Beakman’s World - Season 1 Episode 8

After a blaring demonstration of his new nap alarm, Beakman fields a question about noise. Explaining that vibrations in the air cause vibrations inside the ear which the brain then perceives as sound, Beakman uses an oscilloscope in a visual demonstration of sound. Then, using a small can, a balloon, some masking tape and glue, a small mirror and a flashlight, he constructs a simple device that can be used to show sound's vibrations. After explaining how these waves travel though a variety of media, including wood and water, Beakman shows Josie and Lester how a simple phone can be made using two tin cans and a piece of string. After "Beak-Mania" reveals that humans shed about forty pounds of skin each year, that fish can get seasick, and that the average caveman lived to the age of eighteen, Beakman challenges Lester to keep a playing card attached to a glass of water when it is turned upside down. Though his feral friend doubts that it can be done, Beakman shows how the air pressure outside more than counters the weight of the water inside the glass, keeping the Queen of Hearts magically in place. Responding to a viewer inquiry, Beakman begins by explaining that explosions are what happens when something gets very big very fast. Demonstrating how a small amount of water in a corn kernel causes it to pop when heated (popcorn), Beakman then calls on his own personal bomb squad for help in creating an explosion. However, while his harmless demonstration is a success, Beakman is surprised when Lester's casual handling of highly explosive materials results in a dramatic blast. Finally, after explaining how Lester's liquid nitrogen produced such a spectacular event, Beakman describes how explosions can be useful, such as in destroying old buildings and extinguishing oil well fires.