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Machines & Tech: science podcast episodes for kids
Planes, batteries, phones, Wi-Fi, self-driving cars and AI, explained simply. 11 episodes, newest first, for ages 5–10.
Machines & Tech episodes
How Does a Battery Make Electricity?
You put a battery into a toy, and suddenly it comes alive. But what is actually happening inside that little battery? Is it just full of…
How Does Google Know What a Red Panda Looks Like?
You search for “red panda,” and the right photos appear almost instantly.
How Does ChatGPT Sound Like a Real Person?
You ask ChatGPT a question, and seconds later it answers like someone is really talking to you.
How Does the Remote Talk to the TV?
A TV remote feels obvious until you ask the basic question: how does the TV know what you pressed from across the room?
How Does My Phone Know Exactly Where I Am?
You look at the map on the phone and see the blue dot moving.
Why Isn't There Wi-Fi Outside?
At home, your Wi-Fi is always there.
Where Are All Our Games and Videos Saved?
You press play on a YouTube video, and it starts working. Then suddenly, it stops… and a spinning circle appears.
How Does a Self-Driving Car Drive by Itself?
You might look at a car and suddenly notice something strange. The steering wheel is turning, but nobody is touching it.
What Is Electricity?
You flip a switch and the light turns on right away. But nothing is pouring into the bulb… so what actually moved?
How Does YouTube Know Which Ads to Show Me?
You open YouTube to watch one video.
How Do Planes Fly?
You look up and see a huge airplane crossing the sky.