Ep 6. Rollercoasters

Popular Mechanics for Kids Season 1 Episode 6 - Rollercoasters

Rollercoasters are one of the most thrilling rides in amusement parks that attract millions of visitors every year. In this episode of Popular Mechanics for Kids, our hosts Elisha Cuthbert and Jay Baruchel take the viewers on a wild ride through the science behind rollercoasters.

The episode reveals the engineering and physics behind making a rollercoaster that's both exciting and safe. It starts with a historical introduction to the rollercoaster, taking the viewers back to the first rollercoaster built in 1885. The hosts explain how rollercoasters combine the elements of speed, height, drops, and curves to provide the most thrilling experience possible.

The hosts then visit a theme park and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of a rollercoaster. They meet with a rollercoaster designer who explains the various models and designs that go into the making of a rollercoaster. They also learn about the various safety tests and inspections that each rollercoaster must pass before it opens to the public.

Next, the episode dives deep into the physics behind the rollercoaster's movement. It explains how Gravity, Centripetal force, and the conservation of energy are critical factors in designing a rollercoaster that doesn't make the riders sick while still providing a thrilling ride. The hosts demonstrate these principles using apparatus that shows how the coaster's momentum carries the ride from one end to another.

The episode then focuses on the safety measures that are put in place to protect the riders. It explains the harness and restraint systems that keep the riders locked into the coaster and the hydraulics that prevent the coaster from derailment. The hosts even get a chance to visit the maintenance yard where they learn about the regular safety inspections and maintenance procedures.

The hosts then put their knowledge to the test and ride different types of rollercoasters, including wooden and steel coasters. They point out various features on the coaster, which maximize the rider's experience, such as height, speed, and the feeling of weightlessness. They also talk about the different types of drops and loops that make the ride exceptional, such as the vertical drop or the loop de loop.

Lastly, the episode encourages the viewers to build their rollercoaster using only household items like straws, marbles and cardboard. They show how a basic rollercoaster works, which allows the viewers to create their custom designs. The hosts remind the viewers to ensure that their rollercoasters are safe by testing it on small scale models first.

In conclusion, this episode of Popular Mechanics for Kids answers all the questions you've ever had about rollercoasters. It shows the science behind the ride, including the engineering, physics, and safety measures that make rollercoasters enjoyable and safe. The episode is an educational and entertaining piece of television for kids and adults alike. Rollercoasters are not just entertainment anymore, and this episode proves it by showing the viewers how they are a science experiment.