The History of the Super Soaker

A favorite with children during the hot summer months, the Super Soaker has been around since the 1990s. But did you know it was invented by accident by a rocket scientist? In 1982, Lonnie Johnson was working on an idea for an improved heat pump when his prototype sprang a leak and shot water across the room, giving him the idea for the Super Soaker. After his toy became a colossal success, Lonnie was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Lonnie, who is an African American inventor, used the royalties from the toy to create his own companies in order to work on scientific projects of his choosing. He also mentors STEM students and serves as an inspiration for many.