Watch SciQ

2009
1 Season

SciQ was a science show that aired on Smithsonian Channel from 2005-2007. The show explored a wide range of topics in science, from the smallest particles to the mysteries of the universe. With a focus on cutting-edge research and technologies, SciQ aimed to make science accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.

Hosted by a team of young scientists and engineers, the show featured a mix of in-studio experiments and on-location reporting. Each episode would typically focus on a specific theme, such as space exploration or renewable energy, and would feature interviews with experts in the field.

One of the key strengths of SciQ was its ability to explain complex scientific concepts in clear and simple terms. Whether exploring the latest advances in genetics or the physics of black holes, the show used engaging graphics and visuals to help viewers understand the science behind the headlines.

Another standout feature of SciQ was its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The show featured a diverse cast of hosts, including women and people of color, and often explored issues related to diversity and social justice in science. For example, one episode focused on efforts to increase representation of women and minorities in STEM fields, while another explored the history of African-American contributions to science.

In addition to its focus on science and diversity, SciQ also had a playful and irreverent tone that set it apart from other science shows of the era. The hosts had a knack for making even the driest of topics entertaining, using humor and pop culture references to keep viewers engaged. For example, in an episode on the science of sound, the hosts created a parody of a popular rap song to explain the properties of sound waves.

Despite its popularity with audiences and critical acclaim, SciQ was unfortunately cancelled after just two seasons. Nonetheless, the show left a lasting impact on the world of science media, paving the way for a new generation of science communicators who prioritize accessibility, diversity, and entertainment.

Filter by Source

No sources available

Do you have Paramount+?

What are you waiting for?

Nice! Browse Paramount+ with Yidio.

Ad Info

Seasons

13. Snow and Ice

September 25, 2009

Did you know the largest recorded snowflake was roughly the size of fifteen large pizzas stacked on top of each other? Bundle up as our hosts, Andrew and Paula, dive into a winter wonderland and explore the science of snow and ice with a snowflake hunter, an ice sculptor, and "Survivorman" Les Stroud. They even uncover the cause of brain freeze!

12. Food

September 18, 2009

Hosts Paula and Andrew discover some amazing things about the chemistry of the things we eat. Andrew learns the serious work that goes into making candy, and Paula discovers how your eyes and mouth can really play tricks on you at an avant-garde restaurant, where one of the most delicious items on the menu...is the menu!

11. Human Performance

September 11, 2009

How high can we jump? How fast can we run? How can we improve our physical strength? Hosts Andrew and Paula put their bodies to the ultimate test to see which one is in better shape. They'll push themselves to the limit, testing their strength, mobility, endurance, and, finally, Andrew's ego as he prepares to race some of the fastest cyclists in the world!

10. Eye Spy

September 4, 2009

Uncover the secrets of going undercover as our hosts examine the world of spying. Explore how science has revolutionized the top-secret trade and helped us see what the naked eye cannot, thanks to flying robots, infrared cameras, polygraphs, gait recognition analysis, and even dolphins. It's a far cry from trench coats and binoculars!

9. Bugs

June 19, 2009

Did you know, on average, we eat about a pound of bugs a year? As much as they may disgust us, truth is, we wouldn't last very long on this planet without them. Hosts Paula and Andrew investigate just how benevolent, powerful, artistic, and, yes, tasty bugs can be. They even discover a cockroach that can drive!

8. Robots

June 12, 2009

Explore the world of the modern-day robot, capable of completing house chores, simulating emotions, and even responding to human speech. One of the robots visited by the SciQ team even has aspirations to host a TV show.

7. Poop

June 5, 2009

Our hosts literally climb mountains of manure on a quest to solve a baffling biological question: why do we poop? They visit a zoo, where freezers full of hippo, baboon, and elephant samples are used to test the health of these animals. They also journey from a toilet research facility to a treatment plant, tracking the long journey poop makes from waste material to vital plant food.

6. Wild Wheels

April 17, 2009

The race is on when our hosts challenge each other to see who can take a ride on the wildest set of wheels. The dare puts Paula and Andrew at the controls of a treadmill bike, three-wheeled cars from the future, and even a jet luge, teaching them how far man has come from the days of wheel logs...and also why you should always wear a helmet!

5. CSI

April 10, 2009

Hosts Paula and Andrew learn the ropes of becoming crime scene investigators by studying the ins and outs-and the dos and don'ts-of gathering and testing evidence. From lifting fingerprints and footprints, to analyzing DNA, to testing the skills of police dogs, they reveal how detectives break a case and bust the bad guys.

4. Movie Magic

April 3, 2009

Go on set with our hosts as they explore the world of Hollywood special effects. Andrew gets a full zombie makeover, while Paula has a blast working with pyrotechnics. Our team will do anything to find out how sound and visual effects experts fool our ears and eyes...even if it means putting Andrew in high heels!

3. Flight

January 23, 2009

Take flight with our hosts as they experiment with wind tunnels, hovercraft, and rockets in an effort to defy gravity. Learn about aerodynamics, wind resistance, and which projects should be left to the experts!

2. Sound

January 16, 2009

It's sound check time for our hosts as they learn how to scream with a vocal coach to stars, audition to be a lead singer for a rock band, learn the basics of sound from Blue Man Group, and learn that intelligence and musical ability don't necessarily go hand-in-hand.

1. Underwater

January 9, 2009

Dive in and feed your brain as our hosts explore the possibilities for living, working, and playing underwater - including aquatic hockey with fins instead of skates, free-diving, and plunging depths of hundreds of feet on just one breath. If you've got the lungs, we've got the ultimate underwater experience.

Description