What's It Made Of?

The Materials That Shape Our World

Author DK
Hardcover
$29.99 US
On sale Oct 28, 2025 | 160 Pages | 9780593972113

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Unlock the secrets behind everyday items and extraordinary inventions

Finding out What's It Made Of? is just the start of an amazing journey into the world of material science—and learning about how the surprising properties of materials are put to thousands of different uses.

Each item is shown broken apart or in stunning photographic detail in order to explore the hidden materials that have gone into making it. From sneakers to smartphones and game controllers to gecko tape, this book reveals the secrets of many everyday objects, and a few more unusual ones. See inside a space suit and an iconic electric guitar! Along the way you will find out about the materials that have made our modern world— where they come from, how they are extracted, and the toll this can take on the environment.

Perfect for curious minds and science enthusiasts, this visually striking book provides a deeper understanding of how the world around us is constructed.
We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
 
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

https://www.dk.com/ View titles by DK

About

Unlock the secrets behind everyday items and extraordinary inventions

Finding out What's It Made Of? is just the start of an amazing journey into the world of material science—and learning about how the surprising properties of materials are put to thousands of different uses.

Each item is shown broken apart or in stunning photographic detail in order to explore the hidden materials that have gone into making it. From sneakers to smartphones and game controllers to gecko tape, this book reveals the secrets of many everyday objects, and a few more unusual ones. See inside a space suit and an iconic electric guitar! Along the way you will find out about the materials that have made our modern world— where they come from, how they are extracted, and the toll this can take on the environment.

Perfect for curious minds and science enthusiasts, this visually striking book provides a deeper understanding of how the world around us is constructed.

Author

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
 
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

https://www.dk.com/ View titles by DK

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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