Engineer and inventor Lonnie Johnson is best known for creating the Super Soaker water gun, a toy that became a sensation in the 1990s and generated over $1 billion in sales. Born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1949, Johnson¡¯s early fascination with engineering led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University. He went on to work at NASA¡¯s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing to projects like the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Cassini mission to Saturn.
In 1982, while working on an environmentally friendly heat pump, Johnson accidentally invented the prototype for the Super Soaker. Realizing its potential as a toy, he later partnered with Larami Corporation, which launched the product in 1990. The Super Soaker quickly became a cultural icon and one of the best-selling toys of its time, even being added to the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2015.
Beyond toys, Johnson holds over 250 patents, most related to his Super Soaker. He also contributed to more efficient rechargeable batteries and a thermoelectric energy converter for renewable power. In 2022, Johnson received recognition for his talents, entering the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter
1. What popular toy did Lonnie Johnson invent?
2. Where was Lonnie Johnson born?
3. What was Johnson working on when he accidentally invented the Super Soaker?
4. How many patents does Lonnie Johnson hold?
1. Have you ever played with a Super Soaker or water gun? What was your experience?
2. What kinds of things would you like to invent if you could be an inventor?
3. Why do you think people like water toys like the Super Soaker?
4. Do you have a favorite toy? What makes it special to you?