An algebraic expression contains variables and numbers. Variables are letters meant to represent an unknown quantity. The numbers can appear alone (constants) or attached to the variables with multiplication (coefficients). An equation sets an expression equal to another expression or a constant. Th

The plush block is a natural progression of the square pillow, where you use gussets to form a three-dimensional cube. Like a square pillow pattern, the plush block is a versatile base that you can use to make baby toys, ottomans, stuffed animals and throw pillows. You can complete this project quic

The lava lamp debuted in 1963; originally called the Astro lamp and invented by Edward Walker, it was a 15-year project in the making. These lamps have been a staple in the American home for people young and old for years, and the trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Multimeters are used in all areas of electronics to determine the voltage, amperage or resistance in an electrical circuit. They are available in two varieties, analog and digital. Analog versions are cheaper to buy and are fine for establishing a current, but if you need a level of accuracy, a digi

In cold climates, a fireplace can provide warmth and coziness in a single room, but requires effort to use. A portable heater does the same thing but can be costly if it runs off electricity. A furnace can heat an entire house inexpensively, especially if it runs on natural gas. Correct calculations

RuneScape is an online fantasy role-playing game in which players participate in a variety of quests and activities to raise their skill levels and earn valuable rewards. One of the most productive tasks in the game is farming, which provides goods that the player can either use or sell to make a pr

Cats become a part of the family the moment they are adopted, so it is very comforting to create a nice home for your kitty to sleep, play and stretch out in after a long day. A scratch tree cat condo covered in carpeting also gives cats the opportunity to file down their nails by scratching their h

Mudslides are fast-moving torrents of mud and rock, which are no longer capable of defying gravity. Prolonged heavy rain or volcanic activity normally cause mudslides and such torrents are among the most destructive forces in nature. Next to nothing can be done to prevent a mudslide once it starts,

Doppler radar tracks objects via radio sound waves, which are emitted from an antenna. The Doppler process was named for Christian Doppler, an Austrian physicist who proposed the idea for it in a scientific treatise in 1842.

The scroll saw and band saw appear to be very similar at first glance. Both use a thin, straight blade to make cuts and are good tools for cutting curves into a work piece. Cuts on both are made by slowly feeding wood into the moving blade, a method that offers a lot of control. Both saws cut curves

When molten rock is moving beneath the Earth's surface, it is called magma. When it comes out onto the surface, as in a volcanic eruption, it is called lava. The molten rock starts its journey up to 100 miles beneath the surface, carrying dissolved gases and rock fragments with it. When it oozes out

X-rays are the stuff of science fiction and common medical knowledge, yet beyond the pictures that show bones and lodged objects in the body, what X-rays are and are used for is not especially well-known. The X-ray is actually a very conveniently placed form of ionizing radiation, just powerful enou

Polymer clay doesn't need a kiln for because it cures at a lower temperature than earth clays. All you need for successful crafting with polymer clay is a little inspiration and a home oven. You can mold the clay over and over without it deteriorating. It's non-toxic, but shouldn't be eaten, so alwa

You can quickly and cheaply transform plastic milk crates into sturdy furniture for a home, playroom or dorm. A simple bench requires just plastic milk crates and melamine board. Place the bench near an entry for a good place to take off or put on shoes, store gloves and hats or just as a catch all

Microorganisms are similar to more complex organisms in that they need a variety of materials from their environment to function and accomplish two primary goals--supply enough energy to manage their processes and extract building blocks to repair themselves or procreate. In addition to what they ta

Gibbs free energy is a measurement of the maximum amount of work or energy that can theoretically be extracted from a system. The change in free energy is the work done by a chemical reaction or the work that is done upon the system to initiate that reaction. By determining the change in Gibbs free

Early human cultures had many fanciful explanations for the moon's origin, and its motion through the sky. Today, we know that the moon is a nearby celestial body caught in Earth's gravitational field. Human beings have even walked on the surface of the moon, and looked back at Earth.

The paper airplane is a classic diversion for the bored student and worker. Nothing screams cool, sophisticated and deadly fast like the classic dart-style paper airplane. With this simple design, you can create the fastest (as fast as gravity will allow) and coolest airplane. They don't call it cla

The image of an oil rig spouting "black gold" has come to represent the prospect of immense wealth and the promise of industry. In recent years, that image has been tarnished by ecological disasters, such as the BP oil spill, but the cross-hatched tower of the oil rig is still a powerful symbol in A

The motor load can be used to determine how closely a motor is operating to its recommended load. Having a motor run below its optimal load reduces the efficiency of the motor, while overloading a motor will drastically reduce the lifetime of the motor. Calculating the motor load can give you some i