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How It Works

How It Works is a BBC documentary series presented by Professor Mark Miodownik, revealing the secret alchemy of material science - how we transform materials, and materials transform the world. The series consists of three episodes: 1) Metal - Mark Miodownik travels to Israel to trace the history of our love affair with metal. He learns how we first extracted glinting copper from dull rock and used it to shape our world. 2) Plastic - Mark Miodownik tells the story of plastics - created in the lab, they have brought luxury to the masses and shaped the modern age. 3) Ceramics - Mark Miodownik traces the story of ceramics. He looks at how simple clay, sand and rock can build cities and transform the way we view our world.

Episode 1 - Metal


Episode 1 - Metal
Mark Miodownik travels to Israel to trace the history of our love affair with metal. He learns how we first extracted glinting copper from dull rock and used it to shape our world.

Episode 2 - Plastic
Mark Miodownik tells the story of plastics - created in the lab, they have brought luxury to the masses and shaped the modern age.

Episode 3 - Ceramics
Mark Miodownik traces the story of ceramics. He looks at how simple clay, sand and rock can build cities and transform the way we view our world.


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Chemistry: A Volatile History
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Secrets of the Supper Elements
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