Watch Mr. Wizard

Part of a half-hour episode from 1954. You'd have to be 60 years old or more to have seen this segment live, but younger visitors may remember later episodes or the Canadian revival in the 70s, or the updated Mr. Wizard's World of the 1980s.

For many adults, this was our introduction to "hard science" and the concept that science could be interesting (and comprehensible). I suppose it would be different now; teacher probably wouldn't be allowed to place a hand on Johnny's shoulder, and they probably couldn't make something explode on live camera by aerosolizing lighter fluid and igniting it.

This segment is about 10 minutes long; try watching the first 3-4 minutes and see if you aren't tempted to watch to the end, even though you already know "how engines work." (If you're totally fascinated you can find the end of the program - and other programs - on YouTube).