Culture Exchange Highlight
Bright Minds, Brilliant Inventions

Did you know that Native Americans invented many of the things that we enjoy today?  George Crum, a Mohawk, invented the potato chip after someone said that his French fries were too thick.  The Maya and Aztec Indians invented chocolate from cacao beans in South America.  Central and South Americans found that plant sap can freshen breath, which is how chewing gum was made.  Central Americans and Southwest Natives found a special clay called adobe.  They used adobe to build many things, including pyramids.  Native Americans built pyramids even before the Egyptians did!  Natives in Central and South America constructed the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest pyramid and monument in the world!  Other Native American inventions include:  canoes, kayaks, fish hooks, hammocks, and ponchos.  Native Americans also created two sports: lacrosse and basketball.

Native Americans have created hundreds of inventions over the years.  The Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World lists the work of over 400 inventors.  It takes hard work in order to make a great invention.  Inventors have to know about science and math and be willing to keep trying until the invention works the way that it should. Even though making a new creation can be difficult, it is important not to give up and to keep thinking of new ideas.  Do you have an idea for a great invention? If so, write to us and tell us about it!