Ep 31. Scientific Bear

In season 2 episode 31 of Bear in the Big Blue House, titled "Scientific Bear," Bear decides to explore the world of science with his friends. Throughout the episode, the characters engage in various activities and experiments to learn more about the world around them.

At the beginning of the episode, Bear introduces the concept of science to his friends and explains how it involves exploring and understanding the natural world. He then suggests that they conduct their own scientific experiments to learn more about the world they live in.

The first experiment involves creating a homemade volcano using baking soda and vinegar. The characters take turns adding the ingredients to a plastic volcano model and are excited to see the mixture bubble and fizz over. They discuss the chemical reaction that causes the eruption and what it can teach them about real volcanoes.

Next, Bear introduces the concept of magnets and magnetic fields. He shows his friends different types of magnets and demonstrates how they can attract and repel each other. The characters then conduct their own experiments with magnets, trying to determine what objects in the house are magnetic and what are not.

Throughout the episode, Bear also encourages his friends to ask questions and think critically about what they are observing. He explains how scientists use the scientific method to ask questions, make observations, form hypotheses, test their hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

At one point, Tutter the mouse asks a thought-provoking question about why the moon changes shape, prompting a discussion about the phases of the moon and how they are caused by the moon's orbit around the Earth.

Later, the characters create their own simple machines using household objects. They build a lever, a pulley, and a ramp and test their effectiveness in moving objects. Bear explains how simple machines can make work easier and how they are used in everyday life.

Finally, the characters conclude their day of scientific exploration by conducting a taste test. They blindfold each other and try different flavors of jellybeans, trying to identify the different flavors based on taste alone. Bear explains how the sense of taste works and how different parts of the tongue detect different tastes.

Throughout the episode, Bear and his friends emphasize the importance of curiosity and a love of learning. They show that science can be fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. By encouraging their friends to ask questions, think critically, and experiment, they show that the world is full of wonder and discovery.