Showing titles in How Things Work

A bioengineer at Tel Aviv University in Israel explains how to extract renewable energy from a potato.

Go-karts are fun and fast. These small vehicles can be made even stronger and faster and listeners will love finding out how!

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!

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!

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, 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, 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, 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Motor Mille elsker store, hurtige og vilde maskiner så meget, at hun har lavet en række programmer om det på DR Ramasjang. Hun har sejlet, ræset og fløjet i dem alle og fortæller historierne om, hvordan det gik. Man får også at vide, hvor hurtige og tunge maskinerne er, så man kan fortælle det, hvis man skulle støde på en af dem ude i virkeligheden.

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 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!

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?

Bridges are engineering marvels! It takes a civil engineer, chief engineer, structural engineer and environmental engineer to build a bridge. There are different kinds that each require a special construction process to build. Learn how different bridges such as beam, suspension and arch bridge types are designed and built, as well as the construction workers needed at specific stages.

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.