Ep 1. Aluminum Foil, Snowboards, Contact Lenses, Bread

How It's Made is a documentary television series that presents the manufacturing processes of everyday objects in a step-by-step manner. Season 1's first episode, "Aluminum Foil, Snowboards, Contact Lenses, Bread," explores the creation of four different products, showcasing the intricate processes and mechanisms required to produce these items.

In the first segment, viewers will witness how everyday aluminum foil is produced through a highly automated and efficient process. The show reveals how bauxite, a form of aluminum ore, is mined from the earth and then transported to a facility where it is refined into aluminum. The aluminum is then melted down and rolled out into thin sheets. The show demonstrates how a machine then cuts and rolls the sheets into the familiar cylindrical shape seen in homes all over the world.

The second segment showcases how snowboards are manufactured, which is a more complex process than one may think. The show delves into the science behind the creation of snowboards, revealing the various materials required and how they are arranged to ensure optimal speed and agility. Viewers will see how a piece of wood, which is the core of the snowboard, is precisely milled before being coated in resin and fiberglass to create a durable and flexible board.

In the third segment, the show takes the audience into the world of contact lenses. With over 140 million people worldwide using contact lenses, the process of creating them is a fascinating and innovative one. Viewers will witness how a mold of the lens is first created before being filled with a mixture of water and silicone. The machine then rotates the mold in a centrifuge, creating a perfect contact lens. The show also reveals how the lenses are then inspected for imperfections before being shipped out to consumers.

Lastly, the episode showcases one of the oldest and most complex processes: bread-making. The show takes a deep dive into the world of baking, showing the various ingredients required, from yeast to flour to water. Viewers will see the different stages of bread-making, from mixing and kneading the dough to the rising process to finally baking the loaf. The show also explores the different types of bread made, such as French bread and bagels.

In conclusion, How It's Made season 1 episode 1, "Aluminum Foil, Snowboards, Contact Lenses, Bread," is an informative and fascinating look into the complex processes behind everyday objects. The show's attention to detail and in-depth explanations make it engaging and informative for viewers of all ages. The episode showcases the intricate mechanisms and processes required to create products we use every day, providing insight into how those products ended up in our hands.