African-American Know-How
Peanut butter - it's in millions of lunches each day. George Washington Caver, an African-American scientist, almost singlehandedly made the peanut a leading crop for Southern farmers when he developed this and many other uses for the peanut early in this century.
African-American history is rich with scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs. How many do you know?
1. Benjamin Banneker was probably the first African-American to be recognized as a gifted scientist. From mathematical calculations and astronomical observations, Banneker developed an almanac of charts that was used by farmers and sailors. Banneker was born in:
A. 1631
B. 1731
C. 1831
2. James Forten refused to install his invention on slave ships. What was it?
A. A seawater desalting system
B. Nonskid decks
C. Sails for use in rough weather
3. Madame C.J. Walker became America's first self-made woman millionaire for her development and sale of:
A. Digital watches
B. Hair-care products
C. Paper cups
4. In his long career as a draftsman, inventor, and patent consultant, Lewis Latimer worked alongside:
A. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello
B. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison
C. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas
5. George Grant's contribution to the world of sports is not as a player, but as the inventor of:
A. The automated scoreboard
B. The golf tee
C. The batting cage
6. In 1995, Shirley Jackson was appointed head of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Jackson was the first African-American woman to earn a PhD in the field of:
A. Microbiology
B. Environmental studies
C. Physics
7. Elijah McCoy's invention worked so well that when inferior imitations came on the market, people started insisting on 'the real McCoy.' McCoy invented:
A. An automatic lubricating device for trains
B. The oscillating lawn sprinkler
C. The revolver
8. All cars are equipped with a device developed by Richard Spikes:
A. Seat belts
B. Door locks
C. Directional signals
Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. B; 4. B; 5. B; 6. C; 7. A; 8. C.
