Orville and Wilbur WrightThe Wright brothers invented the airplane. They had no special training in science or engineering. But they were curious about how things worked. They learned by teaching themselves. They had a knack for tools and an enthusiasm for mechanical things.

Toy HelicopterWhen Orville was 7 and Wilbur 11, they became very fascinated with a toy helicopter.

KitesAlways tinkering, the boys built kites and sold them to classmates.

The Wright Brothers Home

The children were encouraged to be curious and investigate. Reading in the family library played a big role in the development of the Wright brothers' interest in flight.

Mechanical ToysThey were curious about how things worked.

Curiosity led to building a printing press and opening a bicycle shop

A Bicycle made by Orville and Wilbur WrightAt first they just repaired bicycles. Then they built them.

Their Wind TunnelThey experimented with wing design.

The 1902 GliderThe brothers flew the glider after weeks of preparation.

The Wright flyer takes off at 10:35 a.m. on December 17, 1903.

This is one of the most famous photographs ever taken. Orville is at the controls. Wilbur runs alongside. It flew about 120 feet in 12 seconds.

Orville and Wilbur Wright were curious and unwilling to give up on their dreams.

--Photos and story from “The Wright Brothers. How They Invented the Airplane.” by Russell Freedman. (1991). Holiday House, N.Y.