How Do They Do It?

The How Do They Do It documentary series on the Science Channel explores how the technological objects and engineered processes of the modern world function. Ordinary items like helicopters, street lights, elevators and GPS systems are explained in great detail, both in how they came to be as well as how they become systems. The show also highlights how science and engineering contribute to making modern human life easier, more productive or safe with machinery and scientific discovery.

These half-hour episodes span a wide range of topics from cutting-edge technology to putting food on the table. The series breaks down into steps subjects like how different service companies manage to run smoothly day after day. How UPS delivers packages around the world on a timely schedule, or Peterbuilt Trucks consistently creates complex yet safe vehicles, or how giant cruise ships become a small, self-sustaining city on the sea are all covered. Other episodes explore everyday luxuries such as how windshield wipers work, or how orange juice is manufactured, to how sushi arrives at the restaurant table. High-tech question are also answered like how do hovercrafts or space satellites work, and how did they build an indoor ski resort in the middle of the desert.

The science and technology of these segments is presented in a clear and straightforward style, appropriate to all ages. The series reveals surprising details about the modern world and how human beings have come to rely on so many technological breakthroughs and shares the history of how these practices developed. From the development of cowboy hats to preparing the space shuttle for lift-off, this educational series focuses on the contribution of technology, as well as how new breakthroughs might develop in the future.