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Web site of the week:Invention at Play
By ERIC GOODWIN
KNIGHT RIDDER TRIBUNE
We tend to think of inventors as smarter than common folk. And although intellect is important, the things that really distinguish inventors from the rest of the crowd are enthusiasm, interest and a healthy respect for play. "Invention at Play" (www.inventionatplay.org/index.html) explores the similarities between childhood play and the creative processes used by innovators. The Web site uses people profiles and interactive activities to underscore this vital connection, and will have you looking at play in a whole new light.
"Invention at Play" features more than 30 profiles of successful inventors. The people featured represent fields ranging from science and engineering to product design and cosmetics. The profiles cover the famous (Thomas Edison) to the little known (Stephanie Kwolek, inventor of the heat-resistant and superstrong material called Kevlar), and they all show how habits developed by childhood amusements helped inventors make significant contributions to society later on as adults.
Of course, what is a Web site about the inventive side of play without the opportunity to tinker around a bit? The site's invention playhouse section allows you to do just that.
XEric Goodwin writes Hotlink for Knight Ridder Tribune News Service. You can send e-mail to egoodwin@krtinfo.com.