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Publisher: Howstuffworks, Inc. How Air Force One Works 
 This site explains the intricacies of Air Force One, technically, the "radio call name for any U.S. Air Force plane carrying the president of the United States" and generally Boeing 747-200B jets. Covers the history, amenities, and workings of the "flying White House." Call signs for other branches of the armed forces are "Army One" (Army aircraft) and "Marine One" (helicopter). http://www.howstuffworks.com/air-force-one.htm Topics: Military, The United States Presidency, Transportation Last updated Nov 18, 2008 How MRI Works
This site provides a basic explanation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with information about magnetic intensity, magnets, atoms, radio frequency (RF), visualization, and related topics. Also covers the advantages and disadvantages of MRI. From HowStuffWorks. http://www.howstuffworks.com/mri.htm Topics: Health, Health, Science, Science Last updated Oct 6, 2003 ConsumerGuide
Provides ratings, reviews, and pricing for new and used motor vehicles, electronics, appliances, computer hardware and software, office equipment, housewares, and more. From HowStuffWorks. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Magazines Last updated Sep 8, 2009 How Chess Computers Work
This site illustrates how a computer program plays chess and diagrams how it calculates all possible moves using a formula called the minimax algorithm and a technique called alpha beta pruning. Information is also available on "Man vs. Machine" contests, IBM's Deep Blue, Deep Junior, international chess champion Garry Kasparov, and more. http://www.howstuffworks.com/chess.htm Topics: Games & Puzzles Last updated Feb 3, 2003 How Wildfires Work
"An average of 5 million acres burns every year in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage." This site discusses how wildfires start, burn, and die, with information on common causes of wildfires, impact of topography, and fighting wildfires. Includes links to additional resources. From HowStuffWorks. http://science.howstuffworks.com/wildfire.htm Topics: Environment, Outdoor Recreation, Science Last updated Nov 17, 2003 How Stuff Works
Explains simply, with excellent diagrams or pictures, how many common appliances, machines, and technologies work. Also covers health, animals, and the home. A small sample of topics covered includes: smoke detectors, remote controls, UPC bar codes, bread, digital clocks or watches, compasses, microwave ovens, fuel cells, hybrid cars, Boolean logic, lock picking, and more. Many have links to Web sites or related articles for further reading. Some of these articles might be useful for background for science projects. http://www.howstuffworks.com/ Topics: Business, Science, Technology Last updated Jun 11, 2005 Technology of War
(Note: may generate annoying pop-ups.) A collection of articles on the weapons and defenses of modern combat. The site provides introductory information about bombs, missiles, explosives, airplanes, protective gear, and more. Includes explanations of defense devices on the ground, in the air, and at sea. From HowStuffWorks. http://www.howstuffworks.com/war-tech.htm Topics: Weapons Last updated Apr 9, 2003 How Hypnosis Works
This site describes the history and uses of hypnosis (such as habit-control related to smoking) and debunks misconceptions. Includes links to related sites. From How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/hypnosis.htm Topics: Social Science Last updated Aug 24, 2008 How Sourdough Bread Works
This site describes the process by which bread is leavened with sourdough starter rather than store-bought yeast. The site explains that to create sourdough starter the baker "captures wild yeast [fungi] that floats in the air to create starter from scratch." It also tells you how to make your own traditional starter, and provides a basic recipe for sourdough bread. From How Stuff Works. http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/sourdough.htm Topics: Snacks and Baked Goods Last updated Nov 3, 2007 How MySpace Works
This introduction to the prominent social networking site Myspace describes what it "really is, what it can do for you, [and] how it blew past the competition." Discusses how the idea of social networking is applied online ("It's the simple act of expanding the number of people you know by meeting your friends' friends, their friends' friends and their friends' friends' friends."). Also addresses safety issues. From How Stuff Works. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/networks/myspace.htm Topics: Internet Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Dry Cleaning Works
Introduction to this fabric-cleaning process. "The cleaning fluid that is used is a liquid, and all garments are immersed and cleaned in a liquid solvent -- the fact that there is no water is why the process is called 'dry.'" Includes a history of the process (that first used gasoline and kerosene and now often uses perchlorethylene), and a description of the procedure. From How Stuff Works. http://home.howstuffworks.com/dry-cleaning.htm Topics: Home & Housing Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Quicksand Works
Details about quicksand, which is "just ordinary sand that has been so saturated with water that the friction between sand particles is reduced. The resulting sand ... can no longer support any weight. If you step into quicksand, it won't suck you down. However, your movements will cause you to dig yourself deeper into it." Includes material about how quicksand forms and how you can escape from it. From How Stuff Works. http://www.howstuffworks.com/quicksand.htm Topics: Geology, Public Health & Safety Last updated Jul 10, 2006 How Space Tourism Works
This site introduces the space tourism industry, citing its first tourist adventurers, along with the training and costs involved. It includes summaries of several commercial space travel projects and ideas, including space stations for corporate communities and a national contest to develop reusable launch vehicles for transporting the public into space. From How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/space-tourism.htm Topics: Technology Last updated Mar 25, 2007 How Black Boxes Work
Background about how an airplane's "flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), also known as 'black boxes,'" are used by investigators to determine the cause of airplane accidents. Topics include data recording and storage technologies, how these "crash-survivable memory units (CSMUs)" are "engineered to withstand extreme heat, violent crashes and tons of pressure," and how information is retrieved from the black boxes. From How Stuff Works. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/black-box.htm Topics: Transportation Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Moonshine Works
Describes moonshine, "any kind of alcohol, usually whisky or rum, that is made in secret to avoid high taxes or outright bans on alcoholic drinks." Topics include typical ingredients and how it is made, history of moonshine and moonshiners (people who make the alcohol) and bootleggers (smugglers of moonshine), and more. From How Stuff Works. http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/moonshine.htm Topics: Beverages Last updated Nov 3, 2007 How Gyroscopes Work
This site describes functioning and applications of the gyroscope, a spinning wheel on an axle. Gyroscopes are used for measuring or maintaining orientation and are "extremely important in everything from your bicycle to the advanced navigation system on the space shuttle. A typical airplane uses about a dozen gyroscopes in everything from its compass to its autopilot." Topics include causes of precision and uses of gyroscopes. From How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/gyroscope.htm Topics: Technology Last updated Nov 29, 2006 How Internet Search Engines Work
Describes how search engines find information, using software called robots (spiders) to gather words and notes and build an index. Discusses meta tags, ranking, and how an index may be built. Includes diagrams. From How Stuff Works. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/search-engine.htm Topics: Internet Guides & Search Tools Last updated Jan 8, 2007 Desktop Publishing Software Reviews and Prices
"Desktop publishing is a multifaceted process that involves sizing and editing photos and graphics, composing page layouts and manipulating different styles of text. The software that helps you accomplish these tasks may be purchased either separately or as a suite. Get the features that are right for you by comparing the desktop publishing software reviewed" on this site. A consumer buying guide from How Stuff Works. http://products.howstuffworks.com/desktop-publishing-software-reviews.htm Topics: Web Design and Management Last updated Jan 16, 2007 How Black Lights Work
Background about "why black lights make some objects glow but not others, and ... some interesting black light applications." Discusses the visible light spectrum and how black lights emit ultraviolet light, which cause phosphors (such as those on black light posters or in white clothing that has been washed with modern detergents that contain phosphors) to emit visible light. Applications include hand stamps and identifying counterfeit money. From How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/black-light.htm Topics: Technology Last updated Apr 11, 2007 How Bounty Hunting Works
This feature describes the job of bounty hunters (or bail enforcement agents), who are sometimes hired by bail bondsmen to track down people who have left town and missed their court appearance. Discusses the legality of bounty hunting, typical bounty hunting activities, and history. Includes links to related articles. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/bounty-hunting.htm Topics: Crime Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Bridges Work
This site describes the engineering of bridges in general and looks at the beam, arch, and suspension bridge, illustrating different types of bridges, factors such as "how each bridge type deals with two important forces, compression and tension," and related details. Includes links to other engineering articles. From HowStuffWorks. http://science.howstuffworks.com/bridge.htm Topics: Transportation Last updated Aug 8, 2007 How Halloween Works
Background about where Halloween customs and traditions come from. Topics include Celtic roots (Samhain) and Christian roots (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day), trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lanterns, bobbing for apples, and costumes. Also includes links to related material on how to carve a pumpkin, how to throw a Halloween party, how light sticks work, and more. From HowStuffWorks. http://home.howstuffworks.com/holidays/halloween.htm Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Oct 16, 2009 How Olympic Torches Work
Background about the Olympic torch and the torch run that ends in the Olympic arena and symbolizes the beginning of the Olympic Games. Covers history, design, science behind the flame, torch construction, the lighting of the torch, the relay, and related topics. From How Stuff Works. http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/olympic-torch.htm Topics: The Olympic Games Last updated Oct 29, 2007 How Ninja Work
"Secretive and silent, the ninja stalks through Japanese history like a shadow. ... Today, the ninja has become a legendary, cult-like figure, showing up in computer games and children's cartoons." This site considers facts and fiction about ninja and examines "the weapons and skills that made ninja some of the most fearsome assassins in the world." Other topics include the first ninja, supernatural ninja, and the modern ninja craze. From How Stuff Works. http://people.howstuffworks.com/ninja.htm Topics: History By Place Last updated Nov 20, 2007 How Do Caucuses Work?
This essay explains how caucuses work, and outlines the differences between presidential primaries and caucuses, which are both "a means for each political party to let voters nationwide select their party's presidential nominee." The Iowa caucus (the first of the presidential election year) is used as an example. Includes links to further information about the U.S. presidential election system. From HowStuffWorks. http://people.howstuffworks.com/question721.htm Topics: U.S. Elections Last updated Jan 2, 2008 How ATMs Work
Background about the workings of automatic teller machines (ATMs): "You put your bank card in, you take your bank card out. Wait for the beep and wave your dollars all about. Seems so easy a kid could do it -- but the technology inside is pretty cool." Discusses machine parts, how ATMs sense bills, ATM security, and related technology. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/banking/atm.htm Topics: Money Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Time Works
Brief answers to questions such as "why, for example, there are 12 months in a year? Why are there 30 days in September? Why are there time zones and what's with daylight-saving time? Why are there 86,400 seconds in a day?" Also includes discussions of time's origins, clocks, and B.C. and A.D. From How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/time.htm Topics: Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Aug 24, 2008 How to Play Bingo
Background about bingo. Covers topics such as history, prizes, equipment, rules, playing tips, strategies, odds, superstitions, how to play online bingo, sampling of places to play bingo, electronic bingo, and bingo websites. From HowStuffWorks. http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/how-to-play-bingo.htm Topics: Games & Puzzles Last updated Apr 22, 2008 How Lame Is a Lame-Duck President?
Material about the "incumbent president who's reached the end of his term." On this site, "read about some of the hits (and misses) some lame duck presidents have made in the final days of their terms in this article. But first, read about the Lame Duck Amendment [20th Amendment] to the Constitution," which shortened the lame duck period. Includes links to related material. From HowStuffWorks. http://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/lame-duck-president.htm Topics: The United States Presidency Last updated Nov 19, 2008 How Pawnshops Work
This feature provides an explanation of the workings of pawnshops, which lend small amounts of money in exchange for collateral, and buy and sell used merchandise. It includes an example of a pawnshop transaction, an example of how a pawnshop is regulated in one state, details about paperwork and interest rates, description of what types of bargains might be found in a pawnshop, and related material. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/pawnshop.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Money Last updated Dec 2, 2008 How Computer Viruses Work
Introduction to the operation of the computer virus, "a small piece of software that piggybacks on real programs," and the worm, "a small piece of software that uses computer networks and security holes to replicate itself." Topics include virus origins, virus history, virus evolution, email viruses, worms, and how to protect your computer from viruses. Includes links to related material on subjects such as computer firewalls and 10 worst viruses. From HowStuffWorks. http://www.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm Topics: Computers Last updated Jan 29, 2009 How Laughter Works
This article considers laughter: "what it is, what happens in our brains when we laugh, what makes us laugh and how it can make us healthier and happier. You'll also learn that there's a tremendous amount that no one understands yet." Topics include the brain's limbic system ("a network of structures located beneath the cerebral cortex"), and the three traditional theories about what we find humorous (incongruity, superiority, and relief). From HowStuffWorks. http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-nature/emotions/other/laughter.htm Topics: Social Science, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Stem Cells Work
This article provides brief background about stem cells, pluripotent cells that can develop into every cell, and related matters. Topics include how stem cells operate, acquiring embryonic stem cells for research, replicating stem cells in a lab, research challenges, using stem cells to treat diseases, and controversy over research. From HowStuffWorks. http://science.howstuffworks.com/cellular-microscopic-biology/stem-cell.htm Topics: Science Last updated Mar 9, 2009 How Swiss Bank Accounts Work
This article aims to dispel myths propagated in popular culture (such as James Bond movies and "The Da Vinci Code") about the operation of Swiss bank accounts. "People who live in countries with unstable governments and banks in particular often turn to Swiss banks because of their security and privacy." Topics include private versus retail banking, Swiss bank account advantages, history, regulations, numbered accounts, and opening an account. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/banking/swiss-bank-account.htm Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Finance Last updated Mar 16, 2009 |
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