Science of Stupid Season 2 Episode 13 Guitars and Snowmobiles
- TVPG
- August 14, 2015
In Science of Stupid season 2 episode 13 titled "Guitars and Snowmobiles," the show continues to explore the world of human errors and scientific explanations behind them. With clips taken from amateur and professional footages, the show presents a funny and educational look at how people fall victim to their own ignorance and occasional lack of common sense.
The episode starts off by showing different clips of people playing guitars in unique and often unexpected ways. From using one's feet to strumming with a golf club, the show demonstrates how simple physics can dramatically affect the sound of a guitar, and ultimately, an individual's attempted performance. A lighthearted and informative approach is taken as the show breaks down the scientific principles that are involved in playing, such as how the weight distribution can lead to a loss of control and how the tuning can be severely impacted with just a small mistake.
The second half of the episode then takes a sharp turn as it looks at the dangers and difficulties of snowmobiling. From speeding on icy terrain to attempting freestyle jumps, the show's producers have compiled a collection of videos showcasing people's misguided attempts at navigating this daunting winter sport. As with the guitar playing, presenters explain how knowing the science behind the sport can save one from some catastrophic accidents, including the importance of weight distribution and keeping a safe distance from the snowmobile in front of them.
The show's presenters don't shy away from poking fun at the people in the videos, but they also aren't simply focused on making viewers laugh. As the episode progresses, they dive deeper into the science explaining the failures, and how to avoid falling into the same mistakes. The production values are particularly high in this episode, with a combination of arresting yet light-hearted visuals and dynamic editing keeping the tone fun, but focused on educating the audience on the risks and dangers of these two activities.
Through the course of the episode, a number of scientific nuggets are tossed out, much to the delight of viewers who may not have been aware of them before. For instance, one presenter explains the concept of 'rider profile' and how different types of bodies react to snowmobiles and why this is important to consider before taking to the snowy slopes. This type of information adds to the audience's increasing awareness of the possible risks and challenges that come with pursuing these activities as hobbies.
Overall, the episode does a great job of balancing humor and education through scientific explanations. While some of the accidents may cause viewers to wince, the style of the narration keeps things light and provides well-informed analysis that deepens the audience's understanding of the underlying science. By the end of the episode, viewers aren't just laughing at the mistakes but absorbing practical tips and approaches, including how to avoid common pitfalls and dangerous missteps.