Dear Inventors,

Yesterday when you made paper towers, I noticed the two teams with the tallest towers had very similar designs. But that shouldn’t surprise me. It’s a common occurrence throughout the history of science and technology: scientists and inventors often come up with the same idea independently.

Ideas don’t just come out of people’s minds; they grow out of specific times and and places. And if we pay close enough attention, we can tap into those ideas that are floating all around our heads. But, of course, it takes hard work, dedication, and a little luck.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck