1990 · Lonnie Johnson

Super Soaker

NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson accidentally invented the Super Soaker while working on a heat pump, creating one of the best-selling toys of all time and earning over $1 billion in sales.

View Teaching Bundle →

Related Inventions

Other Black inventions and innovations that changed the world.

August 1, 1966 · Marie Van Brittan Brown

Home Security System

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system with a camera, monitor, two-way microphone, and remote-controlled door lock — the basis for modern home security.

1981 · Mark Dean

3D Graphics Technology (IBM PC)

Mark Dean co-invented the IBM personal computer and held three of IBM's original nine PC patents, later leading the team that created the first gigahertz processor chip.

Want to teach this invention? We've done the work for you.

Super Soaker Complete Teaching Bundle

📖

Lesson Plan

Comprehensive lesson plan covering the invention, the inventor, how it works, and its lasting impact on everyday life.

Grades 3–8 · STEM + History

📝

Student Workbook

Interactive workbook with reading passages, inventor biography, STEM activities, design challenges, and a quiz.

Grades 3–8 · 12 Sections

🃏

Flashcard Set

40 cards covering vocabulary, key facts, inventor details, how it works, and review challenges.

Grades 3–8 · 40 Cards

$14.99
Coming Soon

Instant digital download · Printable PDF · Grades 3–8 · STEM + History

Here's a peek inside...

📖 Lesson Plan

Super Soaker | Lesson Plan
Black History Guides
SAMPLE
Learning Objectives
1
Describe how Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker and why it mattered.
2
Explain how the invention works using kid-friendly STEM vocabulary.
3
Analyze the impact of this invention on everyday life and modern technology.
Essential Question
"How did Lonnie Johnson's invention change the world, and what can we learn from their story?"
Inventor
Lonnie Johnson · 1990
Black History Guides
Page 1 of 8

📝 Student Workbook

Super Soaker | Student Workbook
Black History Guides
SAMPLE
Reading Comprehension

Read the passage about Lonnie Johnson and the Super Soaker, then answer the questions below.

Questions
1
What problem did this invention solve?
2
How does this invention affect your life today?
Design Challenge
If you could improve this invention, what would you change?
________________________________
________________________________
Black History Guides
Page 3 of 18

🃏 Flashcard Set - Click to Flip!

Key Fact · Card 1 of 40
Lonnie Johnson: Super Soaker
Answer
NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson accidentally invented the Super Soaker while working on a heat pump, creating one of the best-selling toys of all time and...

Click the card to flip it

Get a Free Sample

Try before you buy! Enter your email to receive a free sampler with flashcards, activities, and a lesson plan excerpt. No spam, just history.

Instant delivery. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each bundle lists a suggested grade range, but those are just starting points, not limits. Every child learns at their own pace, and we believe no kid should be held back from knowledge they're ready for. Parents and teachers know their students best, so we encourage you to teach at whatever level fits your learner.
The bundle includes three digital PDF products: a STEM-integrated lesson plan covering the invention, inventor biography, how it works, and lasting impact; a 12-section student workbook with reading passages, STEM activities, design challenges, and a quiz; and a 40-card flashcard set covering vocabulary, key facts, inventor details, and review challenges.
Yes. Our invention bundles integrate STEM concepts with social studies, aligning to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) engineering practices and Common Core ELA standards. Activities include design thinking, cause-and-effect analysis, and real-world problem solving.
Absolutely. The workbook is self-contained and works equally well for classroom instruction and homeschooling. It includes a reading passage, guided activities, and a completion certificate. Everything you need for an independent learning session.