How Stuff Works Launches Magazine for Kids

Posted on December 15, 2000

How Stuff Works has announced the publication of its first major offline offering, HSW Express. HSW Express is a free magazine targeting elementary and middle school students. It offers articles and colorful graphics about science and technology, linked to Web-based teaching tools for teachers.

``This is one of several media offerings we plan to launch in the offline space,'' said Marshall Brain, Founder and CEO. ``The popularity of How Stuff Works with adults inspired us to develop content geared for a younger audience. HSW Express will enable our younger readers to explore and enjoy all the fascinating things about science and technology.''

Mark Mine, editor in chief of HSW Express, said the idea was to make science fun while providing a useful tool for teachers. ``Our goal with HSW Express was to make it cool enough to excite kids, but valuable enough that it helps science teachers be successful.''

Supporting the magazine is an online teachers guide, including lesson plans, teacher worksheets, experiments, sample end-of-grade tests and extended learning activities. Magazine features include such topics as ``Toy Autopsy,'' in which a popular toy is dissected and explained; ``ExpressQuest,'' a self-directed Web scavenger hunt; a Sci-Tech TV Guide, with recommended programs; and ``Extraordinary People,'' profiling remarkable individuals in science or the professions. Each issue will also include a How Stuff Works feature article, explaining the inner workings of everyday objects. The premier issue examines the compact disc, which is actually ``a piece of plastic with 10 billion data bumps!''

Distribution of HSW Express will target school systems across the country, as well as home school networks. The magazine is free to students and teachers. How Stuff Works will publish six issues per year and is sponsorship supported.

Other offline media offerings planned for 2001 include a line of How Stuff Works books, and syndication of the website's content. Currently, How Stuff Works content appears in USA Today Online, LA Times and, beginning in January, Plant Engineering, a Cahners Publication.