Coming from a science background and recently entering the field of education, I often scoff at many science programs aimed at both children and the general population. I still champion the sentiment that Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" is the finest scientific series ever produced. However, that is not to say other series' have not been successful. When it comes to the matter of getting kids of all ages interested in science, Don Herbert's "Mr. Wizard," Bill Nye, and Paul Zaloom's "Beakman's World" standout as being the complete package of science married to entertainment.

The Smithsonian Network has produced their own series aimed at kids titled "SciQ" and in this first volume, they set out to get kids excited about the principals of science by devoting four, 25-minute episodes to specific themes. The first three episodes really go full force at hooking kids through entertainment as they focus on the insanely popular field of crime scene investigations (or CSI), spies, and movie special effects. The final episode, is titled simply 'Sound' and is arguably the strongest of these premiere episodes.

Firstly, "SciQ" is definitely narrow in it's appeal in terms of age. Having worked with high school students, I know without a shadow of a doubt, if I popped any of these episodes on in the classroom, they'd be instant fodder for impromptu comedy routines. In fact, I'd say sixth grade, maybe seventh is the upper limit for the appeal of "SciQ." The episodes are, to put it kindly, very cheesy, but thinking back to old episodes of "Beakman's World" and "Bill Nye The Science Guy" there was no lack of cornball acting there either. However, what those shows held in great quantity were engaging hosts who knew their material and always made sure science was being conveyed. Three hosts, much younger than the three men previously mentioned, host "SciQ". They don't lack enthusiasm, but their enthusiasm is definitely geared toward the younger crowd.

However, quite a few of the topics covered in this first volume are more likely to be appealing towards the older crowd, especially the first episode revolving around CSI. The hosts get into each episode through the use of skits setting up the teaching portion. I can definitely see these skits hooking young viewers as they aren't particularly fact heavy. When the hosts employ the use of an expert in their field, the most significant instruction is delivered. The vocabulary is very approachable for kids just getting into the wonders of science and the explanations are very deliberate. However, as mentioned above, the combination of CSI (to be clear the actual show isn't involved, it's the general field that is covered) with a younger audience just doesn't set well with me. Some of the obvious jokes that made me laugh are going to be completely lost on kids.

The episodes on spies and special effects are equally solid, with the former taking a nice look at archaeology, while the latter reminding me of behind-the-scenes programs I watched in my youth that helped build up my fascination of movies, most specifically the requisite trip to the Foley studio. These pop culture themed episodes are perhaps a bit too broad though, with the theme seeming tacked on to drag in viewers. While I thought the segments on archaeology and lie detecting were well handled, they didn't feel like "spy stuff." The final episode however, changes things up and covers the broader topic of sound. It's quite appealing, going from the world's loudest car and covering a very important topic of volume (and the dangers associated with high volume) to getting Blue Man Group involved to relay the basics of sound in general. Blue Man Group's appearance is pop culture done right in my book as they are engaging and extremely relevant to the topic at hand.

"SciQ" is by no means an outstanding program, but compared to most edutainment (for all ages), is earnest in its intentions. It suffers from not knowing at times whom it is trying to sell itself to and winds up being an appetizer for learning. For younger kids, it's a decent enough program for parents to rent a copy if possible and see what most interests their kids. They should be prepared though to seek out some more thorough programming or material, as the core content really is easily summed up with the nice animated fact screens that pop up between segments.

The 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen transfer is what one would expect from this sort of television production. Color levels are strong, while detail is more towards the middle of the road. Some minor edge-enhancement appears, but no compression artifacts or other glaring technical problems arise.

The Audio

The 5.1 Dolby Digital English soundtrack definitely comes across as more of a gussied up stereo track. Nothing here screams surround sound. The option 2.0 English track has only slightly less kick, lending support to this theory. English subtitles for the hearing impaired are included.

The Extras

None.


Final Thoughts

"SciQ: Volume 1" is a great sampler of appealing scientific principles for the younger demographic. It's in no way a substitute for the quality of Bill Nye, nor a good, well written, age appropriate book, but it does manage to teach kids a thing or two about the world around them. Hopefully, future episodes of the series will continue the trend of the sound episode and try to drop the pop culture gimmick for a wider look at basic scientific principles. Rent It.