Showing titles in How Things Work

ATVs tackle the toughest land around, but there are lots of ways to make these vehicles faster and cooler. Listeners will love finding out how!

A diamond is shiny. A brick wall is dull. Why are some objects shiny and others dull? Find out in this series about materials and their properties. Informative, at-level text helps listeners understand the differences between shiny and dull objects.

Do you like to be on the move? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Build speedy motorboats and buzzing bots. Take off with zooming, high-flying rockets. Then, learn the science behind each amazingly mobile creation! Simple step-by-step instructions make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.

A bowling ball is heavy. A feather is light. Why are some items heavy and others light? Find out in this series about materials and their properties. Informative, at-level text helps listeners understand the differences between heavy and light materials.

Ready to make some noise? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Design melodic musical instruments and squawking noisemakers. Turn up the bass with activities that let you see sound. Then, learn the science behind each rocking racket! Simple step-by-step instructions make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.

In mid-1860s, two railroad companies had a huge job in front of them: building the transcontinental railroad. The railroad would run from east to west across the United States. As the grueling work began, there were many choices to make. Now, the choices are yours.

Did you see a flagpole today? Then you’ve seen a pulley at work! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different uses for pulleys.

A virtual assistant by any name—Alexa, Siri, whoever—can be a sweet addition to your home. You might use one for simple jobs like playing music or streaming podcasts. And you might use one to communicate with friends and remind you about homework coming due while helping you make your breakfast. Find out how digital assistants work and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech home.

Imagine you arrive at school and realize you forgot to feed the dog. No problem. Pull out your phone and command the dog dish to dispense a serving of food. That's all there is to it—if you live a smart home. What once sounded like science fiction is now a reality for some families.

Did you put the cap on the toothpaste tube today? Then you’ve used a screw! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different ways we use screws.

Did you use a fork today? Then you’ve used a lever! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different ways we use levers.

Air Force One keeps the U.S. president safe while flying. Learn more about the features that protect this amazing plane. Also find out how team members protect the president as he travels on Air Force One.

The United States keeps its gold safe at Fort Knox. How is this done? There are fences, locks, guards, and more. Learn more about this high-security place!

Nuclear weapon bunkers keep the world's dangerous nuclear weapons safe. Guards, electronic security systems, and barriers protect the bunkers. Learn more about these high-security places!

How can important information and valuable items be kept safe as years pass? Many of these items are stored in underground vaults, including recordings and photos from U.S. history, important documents, and more. Locks, guards, secret passwords, and technology all play a part in the protection of the items.

The wheel was invented more than 5,000 years ago, and it has brought some awesome vehicles our way. But this invention isn't done giving! Take a tour of some of the most unique and fascinating vehicles around.

Streaming puts a world of options at your fingertips when you’re at home and, with a smartphone or tablet, when you're on the go. Find out how streaming was invented, how it works, and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech life.

Did you ride a bike today? Then you’ve used wheels and axles! These simple machines are all around. Take a listen and discover 13 different ways we use wheels and axles.

Searching for easy engineering projects for your makerspace? You've come to the right place! From winches and gears to bridges and marble runs, these 10-minute STEM projects will have kids making in no time!

Microwaves heat our food. They carry messages from phone to phone. They help detect the weather. Microwaves are all around us, even if we don't see them. Listeners will learn about microwaves and how we use them every day.