Outrageous Acts Of Science Season 7 Episode 6 Neighborhood Watch

The episode "Neighborhood Watch" of Outrageous Acts of Science season 7 is a fascinating exploration of the science behind some of the most incredible DIY experiments and stunts performed by people in their own neighborhoods. From a homemade hovercraft that can glide across water to a DIY rocket that reaches the stratosphere, viewers will be amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of these amateur scientists.

The episode begins with a look at the Hovercraft Project, a group of friends who built a fully functional hovercraft out of plywood, a tarp, and a leaf blower. With no prior experience in engineering or aerodynamics, they managed to construct a vehicle that can glide effortlessly across a pond. The show dives into the physics behind the hovercraft's design and the challenges the team faced during its construction.

Next, viewers get an inside look at the world of rocketry as two friends attempt to launch a homemade rocket into the stratosphere. The rocket is made from household items like PVC pipes, plumbing fittings, and garden hoses, and runs on a potent combination of alcohol and liquid oxygen. As the team preps for the launch, the show goes over the science behind the rocket's propulsion, the risks involved in such a DIY venture, and the intense planning required to ensure a safe and successful launch.

The episode then shifts gears as it explores the science behind artistic expression. A group of street painters in Queens, NY, use specialized spray paints to create 3D optical illusions that seem to leap off the pavement. Using only cans of spray paint and masking tape, they transform a simple street corner into a seemingly endless abyss or a perilous rope bridge. Viewers will learn about the optical tricks and techniques used in creating such incredible works of art and the science behind why the images seem so convincing.

In another segment, the show features a young man who takes a new spin on a classic game by designing a gigantic, human-sized version of Jenga. He uses large wooden blocks arranged in a traditional Jenga tower, but instead of simply pulling out the blocks, he has rigged each one with a small explosive charge. With each block removed, the charge detonates, sending wood flying in all directions. The show unpacks the science of the explosives and shows how the combination of speed, force, and friction leads to the explosive outcome.

Lastly, viewers get a glimpse into the wild world of potato cannons. A group of friends in rural Arkansas build an enormous cannon capable of shooting potatoes at incredible speeds over a mile away. The show explains the chemical reaction made by the materials inside the cannon and how it creates the necessary pressure to launch the projectile.

Throughout the entire show, the hosts break down the science of each experiment and the logical and engineering hurdles they had to overcome, like how to create airflow and pressure to get a craft to hover over water or what kinds of fuels they can use in a rocket engine and how to transport and handle the volatile chemicals involved properly. The show is a perfect blend of humor and science, inspiring viewers to take a closer look at the world around them and use their creativity and logic to achieve the impossible.