43 Invention Trivia Questions to Fuel Your Team Building Fun
How often do you really think about the inventions that shape your life, and the inventors that created them? If you’re like most people, probably not very often. Change that by taking an exciting journey through the incredible world of human creativity and innovation. This is more than just a collection of facts, it's a celebration of the remarkable ideas and breakthroughs that have changed our world.
From the everyday gadgets we take for granted to the fantastic inventions that have shaped the world, try your hand with these fun stories, surprising truths, and brain-teasing trivia that will not only entertain you and your team, but also make you appreciate the genius behind the inventions we use all the time.
Whether you're planning a team building activity, searching for a fun way to learn, or just curious about the history behind modern conveniences, there is something here for everyone.
Invention Trivia
Trivia Question # 1: Who invented the first powered airship? (Answer: Henri Giffard)
Trivia Question # 2: What crucial hair product appeared for the first time in 1960? (Answer: Hair spray)
Trivia Question # 3: In what country was the electric razor invented in 1928? (Answer: The United States)
Trivia Question # 4: In what year was the first motorcycle built? (Answer: 1928)
Trivia Question # 5: What common hygiene aid was invented while the inventor was in prison? (Answer: Toothbrush)
Trivia Question # 6: What piece of computer equipment was invented by Douglas Englebert? (Answer: Mouse)
Trivia Question # 7: What was the name of the person who invented the kaleidoscope in 1816? (Answer: David Brewster)
Trivia Question # 8: What piece of aquatic transportation was invented by Robert Fulton in 1803? (Answer: Steamboat)
Trivia Question # 9: What was the name of the inventor of the zipper? (Answer: Whitcomb L. Judson)
Trivia Question # 10: What did Thomas Edison recite into the very first gramophone? (Answer: Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Trivia Question # 11: In what century was the first electrical generator developed? (Answer: 17th)
Trivia Question # 12: In what year was the yo-yo invented? (Answer: 1928)
Trivia Question # 13: Who invented parking meters in 1935? (Answer: Carl Magee)
Trivia Question # 14: The invention of the cat flap is credited to which famous scientist? (Answer: Isaac Newton)
Trivia Question # 15: What was the name of the inventor of the first mp3 player? (Answer: Nathan Schulhof)
Trivia Question # 16: What important breakfast-making device was originally patented in Minnesota in 1919? (Answer: Pop-up toaster)
Trivia Question # 17: In what year were the roller skates invented by John Joseph Merlin? (Answer: 1760)
Trivia Question # 18: William Painter invented what device that is now found in nearly every home bar? (Answer: Bottle Opener)
Trivia Question # 19: In what decade was the ballpoint pen invented? (Answer: 1930s)
Trivia Question # 20: What are the three inventions that the majority of Americans say they wouldn’t be able to live without? (Answer: Car, lightbulb, phone)
Trivia Question # 21: What rock group is named after the inventor of the seed drill? (Answer: Jethro Tull)
Trivia Question # 22: What crucial household product finally got a disposable version in 1951? (Answer: Diapers)
Trivia Question # 23: What is Bartolomeo Christofori famous for inventing? (Answer: The piano)
Trivia Question # 24: Who invented scissors? (Answer: Leonardo Da Vinci)
Trivia Question # 25: What machine was invented by Hamilton Smith in 1858? (Answer: Washing machine)
Trivia Question # 26: In what country were bagpipes invented? (Answer: Persia)
Trivia Question # 27: What kind of paper was invented by Thomas Edison? (Answer: Wax paper)
Trivia Question # 28: In what country were venetian blinds invented? (Answer: Japan)
Trivia Question # 29: What musical instrument was invented by John-Christopher Denner? (Answer: Clarinet)
Trivia Question # 30: In what country was the world’s first water clock invented? (Answer: China)
Trivia Question # 31: Who was the inventor of the first mobile phone? (Answer: Martin Cooper)
Trivia Question # 32: In what year was the first Macintosh computer developed? (Answer: 1984)
Trivia Question # 33: In what year was the compound microscope invented by Hans Janssen? (Answer: 1590)
Trivia Question # 34: In what year was the swiss army knife invented? (Answer: 1891)
Trivia Question # 35: Who invented the television? (Answer: John Baird)
Trivia Question # 36: Who was the first phone call to? (Answer: Thomas Watson, the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell)
Trivia Question # 37: What did Alexander Fleming famously discover? (Answer: Penicillin)
Trivia Question # 38: In what year was the aerosol can patented? (Answer: 1927)
Trivia Question # 39: Who was the inventor of the synthetic diamond? (Answer: Tracy Hall)
Trivia Question # 40: What was the nationality of the inventor who patented the fountain pen? (Answer: Romanian)
Trivia Question # 41: Ivan Vucertic invented what sort of personal identification method? (Answer: Fingerprinting)
Trivia Question # 42: Georges de Mestral invented what fastening system? (Answer: Velcro)
Trivia Question # 43: In what year was the first fire engine created? (Answer: 1518)
We hope that you enjoyed these trivia questions, and maybe learned something new! If you’re excited about more trivia, try checking out our Fostering Team Spirit with 47 Famous Firsts Trivia Questions or Connect Your Team with 63 Space Trivia Questions.
We hope these 43 Invention Trivia Questions have made your team time more fun and interesting! They're made to get everyone curious and excited, building a team as creative as the inventors we've talked about. Don't forget, team building, like inventing, doesn't have a finish line. So keep on learning, stay connected, and always ask "why" or "how." There's always something new to learn in the world of team fun and invention facts.
Liked these questions? We've got more! Try 63 Space Trivia Questions to challenge their space exploration smarts and keep their minds sharp.
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