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Science Projects

Science in Everyday Things

There's a lot of science at work in your daily life. Ever wonder how an aerosol can works or how light sticks work? Explore the science behind commonly used objects.

Can you power an iPod with an onion?

What if your trusty white earbuds fell silent one day, and your charger was nowhere to be found? Would rifling through the vegetable drawer restore the music?
Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator?

I live in California, where we are having a power crunch. I have a hypothetical question: Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator? What I mean is, could I sit on a bicycle and pedal fast enough to generate enough power to run my comput
How Aerosol Cans Work

They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping.
How Black Lights Work

Black lights look like normal lights, but they do something completely different. Switch one on, and fingernails, laundry detergent, highlighters, money and teeth will glow in the dark. Find out what why.
How Blowtorches Work

Blowtorches aren't just for welders and plumbers. These fire-breathing machines can cut metal and brown creme brulee.
How Corrective Lenses Work

Eyeglasses are one of the most common sights in the world. Learn what goes into creating the lenses and how to read an eyeglass prescription.
How does glow-in-the-dark stuff work?

You can find glow-in-the-dark item everywhere these days. Have you ever wondered how these items produce their light?
How Light Sticks Work

You see light sticks everywhere during the holidays – especially Halloween. Have you ever wondered why these cool light sources glow? What's happening when you crack one? Take a look inside a light stick.
How Photographic Film Works

Photographic film has been around for more than a century, and it's still the best way to capture an image. Discover what's going on when you take a picture.
How Sunglasses Work

Whether you're hitting the surf or the slopes or just spending a day on the lake, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. Find out if the $10 sunglasses are as good as the high-cost ones.
How Zippers Work

Better than buttons? Maybe. Less time-consuming than laces? Definitely. As far as fastening mechanisms go, the zipper is a work of art. Learn exactly what makes up a zipper and how it all fits together so perfectly.
How does dry ice work?

I saw your question on fog machines and dry ice and would like to know more -- how exactly does dry ice work?
What is silica gel and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy?

Many of the things I buy contain little packets of crystals. Some of them actually say "Silica Gel" on them, but many are unlabeled or say something like, "Do not eat." I have found these packets in electronics, vitamins...
Why does Alka Seltzer Fizz?

Yesterday you talked about hydrogen peroxide, and the day before you talked about Pop Rocks candy. Since we are talking about things that fizz, what about Alka Seltzer? How does it work and why does it fizz?

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HowStuffWorks Technology & Everyday Science Guide

Science Projects

Science in Everyday Things

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Scientific Process

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