A New Old School (Part 2)
Digest
This episode of "Mysteries About True Histories" Season 2 opens with a commercial for the Remarkable Paper Pro tablet before launching Max and Molly into 1970. They encounter the Apollo 13 crisis and their Aunt Myrtle, a sixteen-year-old in this time period. Another time traveler, Charlene, is also present, hired to find Myrtle. The episode details the technical problems faced by the Apollo 13 astronauts, focusing on the oxygen tank explosion, power loss, and CO2 buildup. Max, Molly, and Murph use their problem-solving skills to assist in resolving these issues, applying principles like Ohm's Law and Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. Charlene's story unfolds, revealing her involvement in time travel and her reasons for accepting the job. The mystery of the "Pogs" and their "moles" is introduced. The episode culminates in the successful resolution of the Apollo 13 crisis, the discovery of Aunt Myrtle, and the protagonists' return to their own time, leaving hints for future mysteries.
Outlines
The Paper Pro and Time Travel Introduction
The episode begins with a commercial for the Remarkable Paper Pro tablet, followed by an introduction to Season 2 of "Mysteries About True Histories." The main characters, Max and Molly, unexpectedly find themselves in 1970 after an in-class time jump.
Apollo 13 Crisis and Time-Traveling Aunt
The episode introduces the Apollo 13 crisis. Max and Molly encounter their Aunt Myrtle (who is 16 years old in this time period) and Charlene, another time traveler. They learn that Charlene was hired to find Myrtle.
Problem-Solving the Apollo 13 Mission
The focus shifts to the Apollo 13 technical issues. A detailed explanation of the electrical power problem and CO2 buildup is given. Max and Molly, along with Murph, work to solve the technical challenges facing the astronauts.
Charlene's Story and the Pogs
Charlene reveals her side of the story, explaining her involvement in the time travel and her reasons for taking the job. The mystery of the "Pogs" and their "moles" is introduced.
Resolving the Apollo 13 Issues and Finding Myrtle
The podcast discusses the solutions implemented for the Apollo 13 crisis, focusing on moving to the lunar module and addressing the CO2 scrubber issue. The search for Aunt Myrtle continues.
Finding Aunt Myrtle and Returning Home
Using a map obtained from an unusual source, Max and Molly locate Aunt Myrtle. They encounter the 1970 HG Wells varsity football team before returning to their own time.
Aftermath and Conclusion
The episode concludes with the characters back in their own time, reflecting on their experiences and hinting at future mysteries.
Keywords
Apollo 13
The Apollo 13 mission and its near-fatal oxygen tank explosion.
Time Travel
The fictional concept of moving between different points in time.
Problem-Solving
Collaborative problem-solving in a technical and interpersonal context.
CO2 Scrubber
A device crucial for life support in spacecraft, highlighted by the Apollo 13 mission.
Time Traveler
Individuals capable of moving between different points in time.
1970s
The historical setting of the podcast episode.
Mystery
The overarching theme of the podcast, involving unsolved events and intrigue.
Aunt Myrtle
A key character involved in time travel and the central mystery.
Charlene
A secondary time traveler with a mysterious role.
Q&A
What was the main technical problem faced by the Apollo 13 astronauts?
An oxygen tank explosion caused critical power loss, oxygen depletion, and dangerous CO2 buildup.
How did Max and Molly help solve the Apollo 13 crisis?
They used their problem-solving skills to assist NASA engineers in addressing the power and CO2 issues.
Who is Charlene, and what is her role in the story?
Charlene is a time traveler hired to find Myrtle; her motives remain somewhat mysterious.
What is the significance of Aunt Myrtle in the story?
Aunt Myrtle is a recurring character involved in time travel, adding mystery and intrigue.
Show Notes
Episode Description: Max and Molly team up with a surprising ally—Aunt M’s teenage boyfriend Murph—as they race to help save the Apollo 13 astronauts from disaster. But strange things are still happening in the time-warped school, and Charlene’s mysterious assignment might be more dangerous than she realizes.
Math Concepts: Subtraction and Time Intervals; Multiplication and Division; Ratios and Proportions; Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation: Applying the formula for gravitational force (F = GMm/R²) to calculate acceleration from the moon’s pull; Unit Conversions & Scientific Notation: Newtons, kilograms, meters per second, volts.
History/Geography Concepts: Apollo 13 Mission (1970): including learning about spacecraft structure (Command Module, Lunar Module), CO₂ scrubbers, and gravitational slingshot maneuvers.
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