Showing titles in How Things Work

BMX bikes speed through courses and over big jumps. There's lots of ways to make these bikes tougher and cooler. Listeners will love finding out how!

Scientists put things into groups so they are easier to study. Materials have different properties. What are they, and how they are grouped? Let’s investigate materials!

Sounds can be loud. Sounds can be soft. We use our ears to hear all kinds of sounds. But how is sound made? Let’s investigate to find out about sound!

In science fiction, invisibility cloaks let their users vanish from sight and sneak around unnoticed. How could one of these stealthy pieces of clothing work? Scientists have some ideas, which involve bending light. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life invisibility cloak!

In science fiction, time machines let people travel backward in history and forward to the future. How could one of these time-traveling devices be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using spaceships and black holes. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life time machine!

In science fiction, energy blades are weapons or tools that look like glowing swords. How could one of these powerful devices work? Scientists have some ideas, which include using plasma. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life energy blade!

In science fiction, hoverboard users glide above sidewalks on machines that look like skateboards with no wheels. How could one of these floating boards be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using powerful magnets. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life hoverboard!

In science fiction, jet packs let people zoom through the air at high speeds. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life jet pack!

In science fiction, deflector shields protect ships, bases, and even planets from enemy attack. How could a protective space that absorbs energy from weapons be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using lasers. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life deflector shield!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!