science video of the day

Daily Planet: Scientific Cliffhangers

This seven-part video explores a variety of topics, from rumblings within Mount St. Helens to a demonstration of how to ignite fuel.


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New Wind Energy Technologies (2:13)

Watch this video about wind energy on HowStuffWorks. Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world and here in the U.S., wind farms have popped up in more than 30 states, producing enough energy to power an estimated 2.5 million homes a... More »

Cool Space Tools (3:00)

Watch this NASA video to learn more about the specialized tools that astronauts use in spaceflight. You can't just run to Home Depot and buy space tools. Each is specially built so that astronauts can use them with their space suits.

Daily Planet: Old Science (42:41)

This video is made up of seven sections that explore a variety of topics, from the scientific true story behind a painting in a historic church to the specific dangers involved when fire strikes inside a submarine.

Junkyard Wars: Cool Cars (55:59)

Each episode of "Junkyard Wars" takes place in a huge, specially constructed junkyard, where two teams of engineers and mechanics get 10 hours to build machines scrounged from junk. In this episode, the teams build drag racers and all-terrain... More »

Daily Planet: From Planet Formation to Checking Baggage (41:16)

This video includes eight segments that explore a range of topics, from the formation of planets to checked baggage's journey to the airplane.

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Basics of Physics: Introduction to Sound Waves (7:39)

Sound is possible because of vibrations. Sound travels in longitudinal waves, and can travel only through a medium, such as air. Its speed depends on the medium through which it travels and how easily the particles of matter can hit each other.

1949: World's Largest Commercial Airliner (1:04)

The world's first commercial airliner was unveiled in 1949.

1949: A New Tacoma Bridge (1:08)

Take a look at the Tacoma Bridge, which was newly-built in 1949.

1949: An Unsinkable Ship (0:48)

In 1949 the US built this ship, which was billed as unsinkable.

1949: Air Force Uncovers Mystery Ship (0:55)

Learn more about the mysterious flying saucer the Air Force investigated in 1949.

1949: Aviation in the News (0:56)

Learn more about the state of aviation in this news segment from 1949.

1949: Explosions and Fire Rip Holland Tunnel (1:38)

Take a look at this footage of the 1949 Holland tunnel explosion.

Rotten But Not Forgotten: A Review of Decomposition (0:36)

Learn more about the decomposition process in this video.

Rotten But Not Forgotten: Climate and Time (3:43)

Very dry conditions or cold temperatures can prevent decay. Forensic anthropologists use temperature, climate, humidity, season and clothing to determine time of death. Organic matter in different parts of the United States decay differently.

Rotten But Not Forgotten: Nature's Coal Composting (2:50)

Heat, pressure and time turned organic plant material into fossil fuels. Coal is carbon. The higher the grade of coal, the longer it has been buried. The grades of coal are peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite.