Showing titles in How Things Work

In science fiction, flying cars let people soar over traffic jams and get to where they're going quickly. How could a vehicle that both flies and drives be created? Scientists' ideas for this involve futuristic materials and technology from drones. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life flying car!

Over the last 400 years, telescope technology has come a long way. From dying stars to burping black holes, take a look at the most exciting discoveries in deep space.

Create slippery slimes and frothy foams. Have a blast making colorful chalk explosions. Then, learn the science behind each marvelous mess! It's easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.

Think a soccer match begins with the opening kickoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional soccer—from prepping the pitch and cleaning cleats to player escorts and jersey swaps. This fast-paced, fact-filled book will give soccer fans, young and old, a brand-new perspective on major league soccer.

Looking to build some cool moving machines? Think small! Craft a tiny Ferris wheel or a super-small wobbling UFO. You might even make an itty-bitty disco ball. Tiny machines are tons of fun!

Think pro football begins with the opening kickoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional football—from pregame tailgating and prepping the pigskins to halftime shows and postgame interviews.

Think pro basketball begins with the opening tipoff? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional basketball—from cleaning the hardcourt and mascot madness to locker room pep talks and postgame interviews.

Think big league baseball begins with the opening pitch? Think again! In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, go behind the scenes of a typical game day in professional baseball—from prepping the diamond and welcoming fans to hawking hot dogs and broadcasting from the booth.

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

From hospital and police codes to Cockney slang, spoken codes can be both helpful and entertaining. Learn the history behind some of today’s most useful and popular codes, and then have fun creating a language all your own.

Books are made with paper. But what if we tried to make a book with metal? Copper, tin, gold, silver—would any of those materials work to make a book? Find out more about metal, its properties, and how it is produced. Then decide if you really could make a book out of metal.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.