Everyday Household Inventions
Instructions: Trace the surprising origins of the can opener, microwave, zipper, and other clever gadgets that forever changed life at home.
- 1.
The microwave oven was invented by accident. What was Percy Spencer doing when he noticed microwaves had cooked something in his pocket?
ATesting radar equipmentBRepairing a kitchen stoveCExperimenting with radio antennasDWorking on a television set - 2.
Canned food was invented in the early 1800s, but the can opener didn't come along until about 50 years later. How did people open cans before the can opener was invented?
AWith a hammer and chiselBBy heating the can over a flameCWith a special key supplied with each canDCans had pull-tab lids from the start - 3.
The zipper was invented in the late 1800s, but it took decades to catch on for clothing. What was it originally designed to fasten?
AShoes and bootsBJackets and coatsCLuggage and bagsDMilitary uniforms - 4.
Before mechanical refrigerators reached homes, what insulated kitchen cabinet kept food cool using a block of natural ice?
AThe refrigeratorBThe freezerCThe ice boxDThe electric fan - 5.
Post-it Notes were invented at 3M in the 1970s using a glue that was considered a failure. Why was the adhesive originally thought to be useless?
AIt wasn't sticky enough to hold permanentlyBIt dried out too quickly in warm weatherCIt left a permanent stain on paperDIt only worked on metal surfaces - 6.
The vacuum cleaner was first demonstrated in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth. What method had most people used to clean rugs and carpets before the vacuum cleaner?
ABeating them outdoors with a stick or paddleBScrubbing them with a stiff brush and waterCSprinkling them with sawdust and sweepingDHanging them in sunlight to air out - 7.
Scotch tape (transparent adhesive tape) was invented in 1930 by 3M engineer Richard Drew. What problem was it originally created to solve?
AHelping auto painters create clean two-tone paint lines on carsBSealing food packages in grocery storesCMending torn book pages in librariesDPatching holes in rubber boots - 8.
Velcro was invented in 1941 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral. What gave him the idea for the hook-and-loop fastener?
ABurr seeds that clung to his dog's fur and his wool trousersBWatching how spider webs caught insectsCStudying the way barnacles grip a boat hullDObserving how Velvet fabric sticks to other fabrics - 9.
The electric toaster became a popular home appliance after one key invention made it safe to use. What was that important development?
ASliced bread, which created a standard size that fit the slotsBA timer that automatically turned the toaster offCA heat-resistant cord that wouldn't catch fireDA pop-up mechanism that ejected the toast - 10.
Before electric washing machines, what device did most households rely on to clean laundry by hand?
AA washboardBA mangle pressCA wooden paddleDA hand-cranked barrel - 11.
Which country invented the flush toilet, and in roughly what century did it first appear in homes there?
AEngland, in the late 1500sBFrance, in the early 1700sCUnited States, in the mid-1800sDAncient Rome, around 100 AD - 12.
Non-stick cookware coated with Teflon was introduced in the 1960s. Teflon (PTFE) was itself discovered completely by accident in 1938. Who discovered it?
AA DuPont chemist experimenting with refrigerant gasesBA French engineer testing new paint coatingsCAn American cook looking for a better frying panDA NASA scientist developing heat shields - 13.
The first practical dishwasher suitable for home use was invented in 1886 by Josephine Cochrane. What was her main reason for inventing it?
AHer servants were chipping her fine china while washing it by handBShe wanted to help poor families save time on choresCShe was a hotel owner trying to speed up serviceDShe had injured her hands and could no longer wash dishes herself - 14.
Bubble wrap was invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes. What did they originally intend it to be?
ATextured wallpaper for modern home decorBA lightweight insulation material for greenhousesCA cushioned floor mat for children's playroomsDPadding inside car door panels - 15.
The smoke detector we know today became common in homes during which decade?
AThe 1970sBThe 1950sCThe 1990sDThe 1960s