Addictive Creative/Offset
Frank Epperson was about 11 when he created this icy treat. In the early 1900s, he mixed a sugary powder with water using a stick. Then he left his drink outside. His drink froze, and the first Popsicle was made. Yum!
Shutterstock.com (Background, Swim Fins); Addictive Creative/Offset (Popsicle); JulPo/Getty Images (Trampoline); Cum Okolo/Alamy Stock Photo (Superman); Courtesy of family (Leanne Fan)
Invented by Kids!
These creations were thought up by young people like you.
By Della Hernden
From the May/June 2026 Issue
Featured Skill: Knowledge Building
Standards
Popsicles
Superman
Cum Okolo/Alamy Stock Photo
In 1931, 16-year-olds Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster loved creating stories together. One story was about a superhero named Superman. In 1938, the first Superman comic book came out. It was a huge hit! Today the superhero is everywhere. There are cartoons, books, movies, and video games.
Swim Fins
Shutterstock.com
The first ones were created by an 11-year-old in 1717. You might recognize the name of the inventor: Benjamin Franklin! Today’s swim fins are made with plastic or rubber. But Benjamin’s fins were made out of wood. He used them on his hands instead of on his feet!
Trampoline
JulPo/Getty Images
Boing! We have George Nissen to thank for this fun invention. In 1930, George built the first trampoline at 16. At first, he thought his invention could be used by athletes. But kids loved bouncing on it for fun. Now it’s a popular backyard toy. (Bounce carefully!)
Healing Headphones
Courtesy of family
When she was 14, Leanne Fan saw her mom had painful ear infections. Leanne wanted to help. She wondered, What if headphones could help spot and treat ear infections? So she created the Finsen headphones! If they detect you have an infection, they shine a blue light into your ear. The light kills the germs that cause ear infections. Leanne has a tip for anyone who wants to be an inventor: “If something doesn’t work out, keep trying!”
Think and Write
Pick one of the inventions above and write a thank-you letter to its inventor. Explain why you like the invention, using details from the Infographic and your own opinion.
Text-to-Speech