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.
4,107 public articles · Page 66 of 86
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A quadrant is a tool. It helps us look at the sky. It can find the sun. It can find stars. This tool helps people find their way. It can even tell the time. Do you like looking at stars?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleQualcomm is a big company. They make parts for phones. These parts help us talk. They help us use the web. It is very cool. Do you like using phones?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleNew computers are being made. They use tiny bits of math. These bits can be two things at once. This helps them work very fast. It is a big mystery. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA special stone helps clocks work. It makes a tiny beat. This beat keeps time very well. It helps us know the hour. It is a neat way to tell time. Do you have a clock?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA qubit is a tiny bit of info. It helps new computers work. Normal bits are only one way. A qubit can be two ways at once. This is very special! Can you imagine that?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA queue is like a line. People wait in a line for things. First come, first served. This helps computers stay organized. It works just like you in line. Can you wait your turn?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleComputers use a fast way to sort. It puts things in order. It picks one thing to help. It puts small things on one side. It puts big things on the other. This helps us find things fast. Do you like to sort your toys?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA quill is a pen made from a bird feather. It is long and hollow. People dip it into ink to write. This helps us make words on paper. It is a very old way to write. Do you want to try writing with one?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA quiver holds arrows. You can wear it on a belt. Some stay on the ground. They can be made of wood or skin. It helps you keep your tools safe. Do you like to hunt?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMost keys on a keyboard follow a pattern. It is called QWERTY. This pattern helps us type fast. It was made for old machines. We use it on computers today. Do you like to type?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRachel Maddow is a news host. She talks on TV. She tells people what is happening. She works hard to help us learn. She is very good at her job. Do you watch the news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA round gear and a straight gear work together. When the round gear turns, the straight gear moves. This helps cars turn their wheels. It can also help trains go up hills. It is a clever way to move things. Can you…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a star engine. It looks like a big wheel. The parts stick out like spokes. It helps planes fly high. It is very strong. Do you like planes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleYou can drive a tiny car. It uses a radio to move. You hold a remote to steer it. Some cars use batteries. Some cars use fuel. These cars can go very fast. Do you want to race one?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome people work with radio waves. They help make signals move. These signals go to your phone. They also go to your radio. This helps us talk to friends. It is very cool! Do you use a phone?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSmall tags help us find things. They use radio waves to talk. A reader can find them easily. This helps in shops and stores. It can even help pets! It is very cool. Can you find a tag?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRadio sends sounds to many places. It can send news to your home. It helps police talk to each other. This helps people stay safe. We use it every day. Do you like to listen to the radio?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleYou can listen to radio shows. They play music and news. Some shows happen every week. You can hear them in your car. It is fun to listen. Do you like music?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA radio catches waves in the air. It uses a metal rod to find them. Then it turns the waves into sound. This helps us hear music and news. It is very cool! Do you like to listen to the radio?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSignals travel through the air. They help us talk. Sometimes signals get messy. This can make it hard to hear. We must keep the air clear. Do you like to listen to music?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA special tool helps computers talk. It checks your name and secret code. This lets you join a network safely. It also keeps track of your work. It helps keep things fair for everyone. Do you use a computer at school?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA raft is flat. It floats on water. It can be made of wood. People use them to go on trips. You might see them on a river. Have you ever seen a raft?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleComputers use many disks to save things. They can use two or more disks at once. This helps keep your files safe. It can also make the computer fast. It is a smart way to work. Do you like using computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleTrains carry many things. They move food and coal. This helps us get what we need. It is good for the air. Trains are very strong. Do you like big trains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA train car moves on tracks. Some cars carry people. Other cars carry things like food. They all stay together in a long train. You can ride in them! Do you like trains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSome trains run on power from wires. These wires hang high above the track. Other trains use a rail on the ground. This power helps trains move fast. It is also very clean. Do you like riding on a train?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople build and fix trains. They make the tracks strong. They make sure trains run well. This helps us travel far. It is a big job. Do you like trains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA platform is by the train tracks. It helps you get on the train. You can sit on a bench there. Some have roofs to keep you dry. It is a safe place to wait. Do you like to ride trains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA rail yard is a place for trains. It has many tracks. Small engines move the cars around. They sort the cars to go to new places. This helps the trains stay on time. Do you like trains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThe Rainbow Bridge is a big bridge. It goes over a river. It joins two lands. You can see rainbows near the water. It is a very pretty place. Do you want to see it?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThe Rainbow Bridge is a big bridge. It crosses the water in Tokyo. Cars and trains go on it. You can walk on the sides too. The lights glow at night. It is very pretty. Do you like big bridges?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA rain gutter is a long path. It catches rain from the roof. The water flows into a pipe. This keeps the walls dry. It helps the house stay safe. Do you see gutters on your house?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRalph Baer made video games. He used a TV to play. He built a box for games. This helped us play at home. He was a great inventor. Do you like to play games?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRalph Lauren makes clothes. He makes ties and shirts. His clothes have a polo player on them. Many people wear his clothes. He also helps sick people. He is a very kind man. Do you like nice clothes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePeople build walls with dirt. They put wet soil in a frame. Then they press it down hard. This makes a strong wall. It can stay for a long time. Do you like playing in the dirt?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA rampart is a big wall. It can be made of dirt or stone. It helps keep a town safe. People used them a long time ago. They are very strong. Can you see a big wall?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleSmall shapes fill a tall tube. They help liquids and gases touch. This helps make new things. We use these in big factories. It is a smart way to work. Do you see the small rings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA rangefinder is a special camera. It helps you take clear pictures. It shows two images in a small window. You turn a wheel to make them match. Then your picture is sharp. Do you like taking photos?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBad programs can lock your files. They hide your work. They ask for money to give it back. This is a mean trick. It can happen on computers. Do you use a computer? Be very careful with what you open.
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a tiny computer. It is very small. It helps kids learn to code. You can use it for many things. It is a fun tool for projects. Do you want to build one?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePictures on screens are made of tiny dots. These dots are in neat rows. Each dot has its own color. They work together to make a photo. This helps us see pretty things. Can you see the dots?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRatan Tata was a great leader. He helped many people. He gave money to schools. He also helped build things. He was very kind to others. Do you like to help friends?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA ratchet helps things move one way. It has a wheel with teeth. A small finger clicks on the teeth. This lets the wheel turn forward. It stops the wheel from going back. It is in many tools. Can you hear it click?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA ravelin is a strong wall. It has a triangle shape. It sits in front of a big fort. It helps keep the gate safe. This helps protect the people inside. It is a very smart tool. Can you see the shape?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRay Kroc helped make McDonald's big. He sold many burgers. He made sure they all tasted good. This helped the company grow. He also liked baseball. Do you like burgers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRay Kurzweil makes new things. He makes tools for computers. He makes tools for music. His tools help people read. He wants to help everyone. Do you like new tools?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRayon is a soft cloth. It can come from wood. We use it to make clothes. It feels like silk. You might wear it! Do you like soft clothes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleRay made a way to send mail. He used computers to do it. He used the @ sign too. This helps us talk to friends. It is a very good idea. Do you use mail on a computer?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article