Travel back in time and into the not-so-distant future to dissect, explore, and discover how all kinds of things do what they do! Along the way, you'll learn why cotton candy is so fluffy, how scientists built a space suit for Mars, and what goes into animating your favorite cartoons.Look inside, take it apart, turn it over, and figure out how things work! Quippy descriptions, full-color diagrams, and brilliant photographs make even the most intimidating subjects completely accessible--and totally fun! (We're looking at you, space robots.) For every explanation, we touch on basic principles and then dive deeper. Just want to know what terraforming is? We've got you covered. Want to know how to terraform, say, Mars? We'll explain that, too.But this book isn't just for explaining things. We'll also introduce you to the dreamers, scientists, and innovators who create this amazing stuff. You'll meet a NASA engineer, an underwater archaeologist, and a chocolate scientist. You'll learn what it's like to fly a plane into the eye of a hurricane--on purpose.Following on the success of National Geographic's How Things Work and How Things Work: Inside Out, How Things Work: Then and Now tackles a whole new batch of extraordinary and everyday things--from man-made to natural, historic to futuristic.

iRobot is packed with fascinating information about these marvellous machines - how they work, how they are used and what the future holds.

Over 20 exciting 3D printing projects for kids to design and print their own toys, gadgets, models, and ornaments. Using freely available 3D modelling software and without the need for your own 3D printer, 3D Printing Projects has inspiration and instructions for a wide range of thrilling projects, from simple models you can print and assemble at home to more elaborate builds you can design on screen and then order online. Taking children 9 years old+ through how a 3D printer works and what type of 3D printers there are to 3D scanning and preparing files, this is the perfect introduction to this exciting and ever-expanding technology. Each projects consists of numbered steps that walk you through the 3D design process, from digital modelling and sculpting to slicing, printing, and painting so that children can make their own shark-shaped phone stand or a monster chess set!

This DK children's book aged 11-14 is brimming with exciting, educational activities and projects that focus on electronics and technology. Keep your siblings out of your room with a brilliant bedroom alarm, power a propellor motorboat, make a stereo from pipes, build your own AM radio, and construct a night light by following step-by-step instructions and using affordable equipment. Inventor Lab will engage budding scientists and engineers as they experiment, invent, trial, and test technology, electronics, and mechanics at home. Simple steps with clear photographs take readers through the stages of each low-cost project, with fact-filled "How it works" panels to explain the science behind each one, and to fascinate them with real-world examples. With an increasing focus across school curricula on encouraging children to enjoy and explore STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths), Inventor Lab is the perfect companion for any inquisitive child with an interest in how the worlds of science experiments and technology work, and why.

From mechanical automata to modern-day androids and animal robots, this children's book for ages 9-11 covers artificial intelligence (AI) throughout history. Robotics is experiencing an explosion - with more than 45 million robots estimated to be in operation by 2019. Robotics and AI will increasingly become a part of daily life: from drones used in battle to robot helpers taking care of hospital patients, and from service robots packing food to rescue robots finding people after a disaster. Robot explains how robots work, how they are made, and shows what the cutting-edge of science, technology, mechanical engineering, and computing looks like. This kids' robot book showcases more than 100 robots, representing the latest and greatest innovations in AI through bright graphics and stunning photography. Tech panels present fascinating facts about each robot's design, production, and capability. The final chapter covers the future of robotics, and how kids of the not-too-distant future may have their very own android friends.

Discover high-tech gadgets, design robots and machines, and solve all sorts of technological puzzles in this innovative activity book filled with inventions to brainstorm, puzzles to solve and objects to design. Includes downloadable templates and links to inspiring websites about technology today.