Book 26, Question 87 · Video
How did a water experiment lead to the Super Soaker?
Lonnie Johnson was an engineer who worked on space missions. In 1982, he was testing a cooling system idea at home when a nozzle on his sink-top experiment shot a powerful stream of water across the bathroom. He thought it would make a great toy. After years of trying to sell it, the Super Soaker became a hit in 1990 and one of the best-selling water toys.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How did a water experiment lead to the Super Soaker?
The Big Idea
A space engineer invented one of the most popular water toys ever! It happened by accident in his bathroom. Meet the Super Soaker.
Space Engineer
Step one: Space Engineer. Lonnie Johnson was an engineer who worked on space missions. He loved building things at home too.
The Accident
Step two: The Accident. In 1982, he was testing a cooling system idea at home when a nozzle shot a powerful stream of water across the bathroom. He thought it would make a great toy.
Success
Step three: Success. After years of trying to sell it, the Super Soaker became a hit in 1990. It became one of the best-selling water toys.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Water fills the tank. Pumping adds air. Pressure builds. Water shoots out.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Lonnie Johnson has more than 100 patents. It took years to sell. He worked on space missions. Play with water outside.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Fill a squeeze bottle with water outside. Squeeze it with a wide hole. Measure how far it shoots. Try a smaller hole. Which shoots farther?
Outro
A water experiment led to the Super Soaker when space engineer Lonnie Johnson's test nozzle shot water across his bathroom. After years of trying, it became a best-selling toy. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!