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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 193–216

Every topic

#193 Home systems How do backflow preventers protect water supplies? Change pipe pressures and watch valves prevent unwanted reverse flow. #194 Home systems How does an automatic garage door open? Explore the door's tracks, springs, cables, motor, and obstruction sensors. #195 Flight & transportation How does a gas pump stop when the tank is full? Follow fuel through pumping and metering, then explore the nozzle's shutoff mechanism. #196 Flight & transportation How does a manual wheelchair move and turn? Operate push rims independently and explore steering, caster wheels, and brakes. #197 Forces & mechanisms How do shopping-cart wheels swivel into position? Push a model cart and watch offset caster wheels follow changes in direction. #198 Buildings & city systems How do revolving doors help control airflow? Compare air movement through rotating compartments with an ordinary open doorway. #199 Buildings & city systems How do automatic fire sprinklers release water? Warm a model sprinkler's heat-sensitive element and watch that individual sprinkler open. #200 Everyday machines How does a steam cleaner work? Follow water through heating and delivery, then watch steam loosen simulated dirt. #201 Animals How do a cat's whiskers work? Explore how whiskers detect contact and nearby air movement around a virtual cat. #202 Animals How does panting help dogs cool down? Follow airflow and compare evaporation under different simulated conditions. #203 Animals How do pets learn commands and routines? Teach a virtual pet actions using clear cues and consistent positive rewards. #204 Animals How do cats extend and retract their claws? Operate the muscles and tendons inside a transparent paw. #205 Animals How does an aquarium stay clean and healthy? Balance feeding, filtration, oxygen, and helpful bacteria in a virtual aquarium. #206 Animals How do dogs communicate without words? Compare posture, expressions, sounds, and context to explore different signals. #207 Animals How do mosquitoes develop and find food? Follow their life cycle and compare how adult females and males obtain food. #208 Animals How can flies transfer germs between surfaces? Track harmless markers on virtual fly feet as they contact different surfaces. #209 Animals How do fleas live on pets and around homes? Follow eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults through a model home. #210 Animals How do ants follow scent trails? Lay scent trails, introduce obstacles, and watch ants find routes to food. #211 Animals How do honeybees share the location of food? Decode a simplified waggle dance and guide bees toward the matching flower patch. #212 Animals How do paper wasps build nests? Follow wood fibers through chewing and shaping into a nest's paper cells. #213 Animals How do birds build nests? Compare designs and arrange virtual materials that support model eggs. #214 Animals How does a chick grow and hatch inside an egg? Use a transparent egg and time slider to explore development and hatching. #215 Animals How do ducks keep their feathers water-resistant? Inspect feather structure, animate preening, and compare water on different surfaces. #216 Animals How do squirrels store and find food? Hide virtual nuts and explore how changing landmarks affect finding them again.

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