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Watch Learn TV

Posted by Jane

Learn how to build solutions and use Microsoft products from the experts that built them! Learn TV is the place to find the latest digital content so you can always keep updated on the latest announcements, features and products from Microsoft.

Go to Learn TV

Find out how about the history of thermometers

Posted by Jane

From the UK Met Office

How do thermometers work and how were they invented? Why does water freeze at 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit temperature scale but zero on the Celsius scale? And have you ever heard of the Réaumur temperature scale? Watch this to find out everything you need to know about the history of thermometers and the temperature scales we use today.

Join Secret Sofa

Posted by Jane

We’ve teamed up with our ice cream friends Häagen-Dazs to add a bit of magic to your lockdown. Over the next 8 weeks, we will bring you Secret Worlds you may have loved, may have missed or new ones we can explore together, directly to your home

Sign up to join Secret Sofa here

Find out about housing through the centuries

Posted by Jane

The Atlantic created an animated video that takes a look at the history of housing from the basic painted cave in 25,000 BC to the 3D-printed house of 2015.

Throughout human existence, homes have varied drastically in scope, size, and design. Cob houses originated in the eleventh century, are made from straw and earth, and last for hundreds of years. In fact, people still make them today. We’ve come a long way from our cave-dwelling ancestors, however: This year, a house was printed for the first time. For around $160,000 you could print your own mansion in 2015.

Learn to play the piano

Posted by Jane

The piano is one of the most popular and versatile instruments you can learn to play. It shares much of its design with a keyboard and is a good starting place for anyone interested in playing music.

The percussion instrument forms the basis of many classical pieces, as well as being an integral part of popular music, too. On top of that, it’s a platform to learn a new skill, reduce stress, and inspire creativity.

Ready to dive in? Be sure to get a set of keys in front of you and check out the best sites for learning the piano online.

Read Where to Learn Piano Online: The 5 Best Free Piano Learning Sites from MakeUseOf

Watch an Opera

Posted by Jane

During this extraordinary and difficult time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark. Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. The schedule will include outstanding complete performances from the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of opera’s greatest singers.

Visit the Metropolitan Opera

Find out about the history of the British Toy Fair

Posted by Jane

The first British Toy and Hobby Fair was organised by Jack Watkins MBE for the British Toy Manufacturers Association and took place in Brighton from 22nd-26th February 1954.

In 1954, Sooty became a Chad Valley hand puppet, and Painting by Numbers, Scrabble and Matchbox vehicles were big hits at Christmas.

Over the next two years, the fair moved to Olympia and then to Earls Court at the British Industries Fair. Celebrity-linked games came to the fore with Stanley Matthews recommending New Footy Table Soccer.

In 1957, the decision was taken to move back to Brighton.

In 1958, the Hula-Hoop was the toy of the moment, Plasticine celebrated 50 years and Frisbees took off.

Here’s a Pathé newsreel showing what was on offer in the Toy Fair in 1958

Visit The Toy Fair for more about its history from the 50s to present day.