Technologys Child

You know the Super Soaker. It's one of the top 20 toys of all time. And it was an accidental discovery that brought it into being. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love of rockets, robots, and inventions and a mind for creativity were present in Lonnie Johnson's early life.

Sarah E. Goode was one of the first African American women to get a United States patent. Working in her husband's furniture store, she recognized the need for a multi-use bed, and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery - a life where her sweet dreams could come true.

Have you ever wondered how bridges don’t fall down or how really old buildings stay standing up? Basic principles of architecture and engineering, including an introduction to bridges, locks, arches, columns, and skyscrapers, are explored in this newest engaging addition to the How Do series.

Do you know how the lightbulb was invented? In the 1800s, the first incandescent lightbulb was invented by Thomas Edison. Learn how Edison experimented with different materials, direct current, and by trial and error to design the first lightbulb. Which power company was created that funded the first electric lighting system to distribute light? The company still operates today, lighting and powering our world!

Do you know that astronauts are not the only living beings who can travel through space? Our human microbes do as well! When human astronauts go into space and return, they bring the microbes inside their bodies with them! Learn what these organisms teach scientists and how they can affect the human body both in space and on Earth.

Have you ever wondered how your body grows? Learn about how your cells and DNA help your bones and body grow into a healthy adult. See how our bodies grow the way that they do and how they know when to stop!

Tiny creatures called microbes live in, and on your body that can be helpful. But some are bad like bacteria and viruses–in fact, they can make you sick! Your body needs medicine called antibiotics to fight and kill these germs so you can feel better. You must get a different medicine called a vaccine to keep from catching a virus.

See how the science of physics is utilized not only in the kitchen, but also around the house on a daily basis. Simple machines are everywhere! From brooms and rolling pins to lightbulbs and window blinds, basic everyday kitchen items transform into scientific concepts such as screws, levers, ramps, and wedges!

When on land, rivers, lakes, and oceans appear flat. With the aid of satellites, these bodies of water appear to have many designs! Explore the art of nature and how satellites detect the temperature of the many bodies of water around the globe.

How did forgetting to wash a jar make cars safer? A scientist named Édouard Bénédictus accidentally dropped a plastic-coated flask that did not break. This invention was tested and engineered to help today's windshields protect drivers better.

People have always liked to know what's going on in the outside world. Today we can instantly access the news through the Internet. But how did people get the news before cell phones and TV? From ancient Rome to newspapers and telegraph machines, this story takes a brief look at how people have gotten the news throughout history.

Every visitor of Yosemite National Park in California should say "thank you" to one man: John Muir.

Galileo used his telescope to discover new and marvelous mysteries in the night sky!

Why would Geoffrey Pyke propose a strange idea like building an aircraft carrier from a mixture of ice and wood pulp?

Militaries use robots and drones in the air, on the ground, and underwater all around the world. Drones spy on targets and robots disable bombs to get the job done!

Do you like to be on the move? These hands-on, not-so-ordinary science projects are for you! Build speedy motorboats and buzzing bots. Take off with zooming, high-flying rockets. Then, learn the science behind each amazingly mobile creation! Simple step-by-step instructions make it easy to start experimenting and discover just how fun STEM can be.

A bowling ball is heavy. A feather is light. Why are some items heavy and others light? Find out in this series about materials and their properties. Informative, at-level text helps listeners understand the differences between heavy and light materials.

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.

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.

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.