How Did They Think of That?
Which everyday product was invented after a scientist noticed that spilled rubber mixed with sulfur became unusually tough?
A) Eraser
B) Rubber band
C) Vulcanized rubber
D) Pencil grip
C) Vulcanized rubber
What’s a simple way to keep brown sugar from hardening in the container?
A) Add a slice of bread
B) Store it in the freezer
C) Mix in a teaspoon of salt
D) Keep the lid slightly open
A) Add a slice of bread
Which duo is known for their detective work in children’s mystery books?
A) Tom & Jerry
B) Nancy & George
C) The Hardy Boys
D) Calvin & Hobbes
C) The Hardy Boys
Which expression refers to revealing your true intentions after hiding them for a while?
A) Show your cards
B) Bite your tongue
C) Pass the buck
D) Hit the sack
A) Show your cards
What’s the difference between jam and jelly?
A) Jam uses whole fruit; jelly uses fruit juice
B) Jam is sweeter than jelly
C) Jelly must be refrigerated; jam does not
D) Jam contains no sugar
A) Jam uses whole fruit; jelly uses fruit juice
Which kitchen staple was created when a chemist accidentally left a pot of boiled milk and sugar to cool, discovering it had solidified into a sweet spread?
A) Marshmallow fluff
B) Peanut brittle
C) Dulce de leche
D) Caramel sauce
C) Dulce de leche
What’s an easy trick to prevent a pot of water from boiling over?
A) Add a splash of vinegar
B) Place a wooden spoon across the top
C) Stir constantly
D) Lower the stove temperature by half
B) Place a wooden spoon across the top
Which comedy team became famous for the routine “Who’s on First?”
A) Laurel & Hardy
B) Abbott & Costello
C) Martin & Lewis
D) Burns & Allen
B) Abbott & Costello
If someone “bends over backward,” what are they doing?
A) Trying very hard to help
B) Avoiding responsibility
C) Changing their opinion
D) Making a quick decision
A) Trying very hard to help
What’s the difference between seltzer and tonic water?
A) Seltzer has carbonation; tonic has none
B) Tonic contains quinine; seltzer does not
C) Seltzer is sweetened; tonic is not
D) Tonic is flavored with citrus; seltzer is not
B) Tonic contains quinine; seltzer does not
Which office supply was invented when a researcher tried to create a super-strong adhesive but instead ended up with a weak, reusable one?
A) Sticky notes
B) Glue stick
C) Double-sided tape
D) Rubber cement
A) Sticky notes
What’s a quick way to test whether batteries still have charge without using a device?
A) Shake them and listen for rattling
B) Drop them gently and see if they bounce
C) Hold them up to a light
D) Roll them on a flat surface
B) Drop them gently and see if they bounce
Which animated duo is known for their elaborate traps and constant pursuit of cheese?
A) Chip & Dale
B) Pinky & The Brain
C) Tom & Jerry
D) Wallace & Gromit
D) Wallace & Gromit
Which expression means to take credit for someone else’s achievement?
A) Steal someone’s thunder
B) Add fuel to the fire
C) Jump the gun
D) Move the goalposts
A) Steal someone’s thunder
What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
A) Alligators live only in saltwater; crocodiles only in freshwater
B) Alligators have U‑shaped snouts; crocodiles have V‑shaped snouts
C) Crocodiles are always larger than alligators
D) Alligators cannot open their jaws underwater
B) Alligators have U‑shaped snouts; crocodiles have V‑shaped snouts
Which household product was invented when a scientist testing radar equipment noticed that a nearby chocolate bar had melted?
A) Electric kettle
B) Microwave oven
C) Induction cooktop
D) Toaster oven
B) Microwave oven
What’s a reliable method to remove water rings from wooden furniture?
A) Rub with lemon juice
B) Apply mayonnaise and wipe after a few hours
C) Use warm soapy water
D) Spray with glass cleaner
B) Apply mayonnaise and wipe after a few hours
Which musical duo created hits like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence”?
A) Hall & Oates
B) Simon & Garfunkel
C) Loggins & Messina
D) The Everly Brothers
B) Simon & Garfunkel
If a situation is described as “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” what does it refer to?
A) A surprising opportunity
B) A small final problem that causes a big reaction
C) A misunderstanding between friends
D) A decision made too quickly
B) A small final problem that causes a big reaction
What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
A) Baking soda is a complete leavening agent; baking powder needs an acid
B) Baking powder is a complete leavening agent; baking soda needs an acid
C) Baking soda is sweeter than baking powder
D) Baking powder is only used in bread
B) Baking powder is a complete leavening agent; baking soda needs an acid
Which medical breakthrough began when a scientist returned from vacation to find mold growing on a petri dish — and noticed it had killed the surrounding bacteria?
A) Insulin
B) Penicillin
C) Smallpox vaccine
D) Antiseptic spray
B) Penicillin
What’s a practical way to quiet a squeaky door hinge when you don’t have oil on hand?
A) Rub with a bar of soap
B) Heat the hinge with a hair dryer
C) Tap the hinge pin with a hammer
D) Tighten the screws completely
A) Rub with a bar of soap
Which literary duo appears in stories where one partner narrates and the other solves intricate mysteries?
A) Jeeves & Wooster
B) Holmes & Watson
C) Poirot & Hastings
D) Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin
B) Holmes & Watson
What does the expression “throwing in the towel” originally refer to?
A) A chef giving up on a recipe
B) A boxer signaling defeat
C) A sailor ending a voyage
D) A painter abandoning a canvas
B) A boxer signaling defeat
What’s the difference between weather and climate?
A) Weather refers to temperature; climate refers only to rainfall
B) Weather is long‑term patterns; climate is daily conditions
C) Weather is short‑term conditions; climate is long‑term patterns
D) Weather occurs only in the atmosphere; climate occurs on land
C) Weather is short‑term conditions; climate is long‑term patterns