We continue our series on the 7 Wonders of the World, this time focusing on the history of Machu Picchu. We've looked back to understand if Machu Picchu was a temple to sacrifice virgins or just a nice get away for royalty, what factors had to be considered to keep it from washing away, how the buildings were constructed with such amazing accuracy while lacking the modern tools that seem necessary to make it happen, and how the Incas even managed to get the giant rocks up an even more giant mountain to put it all together!

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7 Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu - Episode 328

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The Suez Canal could be the most important manmade waterway in the world. Sure, the Panama Canal is nice for us in the United States, but just think about the long-term historical impacts that the Suez Canal has had on Europe and Asia!!

We have researched how the Suez Canal was made, the misunderstanding of the different elevations of the various lakes and existing waterways (way to go, Napoleon), the wartime connections, changes in ownership, how much money is made from the Suez Canal each year, how much traffic it sees, and even discuss the floating city that was stuck there for years that created their own currency, sports leagues, and more!

History of the Suez Canal - Episode 329

When you think about blockbuster movies, what comes to mind? Marvel? CGI? Spending too much to go to a theater to enjoy the latest hit? All of these are fair answers, but the technology it takes to bring those movies to life wasn't one of them, and that is what we are discussing today!

We have looked into the cutting-edge technology that movies like Avatar leverage, as well as the history of how film got to where it is today. From shadowgraphy (probably not what they called it in prehistoric times), to the magic lantern of the 1600s, all the way to how television spurred on the advancement of modern film technology, there is something for everyone. Even cavemen.

History of Film Technology - Episode 330

As we continue to explore the great engineering universities of the world, we have returned to the Big 10, this time discussing the University of Michigan. That is the "blue and yellow one" if you are like Luke.

If you live in Michigan and are thinking about engineering, you almost have to go here! If you live elsewhere and are filthy rich, yeah, still a great option. They are a top ten school in nearly all engineering, have tons of great engineering related extracurricular activities, and are home to the largest football stadium in the country. What more could you ask for? 

Take a listen to learn what sets the University of Michigan apart, what it takes to get in, how much more you'll make than others after graduating, and so much more!

Great Engineering Universities: University of Michigan

Great Engineering Universities: University of Michigan - Episode 333

Aluminum is used in countless items that you interact with each day. The combination of strength and light weight make it one of the most diverse materials used for consumer goods, construction, and more. 

Join us to learn everything that it takes to make aluminum, where we discuss the Bayer process, Hall-Heroult process, the Cheremkhovskaya-deep mine in the Urals, and anything else one might want to know about smelting aluminum.

How Is Aluminum Made? - Episode 334

If you are thinking about Civil Engineering, or are already a Civil Engineer, there is really only one thing that you need to know about. Concrete!! 

Need to build a road? Concrete. Need to build a sewer? Concrete. Need to build a canoe? Umm... yup, Civil Engineers use concrete for that as well! In fact, colleges around the world have teams that pride themselves on the building the fastest, most agile, and (most importantly) buoyant canoe possible. 

Learn how one goes about making concrete float, the steps it takes to build the canoe, the other boring parts that go into the ASCE Concrete Canoe competition, and more!

ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition - Episode 335

With the emergence of the Soviet Flanker and Fulcrum, the United States Air Force realized there was a need for a new Advanced Tactical Fighter. That new ATF was the F-22 Raptor, a stealth tactical fighter developed by Lockheed Martin and friends. 

We look into the engineering innovation that was needed to design the F-22, from new composite materials to crazy stealth technology that makes the F-22 appear to be the size of a bumble bee on radar. How is this even possible?! You'll have to listen to find out!! Or Google it... but mostly just listen.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor - Episode 337

Continuing our series on companies that built the world, we've finally landed on one whose projects have already earned their on episodes; Lockheed Martin! 

Fun fact: Lockheed Martin didn't become a thing until 1995, but Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta were around well before. From the F-117 Nighthawk to the SR-71 Blackbird, and a ton of things in between, we look at all of the major accomplishments of this (or these?) company and how it became one of the companies that built the world!

Companies That Built the World: Lockheed Martin - Episode 338

If you're a golfer, one thing that you know for sure is that bad shots are never your fault! Your grip might be worn down, your clubs are old, someone talked in your backswing, or you're playing with bad golf balls. Speaking of golf balls, perhaps they are bad due to their manufacturing process. 

We looked back to understand the history of the golf ball, from Rome to Scotland, from wooden balls to the feathery, it has been a long journey to get where we are today. We also did a deep dive on the actual manufacturing process that we use today for making golf balls. from creating the core, to defining the modulus of elasticity and compression of the golf ball, all the way up to painting your favorite brand on the front of the ball, we have it all!

How Golf Balls Are Made - Episode 340

Interested in science, technology, machinery, engineering and the history behind everyday things? Want a fast and fun way to get your kids interested in STEM? Look no further! We break down a weekly engineering topic in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy.
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