HOW THINGS WORK – FALL 2026 VIDEOS
Coordinators: Marty Green, Tamara Weinberg
We discuss the things you encounter in a high-tech world, both physical and digital, that support our modern lifestyles; i.r., medical imaging technologies, automobiles, recycling, and the role of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors) in enabling our high-tech society.
(Thursday, A Week, AM, Auditorium, M. Green)
To view a video click on the link above its description.
HOW THINGS WORK
How Materials Enable our High-Tech Society
Presenter: Marty Green
Presentation Date: September 10, 2026
A material is a substance with properties that make it useful for creating a structure, component, device, or product. Materials comprise metals, ceramics, glasses, semiconductors, polymers, composites, and biomaterials. Materials don’t just make technology better; they determine what technologies are possible. Every technological revolution is ultimately a materials revolution.
The average person has almost no connection to the world of materials because she/he understands the functionality of an object (for example, a jet plane that flies), but not the materials whose properties make flight possible. In this presentation, you will learn about the materials behind the many functionalities they enable
HOW THINGS WORK
Glass
Presenter: Pete Weis
Presentation Date: September 24, 2026
Glass is a material that defies definition — sort of an amorphous super-cooled liquid. It was invented in several civilizations as early as the 4th Millenium BCE when the common use was as jewelry. Eventually, several ways to shape it into useful everyday shapes were developed. And every day we use it to hold stuff, look through, and admire ourselves. In its various forms, it is essential for astronomy, scientific labs, cars, homes, vision and helpful in recreation, cooking, and even as a musical instrument, This presentation will cover the history, production, coloring, and various qualities for the many uses of glass, and will end with glass recycling.
HOW THINGS WORK
Satellite Communications
Presenter: Tracey Lee
Presentation Date: October 8, 2026
Is Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system going to take over the world? Who owns and manages all of the satellites already in orbit and what do they all do? How do they keep from crashing into each other?
If you have ever wondered about any of these things, then this is the session for you. There are over 12,000 satellites orbiting the earth now with plans to add tens of thousands more. This session will present some history of satellite communications along with what different categories of satellites are used for, how they work and what are some of the plans for the future. Come along and visit the future of communications originally
HOW THINGS WORK
Planes, Sailboats, and Automobiles
Presenter: Bob Reiss
Presentation Date: October 22, 2026
Ever wonder while you’re flying, what the hell keeps this thing up? It’s not all that complicated. So, we’ll keep it simple and understandable. How does a sailboat move against the wind? Another imponderable but readily explained. Finally, the mystery of the internal combustion engine that has powered automobiles for more than a century will no longer be mysterious. Nor will bridges, that allow cars to cross rivers.
HOW THINGS WORK
Kitchen Alchemy: The Fascinating Science of Cooking
Presenter: Tamara Weinberg
Presentation Date: November 5, 2026
Ever wonder why a cooked egg turns firm and white, bread rises, cookies develop that irresistible golden-brown crust, and ice cream stays creamy even when frozen? Come explore the physics, chemistry, and biology behind some favorite foods. From the delicate protein origami of eggs, the amazing science of gluten formation, and the mouthwatering caramelization of chocolate-chip cookies to the chilled emulsion magic that keeps ice cream velvety smooth, we’ll uncover the fascinating “why” behind every day culinary transformations. No scientific background required — just curiosity and an appetite for discovery!