The Day-Glo Brothers
What’s inside...
Joe and Bob Switzer were brothers with different aspirations; Bob wanted to be a doctor while Joe was interested in show business and magic. An accident that left Bob recuperating in a basement led the brothers to experiment with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints, which resulted in the invention of Day-Glo colors, a new type of color that glows intensely. The book is printed in Day-Glo colors, including Saturn Yellow, Fire Orange, and Signal Green, though the cover reproduction does not use Day-Glo colors.
Age
7-10
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bob Switzer
Joe Switzer
Discussion points
What did Bob and Joe Switzer discover, and why do you think it was important?
How do you think the world would be different if day-glo colors had never been invented?
What challenges did the brothers face and how did they overcome them?
Which part of the inventing process interested you the most and why?
If you could invent something, what would it be and which colors would you use?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how colors affect their mood and perception by considering different environments altered by colors.
Discuss the historical context in which the Switzer brothers were inventing and how perseverance played a key role in their success.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking what they would invent using day-glo colors today, encouraging imaginative thinking.
Link the story to real-life applications of day-glo colors, such as in safety equipment and bright art, to enhance understanding of the book’s impact.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Innovation
Explanation: The story of the Day-Glo Brothers demonstrates the power of perseverance as the brothers tirelessly experimented with fluorescent materials before achieving success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up despite challenges, encouraging them to keep trying in their own projects and studies.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: Bob and Joe Switzer worked together, combining their unique skills and knowledge to create something new and valuable, showing the strength of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Thinking Outside the Box
Explanation: The invention of Day-Glo colors came from thinking differently and creatively about common materials and their potential uses.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to harness their creativity in problem-solving and to view challenges as opportunities to think innovatively.
Example Lesson: Impact of Inventions on Society
Explanation: The Day-Glo colors had a significant impact during World War II and beyond, becoming important in various safety equipment and industries.
Real-World Application: Children understand that their own creations and ideas can have a wider impact on society, inspiring them to contribute positively to their community.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Science and Experimentation
Explanation: The book highlights the role of scientific experimentation in achieving breakthroughs, as seen in the development of fluorescent colors.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to explore science and experiment in their studies, fostering a love for learning and discovery.