Gutenberg's Printing Press Inspires Our Own Inventions



Today we continued to discuss Johann Gutenberg's invention of the movable type printing press.

Many historians consider the printing press to be one of the five most important technological innovations in all of human history! We had a lively discussion about what might have motivated Gutenberg to create such an influential machine: fame, fortune, faith, a love of reading, or perhaps the desire to help others and spread knowledge throughout the world?

In addition, the students brainstormed current day activities or problems that they would like to "solve" with new technology. Here are just a few of their creative ideas:

Lilly, Hailey, Charlie: A folding clothes invention -- a washing and drying machine that also folds your clothes.

Ellie: A communication machine that would help people relax their feelings and eventually help us achieve world peace.

Gracie Lou: A global cooling device, which would be launched into space and reduce the worldwide temperature by ten degrees. This would combat climate change.


Charlotte: An organ donation transportation machine, which would keep the organs healthy as they were being transferred from one hospital to another.

William: A microscopic robot that can fight cancer and other diseases.

Sofia: A health care companion robot, which will detect pain and then provide support and pain relief.

Darrah, Meredith: A car that can "drive" in the air, on the land and on the water.


Teddy, Noelle: A wireless "Find My Stuff" app.

Gabriel: A machine that turns waste back into food.

Josh: Agricultural machines to increase production of crops. The ancient Mesopotamians made great progress with irrigation, and we could make further progress if we can continue to increase productivity.

Zach: A neodymium magnetic infinite power generator.

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