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Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
Last updated Monday, April 4, 2022
Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Don Tate
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1580892973
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2022
Synopsis:
Celebrate the inventor of the Super Soaker in this inspiring picture book biography about Lonnie Johnson, the maker behind one of the world's favorite toys.
You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.
A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is a super-soaker?! :) Have you ever used one?
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What is an invention?
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Do you like to make things or take things apart? To build things?
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Have you ever been part of a science fair?
Vocabulary:
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Engineer: a person who designs and builds things like machines and structures
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Creative: imaginative, artistic, able to come up with solutions to problems
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Challenge: a difficulty or obstacle
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Prototype: a first example or attempt of something you're building
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Whoosh: the sound of something move fast or air or water rushing!
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What are some things in your home and school that were invented (hint: everything!)
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What obstacles did Lonnie face?
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What qualities did Lonnie have that helped him get through obstacles and succeed?
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What kinds of things make a "whoosh" sound? (air, water, things that fly, etc.)
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What's the first step toward inventing something?
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Have you ever had a challenge you've overcome? How?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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