Technologys Child

What is a space archaeologist? After decades of leaving behind old pieces of equipment orbiting in space, scientists want to clean it up. An archaeologist determines what is important to save for the history of human space exploration. Learn about new efforts to identify and even retrieve old space equipment! How should scientists determine what should be preserved or what is junk?

How are balloons able to float? Is it magic–or is it one of earth’s elements, like iron or oxygen experiencing an explosive charge? Helium is formed when unstable atoms collide. Helium is found underground with other gases, like methane, which is the main ingredient in natural gas used to heat our homes! Learn how helium was born, and how exploding stars helped create a gas lighter than air!

Imagine if the sunlight could not reach where you lived–the weather would be cold and slippery! The sun does not shine directly on the Arctic and Antarctica, causing the surrounding waters to freeze solid. The earth is tilted as it rotates around the sun, preventing the polar regions from getting enough sunlight. Can you guess how long it takes the earth to orbit the sun?

Your senses are an amazing part of the human body. They allow you to see, smell, hear, and taste things! Did you know you can trick them? Learn about the different optical illusions that will make your senses go wild!

How do scientists figure out about new animals and plants? They have to use evidence! Using scientific evidence, they can learn that monsters might not always be what they seem. See how scientists used science to identify and debunk some unknown "monsters."

How smart can humans really be? According to a panel of expert canines, we're awfully confusing! We ignore the fact that we have a big water bowl in the bathroom, and don't even re-eat our vomit! Follow along and see why our pets might think we're a little silly.

After a wizard, a witch, and a goblin all fail to transform a frog with their magic wands, two scientists need to explain the rules of reality. While you can't actually turn frogs into diamonds, there are plenty of magical things that science can do!

What would you give for a bucket of pee? You might be surprised—pee is full of useful stuff! It’s had a lot of uses throughout history. See how people have used urine for important aspects of life— including cleaning your clothes and brushing your teeth!

In ancient China, an alchemist mixed an exploding medicine and accidentally invented gunpowder. Learn about the development of gunpowder and other explosives, like nitroglycerin and dynamite, in this fun feature.

Have you ever wondered why the sun is so bright? We know today that the sun is a giant star that is millions of years old, but this is a relatively recent discovery! Learn about the different theories that scholars throughout history developed about the sun and why it burns so brightly.

What animal makes the best pet? A tiger? A grizzly bear? A T-Rex? A killer whale? Or a puppy? Learn why all but one of these animals make great pets and all the things you need to do to properly care for your special pet!

Have you ever wondered why you get grossed out by different things? Everyone has had that feeling in their stomach when they are grossed out. Sometimes it can give you a stomachache or it can even make you get sick! Both people and animals can get disgusted by a wide range of things. Do you know why you feel this way at times? Well, this story can help you learn how these feelings are a response that allows you to stay healthy and keep germs out of your body!

Did you know that humans are actually pretty slimy? Slide into the wonderful world of slippery, sticky slime! Learn about the important functions of slime, and how it is necessary for most living organisms. Slime helps with many important functions including eating, breathing, moving, and self-defense. Learn how many animals depend on slime—the number may surprise you!

Have you ever wondered what happens to your food when you drop it on the ground? Do you ever wonder why your toy doesn’t break when it falls to the ground? This story helps you learn about the different experiments that scientists have conducted over the last few decades to see what happens when something is dropped! From raindrops to pennies, this story answers any questions you might have about dropping things. You will finally be able to answer the question of whether the "5-second rule" really works!

Have you ever looked into the night sky and wished that you could walk on the Moon? Find about what it is like from the astronauts that were first to do it! Learn about how Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins traveled into space and created history in 1969, and what it was like to take those famous first steps that made “one giant leap for mankind."

Is magic real? Fairy tales are stories that teach us moral issues, often with the use of magic. But what would happen to those stories if they were set in the real world? See how science and technology can create the "magic" you see in your favorite fairy tales.

Jeff and his cousin Liz are waiting to see the solar eclipse! Together, they learn about why eclipses happen and why seeing one is special. Do you know why eclipses happen? Learn how the moon and sun interact with Earth in order to create this solar spectacular!

Artificial replacement joints have to be tough and extra smooth. That’s why doctors use replacement joints made with the same long-lasting and strong stuff as sapphires and rubies, a natural mineral called alumina. Learn more about why this gemstone is perfect for making new joints!

Have you ever looked at a skyscraper and wondered how it was built? Do you ever look up at a tall building and wonder how it does not fall down? This story helps you explore the changes that have led to the creation of skyscrapers! You will get to see the different materials that have been developed to allow for better stability. You will get to understand how things like iron, steel, and concrete have revolutionized the way buildings are built and designed. By the end of this story, you will have a new appreciation for the skyscrapers that are all over the world!

Can you imagine having to sit still for 30 minutes just to have your picture taken? Or having to send film away to be developed? Technology has come a long way since then! Listen to learn about photography inventions like flashbulbs, Kodak and Polaroid cameras, and more!