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PlayOwl

Explore · Wonder · Discover

How Things Work

Ever wondered how airplanes fly, why popcorn pops or how your heart pumps? Pick a question, then watch it, look inside, try it, solve a challenge and go deeper. Every topic changes for Preschool, Elementary and Middle school.

  1. 1Watch it
  2. 2Look inside
  3. 3Try it
  4. 4Solve a challenge
  5. 5Go deeper

500 topics to explore · showing 169–192

Every topic

#169 Tools & workshop How do clamps hold pieces tightly together? Tighten a clamp and trace how its mechanism maintains squeezing force. #170 Tools & workshop How does a hammer drive a nail? Change hammer mass and speed and compare the impact on a model nail. #171 Tools & workshop How does a rivet fasten sheets together? Set a virtual rivet and watch its end deform to grip the sheets. #172 Tools & workshop How do wire strippers remove insulation? Match virtual wire sizes to openings and separate insulation without cutting the conductor. #173 Measuring & instruments How does a spirit level show whether something is level? Tilt a model shelf and watch the bubble move within its curved vial. #174 Measuring & instruments How does a plumb bob show a vertical line? Hang a virtual weight beside walls and compare their alignment with the string. #175 Measuring & instruments How does a retractable tape measure work? Inspect the spring, spool, hook, and locking mechanism inside a transparent case. #176 Measuring & instruments How does a micrometer measure tiny differences? Turn a precision screw and connect its movement to readings on the scale. #177 Measuring & instruments How do balance scales compare masses? Add known masses to two pans and find combinations that balance the beam. #178 Forces & mechanisms How does a hand pump raise water? Move a handle and follow water through a cylinder and one-way valves. #179 Forces & mechanisms How does a siphon move water between containers? Connect virtual containers and investigate how differences in water level drive flow. #180 Measuring & instruments How does an hourglass measure time? Change opening size and sand quantity and compare the time needed to empty. #181 Tools & workshop How does an air compressor store compressed air? Watch a piston draw in air and push it into a storage tank. #182 Measuring & instruments How does a mechanical pressure gauge work? Change pressure and watch a flexible sensing element move the dial's pointer. #183 Home systems How does a furnace heat a home? Follow air through heating, filtration, ducts, and vents while adjusting a thermostat. #184 Home systems How does a heat pump warm a home? Reverse a model refrigeration cycle and follow heat moving indoors. #185 Home systems How do boilers and radiators heat rooms? Follow heated water through pipes and radiators and back for reheating. #186 Home systems How does a water heater supply hot water? Compare tank and tankless designs while following water from inlet to tap. #187 Home systems How do ventilation systems replace stale air? Guide fresh and outgoing air through fans, filters, and a heat-recovery system. #188 Home systems How do air purifiers remove particles? Follow air through filters and compare capture of differently sized particles. #189 Home systems How does a dehumidifier remove moisture? Watch water condense as moist air passes over a cold coil. #190 Home systems How does a humidifier add moisture? Compare evaporative and ultrasonic designs and follow water into the surrounding air. #191 Home systems How does a sump pump keep a basement dry? Raise water in a model sump and watch a float activate the pump. #192 Home systems How does a kitchen garbage disposal work? Observe impellers pushing suitable food scraps against a grinding ring beneath a sink.

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