renamed Popsicle in 1923.
3. Earmuffs, Chester Greenwood (1873)
Earmuffs were created in 1873 by a 15-year-old named Chester Greenwood. Wanting to protect his ears from the cold while ice skating in Farmington, Maine, Greenwood covered two loops of wire with fur. The creative invention was initially popularly known as “Greenwood’s Champion Ear Protectors.” He patented his earmuff design and continued to improve it over the years. The success of his earmuffs business resulted in Farmington honouring his memory with the celebration of “Chester Greenwood Day” each December.
4. Trampoline, George Nissen (1930)
The amazing trampoline that brings so much joy to bounce on was created by 16-year-old George Nissen. Nissen, a gymnast in Blairstown, Iowa, invented the trampoline in 1930 after he and his coach Larry Griswold had the idea of a bouncing platform for training. Nissen felt inspired by trapeze artists who used safety nets to bounce and flip and proceeded to invent the trampoline. He used stretched canvas and an iron frame to create the trampoline, which was initially called a “bouncing ring.”
5. Crayon Holders, Cassidy Goldstein (1995)
An 11-year-old from Scarsdale, New York, named Cassidy Goldstein created crayon holders. She came up with the idea of crayon holders for her broken crayons. Goldstein was frustrated with the difficulty of using small, broken crayons and decided to fix the issue. She invented plastic holders that encase these stubs, making them easier to grip and use. The simple yet practical invention was patented. Cassidy Goldstein later sold her design to a major crayon company, and children around the world are using this helpful device today.
6. Toy Truck, Robert Patch (1963)
Lastly on our list is a 6-year-old boy who had a simple idea and turned it into an iconic toy. Robert Patch used cardboard to design a toy truck in 1963. The amazing cardboard invention could even be assembled, disassembled, and turned into different types of vehicles. His unique design earned him a patent, making him one of the youngest patent holders in history. Robert Patch’s truck versatility became a precursor to the many transformable toys we see today. Truck toys are cherished by billions around, allowing children to engage in creative, hands-on play.
