Stinky Car, Raccoon Rocket

This episode is not part of any Collection. It is the seventh episode of Season 2.

Myths tested:
Is it possible to de-stink a car after being sealed up with a dead pig, and then sell it?
If gasoline is poured down a drain pipe and lit while a person is inside of it, will that person be launched as if from a cannon?

The Science behind Stinky Car
The main idea here is the power of biological smells. The key questions:
• What chemicals are released as pigs decompose?
• Is there ANYTHING that can remove those chemicals from the inside of the car?

Students can learn more about organic chemistry and about how humans are evolutionarily sensitized to detect rotten flesh (thiols). It can be helpful to talk about cleaning products and what they can and can’t do, and how different odors can be remedied (stinky shoes, underarms, bacon grease, spoiled eggs…). (My students love this myth, but I’m not sure it’s all that science-y) This myth is sort of related to the skunk myths (FIND EPISODE NAME).

The Science behind Raccoon Rocket
Controlled explosions and gasoline combustion are the main ideas here. The key questions:
• How do cannons work? What are the necessary parts?
• What is a sabot?
• How are gasoline and gunpowder different?

Students can explore the construction of cannons and the importance of a seal around the projectile. Also interesting: again the fire triangle for gasoline combustion, and the differences between gasoline and gunpowder. Possible research: what is a hillbilly?