How Things Work

From machine learning to virtual surgery practice, this exploration of scientific inquiry celebrates the greatest developments to date in medical artificial intelligence....

This adaptation of New York Times best-selling author Steven Johnson's adult book and popular PBS series explores the fascinating and interconnected stories of innovations - like clean drinking water and electricity - that changed the way people live....

Cats can code? These cats sure can! Playful rhyming verse introduce coding languages and syntax. Listeners will learn why we need special languages for coding and examples from a number of languages. And they'll quickly find out why correct syntax is key for avoiding up-mixes mix-ups....

How does grass help cows make yummy milk? Follow each step in the food production cycle - from cows eating grass to ice-cold milk - in this fascinating book....

How does wheat turn into bread? Follow each step in the food production cycle - from planting wheat seeds to eating toast with jelly - in this fascinating book....

Do you know where your clothes come from? Learn about the processes of making certain materials that are used in clothing! Guess what plant or animal that rubber boots come from? What material is made from plastic bottles? You’ll be surprised to learn how the clothes you wear everyday are manufactured!

Have you ever wondered how buildings are created? Architects have to use lots of different shapes in order to build a structure. Many geometric shapes are needed to create building designs. Can you find the different shapes in historical landmarks from all over the world?

Have you ever seen a bird nest? Birds make all kinds of different nests! Nests are made from lots of different kinds of materials and are shaped differently. Learn about the different kinds of nests that are made by different species of birds!

Click and his friends wish to live in their favorite tree like the friendly squirrels. They decide to build a treehouse—but first they must collect the necessary materials and learn what tools they'll need for the job! They find a hammer, saw, level and measuring tape. What safety tools with they need to build their treehouse?

What would we do without wheels? We use wheels for all kinds of things, including transportation. Learn about alternatives for transportation other than the wheel! Do you use any of these different ways of moving around?

Have you ever wondered how big cities are created? Learn how small towns start with just a few houses and farms, and then grow into large cities with many roads, buses, and skyscrapers! See how cities grow and change throughout history by the growing population of people living, working and shopping among each other.

Have you ever wondered how a penny or dime is made? Coins are made from metal in factories called mints. First, an artist draws a picture of the coin, next clay is used to make a mold made from plastic. Then a machine engraves and designs a piece of metal–these metal pieces will be used to make stamps called dies. In the United States, there are only four factories–can you guess where?

Popcorn is a yummy snack–how is popcorn cooked? From an un-popped kernel, heat boils the water that the kernel naturally has inside it. The water turns into steam after it builds up inside. Scientists used cameras to discover how corn popped! What’s inside the kernel to make an explosive change happen–turning a kernel of corn into a tasty buttery treat–popcorn?

Ada wants to win a prize one day for her inventions. She has many ideas. When it’s time to clean up her blocks, Ada has a great idea to make clean-up time easier. Ada thinks to use her father’s old socks to invent a way to stay on her two feet on an icy day! Ada’s ideas to recycle old things makes her a great inventor!

What does a light bulb require to burn bright? What happens when a light bulb burns out? Discover how filament, made of one of the heaviest metals, a mixture of two gases, a 60-watt light bulb, and electric currents make this bright idea more than just a bright light! The amazing science behind the light bulb awaits you!

Have you ever wondered how tall and long bridges are built? Learn about three different bridges and try the activities to learn about how strong bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge, are made.

In medicine, machines can be used to take detailed pictures of bones and even to save people’s lives. Listen to learn about the marvelous machines of modern medicine, like the defibrillator, the x-ray machine, and more!

If you’re looking for a great invention, look no further than your bathroom or kitchen! Did you know that the first flushing toilet was invented four thousand years ago? Or that a melted chocolate bar sparked the discovery of the microwave? Learn about these great inventions and more!

Auto racing is all about aerodynamics. Racecars use two different forces, lift and drag, to fly around the track. Find out how the cars use these forces, and then “fly” your own racecar with a fun experiment!

Gears are simple machines that can make up an even bigger machine, like a robot or a clock! Listen to learn about how gears make work easier.