Watchly Safety Review

How fast will a basketball fall? | Terminal Velocity Experiment | Mini Max | Science Max

3:43 · 14K views · April 8, 2025

Safe for Most KidsReviewed June 2026

This episode is safe for most kids and offers a clear, engaging science lesson on terminal velocity using a wind tunnel experiment. The video does a great job explaining how gravity and air resistance balance out to create a top speed, and it includes a fun demonstration with a basketball and a weighted ball. However, the segment showing a person flying in a wind tunnel might be slightly intense for very young children, and the science is presented in a simplified way that could benefit from additional context.

What Parents Need to Know

This video is a fantastic introduction to physics concepts like gravity, air resistance, and terminal velocity. It uses a real wind tunnel and shows how different objects (a basketball and a heavier red ball) reach different terminal speeds. Kids will learn that weight and surface area affect how fast something can fall, and the demonstration with people flying is both exciting and educational. The only potential concern is that the wind tunnel segment shows people being lifted by strong winds, which might startle very young or sensitive viewers, but it is presented in a safe, controlled environment. The video is free of any inappropriate content and is purely educational.

Talk to Your Kids About

1Why did the basketball and the heavy ball fall at the same speed when dropped from a height, but need different wind speeds to float in the tunnel?
2What is terminal velocity, and how does it explain why a skydiver can't fall faster than a certain speed?
3If you were to drop a feather and a rock from a high place, which would hit the ground first? Why?
4How does the shape of an object (like lying down vs. standing up) affect how fast it can fall through the air?

How fast will a basketball fall? | Terminal Velocity Experiment | Mini Max | Science Max

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What's This Video About?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed attainable by an object as it falls through a fluid. Phil demonstrates the terminal velocity of a basketball. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE SCIENCE ▶ https://youtube.com/@ScienceMax?feature=shared CHECK OUT OUR WILDEST EXPERIMENTS ▶ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY2vSQEVraKC7MTRY7duSQdfjA33GHnHV&feature=shared WATCH OUR 'MINI MAX' EXPERIMENTS HERE ▶ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY2vSQEVraKBlc8fX1L1ewBdJO6lEtfSH&feature=shared ENJOY THE ENTIRE SEASON 1 COLLECTION ▶ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY2vSQEVraKDpCbiW_2YFlR3ygJEa0Lk7&feature=shared Have you ever done a science experiment and wondered “What would this be like if it were HUGE?” Welcome to Science Max, the exciting series that turbocharges all the science experiments you’ve done at home. #ScienceMax #Science #ScienceExperiments

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this video appropriate for?

This video is recommended for children ages 5 and up. The science concepts are explained simply, and the wind tunnel demonstration is exciting but not scary. Younger children may enjoy the visuals but might need help understanding the physics.

Is the wind tunnel segment safe for kids?

Yes, the wind tunnel segment is presented in a controlled, professional environment with experts operating the equipment. It shows people floating safely, which is a real-world science demonstration. There is no danger or risky behavior shown.

Does this video contain any hidden advertising or sponsored content?

No, the video is purely educational and does not contain any hidden advertising or sponsored content. It is a straightforward science lesson from the 'Science Max' series, which is known for its educational value.

What will my child learn from this video?

Your child will learn about gravity, air resistance, and terminal velocity. They will see how different objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum but reach different top speeds in the air, and how weight and shape affect that speed.

Is the 'ninja science roll' segment appropriate?

Yes, it is a playful and engaging way to introduce the topic. It is not violent or dangerous, just a fun, creative way to present science. It may appeal to kids who enjoy action-themed presentations.

Could this video cause any misconceptions about physics?

The video is accurate in its basic explanation of terminal velocity. It correctly states that all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum, and that air resistance creates a top speed. It does not oversimplify or mislead, though it focuses on one aspect of physics.