Explore inventions, engineering, computing and the tools people build to solve problems. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
A plumb bob is a heavy weight. It hangs from a long string. It helps us find a straight line. This helps people build tall walls. It has been used for a long time. Can you find a straight line?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA plumber helps us at home. They fix the pipes in walls. They make sure clean water flows. They also help with dirty water. This work keeps us safe and clean. Do you like to help fix things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA plunger is a helpful tool. It helps clear a clogged drain. You push it down on a sink. Then you pull it up. This moves the clog out. It helps keep our pipes clean. Have you seen one before?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAir can push things to make them move. It can move big trains. It can even help a dentist. It is a safe way to work. We use it every day. Do you see air moving things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA PNG is a way to save pictures. It helps pictures look good on the web. It can even show clear parts. This is great for you to see. Do you like looking at pictures online?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA pocketknife is a small tool. It has a blade. The blade folds into the handle. This makes it easy to carry. You can use it to cut fruit. It is very handy! Do you like tools?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA pocket watch tells the time. It fits in your pocket. You can carry it on a chain. It helps you not drop it. It is a neat tool. Do you like watches?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA pointer is like a sign. It points to a spot in a computer. It tells the computer where to look. This helps the computer work fast. It is a very smart tool. Do you like to follow signs?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA mouse helps you use a computer. You move it on a desk. It moves a little arrow on the screen. This helps you click on things. It is fun to use! Do you like to use a mouse?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA polearm is a long tool. It has a long wood stick. A sharp part is at the end. It helps you reach far away. People used them for a long time. Can you find the long stick?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLong ago, Greeks made a big tool. It could throw many things. It did not need help to load. It worked all by itself. This was a very smart idea. Can you imagine a machine that throws fast?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people use a machine to find out if you tell the truth. It looks at how your body works. It checks your breath and your heart. It can be wrong. It might think you are lying when you are just nervous. Do you…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMany things are made of special stuff. This stuff can be soft like rubber. It can be hard like plastic. Some of it can even be used in planes. It helps make our world work. Do you see this stuff at home?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleComputers can do many things. A rule can work in different ways. It can work for numbers. It can work for words. This helps the computer stay smart. It is a neat trick! Can you think of a rule like that?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a big bridge. It goes over a river. It has gold statues on it. You can see it in a city called Paris. It is very pretty to look at. Do you like big bridges?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a big stone bridge. It is in France. It used to carry water to a city. The water went to homes and baths. It is very old and strong. Do you like big bridges?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very old bridge. It goes over a river. It is in a city called Paris. Many people walk on it. It is a special place to see. Do you like big bridges?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA floating bridge sits on water. It uses boats to stay up. These boats hold a road on top. People and cars can cross. It helps us get to the other side. Do you like to cross water?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePony Ma is a man who builds tools. He helps people talk on computers. He started a big company. Now, many people use his apps. It helps us stay close. Do you like to chat online?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleYou can carry music with you. These small tools hold songs. They can hold pictures too. They help you listen anywhere. It is like a tiny music box. Do you like to listen to music?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA portable toilet can move. It does not need pipes. You can take it camping. It helps when there are no bathrooms. It is a very handy tool. Have you seen one at a fair?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBusinesses use a plan to win. This plan looks at five things. It helps them make money. It shows how they compete. It helps them stay strong. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a grey powder. It is used to build things. It is mixed with water. Then it turns hard like stone. It helps make big buildings. Do you see buildings near you?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA big port sits by the sea. It is in Florida. Many big ships go there. Some ships carry people on trips. Other ships carry things we need. It helps many people work. Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThe port is by the sea. Many big ships stay here. Some ships carry lots of things. Some ships take people on trips. You can see fish at the aquarium there. It is a busy place. Do you like big boats?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBusan is a very big port. It is in South Korea. Big ships bring things there. These ships carry food and cars. It helps many people work. It is a busy place! Have you seen a big ship?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBig ships come to a place called Hamburg. They sit on a wide river. These ships carry lots of things. The river helps the ships move. This place helps the whole world trade. It is a very busy place. Do you like big…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very big port. It sits by the sea. Big ships come here to stay. It helps move things to many places. We see many goods move here. It is a busy place. Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA big port is by the sea. It brings things to us. Large ships carry toys and clothes. They bring them from far away. This helps us get what we need. Do you like new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBig ships come to this place. They bring many things to us. They use deep water to move. This helps our cities grow. It is a very busy spot. Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very big port. It is by the sea. Many big ships go there. They carry things to many lands. It helps people all over. It is a busy place. Can you see the ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA big port is in the Netherlands. It is by the sea. Many big ships come here. They bring things for us to use. It is a busy place! Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThe Port of Shanghai is very big. It is a busy place for ships. It sits by the sea and rivers. Many things travel through it. This helps people get what they need. It is a very busy port. Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBig ships visit Singapore. They bring many things. They bring food and oil. This helps the people there. It is a busy place. Do you like big ships?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThe Port of Yokohama is by the sea. Many big ships go there. They bring things like fruit. They also bring food. This helps people all over. It is a busy place. Have you seen a big ship?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleComputers use rules to work. These rules help them talk. They help different computers play together. This makes it easy to use tools. It helps us do work. Do you like computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople study old mail. They look at old letters. They look at how mail moves. Mail can travel on ships. Mail can travel on planes. It can even travel on rockets! This helps us learn about the past. Do you like old…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA postcard is thick paper. You can write on it. You do not need an envelope. It is a fast way to talk. It helps us stay close. Do you like to send mail?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleYou can turn a knob to change things. It helps you change the sound. It can make a fan go fast. It works with electricity. It is very helpful. Do you like to turn knobs?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleDry powder can coat things. It is not like wet paint. It is a fine dust. Heat makes it stick. It makes things tough. This helps your bike stay strong. Do you like bright colors?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA powder keg is a barrel. It holds black powder. People had to be very careful. Heat could make it go boom. These barrels were used long ago. Do you like old things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePower cables carry energy. They help turn on lights. They help power your computer. These cords stay safe inside a skin. This skin keeps the energy inside. Do you see any cords at your house?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople study how power moves. It travels on long lines. This helps us get light. It helps us use tools. We must keep it moving well. Do you use power at home?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA power hammer hits metal. It uses power to strike. This helps shape things. It makes tools for us. It is very strong. Do you like big machines?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome tools change power. They take power from a battery. Then they make it ready for your home. This helps us use tools anywhere. It is very helpful! Do you use batteries at home?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA power loom makes cloth. It uses machines to weave. It works much faster than hands. This helps make lots of clothes. It is a very big tool. Do you like wearing cloth?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePower lines carry electricity to your home. Sometimes, a problem happens on the line. Special tools find the problem fast. They turn off the power to keep things safe. This helps the lights stay on for others. Do you…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleWe can turn extra power into new things. It can make heat for your home. It can make fuel for cars. This helps us use all our clean energy. It is a smart way to help the Earth. Do you like to save energy?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article