Kite

In an age of hyper-specialization, Saul Griffith is an old-school inventor. A MacArthur “genius,” his work includes a new way to manufacture eyeglasses, kites that generate power, and rope that knows how much weight it carries. Griffith explains how to get kids fascinated by science: promise to send them to school on zip lines.

In an age of hyperspecialization, Saul Griffith is an old-school inventor. A MacArthur “genius,” his work includes a new way to manufacture eyeglasses, kites that generate power, and rope that knows how much weight it carries. Griffith explains how to get kids excited about inventing our future: send them to school on zip lines.

Today’s answer is the German seaport of Bremerhaven. That’s where a special ship powered in part by a giant kite began its maiden voyage today. Anchor Lisa Mullins finds out more from the ship’s captain, Lutz Heldt.