Technically amazing. STEAM.
(Playaway Launchpad)

Issued on Playaway Launchpad, the pre-loaded learning tablet.

Powered by rechargeable battery ; container includes one power charging cord with both USB and AC adapters.

Earphones not required for audio playback.

Device does not have Internet connectivity.

Videos originally released individually by TMW Media Group and Film Ideas.

Technology - Engineering: Dummy & Robot Heroes: The Wonders of Technology, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Science series covers subjects from Robots, Transportation, Agricultural Science, Science in the Third World, Making Plants Grow Plastic & New Miracles from Science. Students will develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of Technology and work their way up to more complex subjects. As human stand-ins, dummies and their mobile counterparts, robots have been sparing us risk to life and limb and saving our lives for decades. Perhaps the best known examples of these are crash test dummies, which have allowed automotive engineers to analyze what happens to the human body in collisions. The information obtained in these tests has helped them design safety advances like seat belts, child car seats, air bags and cars that absorb the greater energy of a crash impact. This program shows the growing sophistication of dummies and robots as well as their use in many fields of product and safety testing, disaster and rescue training, manufacturing and hazardous materials handling. Includes suggestions for careers in this field of study.

Engineering: prosthetic innovations: Scientists and engineers have made great strides in recent years with prosthetics and orthotics. In this program we discuss how designers simulate the anatomy and physiology of missing limbs. Though some prosthetics are simple and minimally functional, others are complex bionic artificial limbs with improved designs, using advanced hydraulics, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and computer microprocessors and sensors. This program will highlight how advances in prosthetics have improved life for people with certain injuries and disabilities.

Understanding clouds, meteorological wonders: Meteorologists studying the microphysical processes of clouds are learning more about what occurs naturally inside clouds. By increasing fundamental knowledge of complex cloud structure and the chemical and electrical mechanisms that trigger changes, weather and climate forecast models improve. Scientists and geophysicists are utilizing the newest technology to explore known and speculative information about cloud structures and mechanisms.

Meteorology, studying severe weather: Extreme weather events can cause widespread damage resulting in billions of dollars of losses. Recent events, such as blizzards, hurricanes, and droughts have been exceptionally devastating as a result of several environmental factors. The convergence of several weather systems and the right atmospheric conditions sometimes result in the "perfect storm." This issue examines the factors behind catastrophic weather. It explains El Nino and La Nina, which are instigators of many unusual climactic events around the globe. These phenomena impact ocean temperatures, wind patterns and other atmospheric conditions. Other intense storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, result from the interaction of low pressure systems, which affect the direction and strength of the storm.

Energy, biofuels from plants & algae: Our society has increasing demands for energy and fuel, so scientists are constantly working to increase the reliability and performance of renewable energy technology. A small percentage of renewable energy is created with biofuels. Common examples are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is made from fermenting biomass, such as grasses, wood chips, poplar trees and select agricultural waste. Fermentation is the breakdown of sugar producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This is the same process that yeasts and bacteria perform in making bread, beer, wine, and some cultured foods. Micro-algae are single-cell, photosynthetic organisms known for their rapid growth and high energy content, and are becoming an increasingly viable source in the production of liquid transportation biofuels. Using the sun's energy, these microorganisms combine carbon dioxide with water, creating biomass more efficiently and rapidly than terrestrial plants. Oil-rich micro-algae strains are capable of producing the feedstock for a number of transportation fuels (biodiesel, "green" diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel) while mitigating the effects of carbon dioxide released from sources such as power plants. This program investigates new technologies at algae facilites, and explains the processes behind their cutting-edge micro-algae to fuel processes.

A day in Pixar: Spend a day at Pixar Studies and get to know the president of the studio, animators and supervisors of this innovation machine that has already released 12 movies and received more than $6 billion at the box-office. Hear the stories and learn what it takes to work for one of the world's most successful studios.

Ages 10+.

Grades 5+.

PLAYAWAY