Children’s / Teenage general interest: Machines and how things work

Computers cannot understand human languages such as English.

Which works better to haul a pumpkin-a lever or wheels and axles?

Which makes it easier to lift a large toy-a wedge or wheels and axles?

Is it easier to move ice with a lever or a screw?

Is it easier to lift a bag full of toys with an inclined plane or a pulley?

These kids are playing a game, trying to move a person with a simple machine.

Is it easier to move heavy box with an inclined plane or wheels and axles?

How do sugar beets from the farm become the sugar in your favorite treat?

How do strawberries become tasty jam?

How does the salt in the sea become the salt you use at the dinner table?

How does a pumpkin seed turn into a tasty pie?

How does the milk from a goat become tasty cheese?

How do onion-shaped tulip bulbs become the beautiful blooms in your garden?

How does steel become a shiny new bicycle?

How does a sheet of plastic become a soccer ball?

How does a piece of wood become a brand-new baseball bat?

How does a sheet of leather become a football?

How does a roll of leather become a pair of basketball shoes?

Did you know that the same wind that messes up your hair can be used to create energy?

Did you know that the sunlight that warms your skin on a sunny day can be used to produce energy?

Did you know that tiny atoms that make up all matter hold huge amounts of energy?

Did you know people can turn the energy in rushing water into electricity?

Did you know people can dig underground and use Earth's heat to make energy?

Did you know that most of the energy we use comes from coal, oil, and natural gas?

Did you know that tractor-pulling vehicles can have as many as six engines in one tractor?

Did you know that some drivers go over boulders instead of around them?

Have you seen a rally car race before?

Do you like fast trucks and loud engines?

Do you know what it's like to drive a truck that is as big as an elephant?

Have you ever seen a car crash?

Heating, melting, and cutting string for a wick are all part of making a candle.

How does wax turn into a colorful crayon?

How does a tree turn into a comic book or a magazine?

How does sheep's wool turn into cozy clothing?

How does oil turn into fuel for cars and trucks?

How does iron turn into a brand-new car?

How does cotton turn into a soft T-shirt?

Space vehicles are out of this world!

Parachutes can be used for emergency landings.

Jets are sleek and powerful.

Hot air balloons are huge and colorful.

Helicopters can take off from almost anywhere and change directions quickly.

Would you want to swoop through the air like a bird?

This accessible text introduces kids to barns, doors, tables, and other things made of wood.

Beginning readers will identify common objects made of paper, including greeting cards, posters, and books.

Appealing photos and simple text highlight items made of cloth, such as hats, flags, rag dolls and more.

How does wheat turn into bread?

How does a peanut turn into peanut butter?

How does milk turn into frosty ice cream?

How do trees make sweet maple syrup?