Accidental inventions that changed history
Chapter 1
Accidents that saved millions of lives
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Chapter 2
Happy mishaps in the kitchen and home
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Chapter 3
Sticky situations that created modern materials
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Chapter 4
Failed experiments that became childhood classics
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Accidental inventions that changed history
Ch 3 · Sticky situations that created modern materials
Fun Fact
Velcro in space: NASA popularized Velcro in the 1960s by using it to keep gear, food, and astronauts from floating away in zero gravity.
Glossary
vulcanization (noun)
A chemical process of treating rubber with sulfur and heat to improve its strength and elasticity. In 1839, Charles Goodyear discovered this process by accidentally spilling rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove.
A chemical process of treating rubber with sulfur and heat to improve its strength and elasticity. In 1839, Charles Goodyear discovered this process by accidentally spilling rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove.
Quiz
What was Harry Coover trying to invent during World War II when he first encountered cyanoacrylate?
Quiz
What major industry adopted Édouard Bénédictus's safety glass to protect passengers?
Quiz
Which government agency heavily popularized Velcro by using it on spacesuits and space shuttles?
Quiz
What chemical did Charles Goodyear mix with rubber before accidentally dropping it on a stove?