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.

Smithsonian Network's "SciQ" series continues with a second volume featuring three new, 25-minute episodes. The trend of focusing on a general subject continues as the hosts Paula, Pemma, and Andrew explore life underwater, the winter outdoors, and the always-enjoyable world of flight. The show remains largely beneficial for younger, pre-middle school viewers and thankfully this time around doesn't suffer from pop-culture inspired theme shows that miss the mark with attempts at humor and thin connections. However, there was more than one segment that even piqued my interest this time out.

In the episode 'Underwater' Andrew takes part in underwater hockey, a sport I had no idea existed. For parents watching this show with their kids, interesting segments like these make the program much more tolerable when well known science facts are being handed out. The cornball humor from the previous volume is still here but remains forgiven as it is inoffensive and age appropriate. The biggest complement I can give the show this time out is I found myself looking for further information online about a boat based on a dolphin.

The quality of the scientific explanations remain to the point and very accessible. Whenever possible sensible analogies are given, such as using a closed bottle of pop to illustrate what causes 'the bends' in deep-sea divers to automobile antifreeze to explain how insects can survive cold temperatures. As an educator, these relatable examples are what I strive to come up with myself for use in the classroom and are vital components for a show such as "SciQ" to be successful.

In the end, "SciQ" remains an appetizer for young minds. It's not here to fill their brains with a thousand facts, but instead get them thinking about the world around them. The 'Snow' episode has tremendous potential to inspire abstract thoughts in young minds, if they really start thinking about how there is more to the world around them, than what lies on the surface. Additionally, it provides practical knowledge for surviving in cold weather. As scary as it may seem, many kids don't ever learn common sense habits such as the ones presented here (i.e. layered clothing in cold weather) and often get (too much) knowledge from television. I commend the makers for throwing these tips in this episode.

My biggest remaining complaint with the series focuses on the quality of visual learning aids. The show does employ the use of animations to illustrate points when actual video footage is not practical, but many of these animations lack supporting text and the viewers are left to rely on narration alone. Given the occasionally rushed narration tied to these segments, and visual learners get left in the dust. In the episode 'Flight' an animated graphic detailing the workings of a hovercraft is shown, but again, no text support is provided, which is especially detrimental given the introduction of new and tricky vocabulary.
"SciQ: Volume Two" remains a solid rental for parents looking to get their kids excited about science. The shows are well paced and never linger too long before either changing the subject or location, ensuring kids with short attention spans will remain interested. Parents are encouraged this time out to watch the program with their kids and don't let the learning stop with the end credits and pay close attention to what interested them the most. This is a solid stepping-stone to learning.

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" definitely shows some promise as an educational series and while likely to never reach the greatness of a Bill Nye or Mr. Wizard, stands out as one of the few series aimed specifically at kids. If the creators continue to keep the focus on general scientific topics and find a way to enhance the visual learning aids, the show will only get better. Rent It.