Wikijunior:How Things Work

About the book

Welcome to Wikijunior How Things Work!

The target age of this title is 8–12 years old, although older kids, and even adults, may enjoy its simplicity, clarity, and brevity. Wikijunior is written for elementary schoolers, but it is inevitable that parents, older siblings, patent attorneys, and random surf junkies will not only find themselves engrossed in the writing, but come back for more. Sometimes clear, objective writing for this age group, which may be the toughest audience of all, is the best for everyone. Section titles will include machines kids work with or see all the time.

This wikibook intends to address how everyday items work, and to try to remove the "mystery" and "magic" from those workings. The inner workings of the device will be explained, with cutaway views of the objects and drawings that help to explain the principles on how key parts of each device work.

When working on this project, remember that it's aimed at children. Being understood is just as important as being accurate. Authors should concentrate on the most important concepts rather than getting wrapped up in every detail. Use technical vocabulary when you need to, but don't use big words where simpler language would work. Please review the style guide.

If you have made contributions to this Wikibook and would like to have formal credit for being an author, please add your name to this list: Wikijunior:How Things Work/Authors.

Special Articles Introduction Glossary of basic terms The Six Simple Machines Timeline of Technology

Contributors Authors Contributing

Publishable articles Binary Numbers Flush Toilet Ice Skates Laser Lever Light Bulb Mobile Phone Nuclear Bomb Pulley Rocket Time Toaster Wedge Wheel Sewing Machines

Developing articles Car Engine Airplane Wing Computer Elevator GUI (Graphical User Interface) Hard Drive Inclined Plane Microwave oven Pencil Screw Solar panel Fluorescent Lamp LCD Display Refrigerators and Air Conditioners Vacuum Cleaner Porcelain

Article stubs Audio Speakers Camera Data Center DVD Electricity Hydraulic System Jet Water Pump Metal detector Radio receiver Television Transistor

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Create or request an article

You are encouraged to create an article on a machine or invention. If you would like to do so, please read the Contributing page. Note however that not all articles may make it into the final published version, though they will all be available on this live online version. If you would like someone else to write a page about a machine, add your suggestion to this list. When creating stub articles please use the Stub Template.

Improve These Wikijunior Pages How Things Work: Binary Numbers Think that 1+1=10? Then this is the book for you! Europe: Kosovo Have you lived in, served in, or visited Kosovo? Why not help write this page? The Elements: Magnesium Help us write this page for kids interested in the elements! Big Cats: Cheetah The fastest animal on the planet! Help us create these Wikijunior pages