Watch Everyday Miracles

Everyday Miracles is a documentary series that aired on BBC Four in 2014. The show explores how everyday objects and materials have revolutionized the way we live our lives. The series is presented by Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist who is passionate about uncovering the science behind the objects we use in our everyday lives.

The show takes viewers on a journey through the history and science of everyday objects, from the materials used to make them to the engineering that goes into their design. Each episode focuses on a particular theme, such as communication or transport, and explores how different materials and technologies have been used to transform these areas of our lives.

Over the course of the series, Miodownik meets with experts and explores different environments, such as a car factory or a glassblowing studio, to uncover the secrets of the materials and techniques used to create everyday objects. He also experiments with these materials himself, often pushing them to their limits in order to better understand their properties.

Some of the objects covered in the show include glass, paper, plastics, and even concrete. Viewers will learn how the invention of the light bulb revolutionized our ability to work and play after dark, and how paper transformed our ability to communicate over long distances. The series also looks at how plastics have transformed our ability to preserve food and how concrete has allowed us to build bigger and taller structures than ever before.

Throughout the series, Miodownik draws on his expertise as a materials scientist to explain the science behind these everyday objects. He breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand concepts that even non-scientists can understand. He also engages with everyday people, such as glassblowers or car mechanics, to better understand the nuts and bolts of how these objects are made.

What sets Everyday Miracles apart from other documentary series is its focus on the science and engineering behind everyday objects. While other shows might explore the history or cultural significance of an object, Miodownik is more interested in the nuts and bolts of how the object was made and how it works. This focus on the scientific and engineering aspects of everyday objects helps viewers to better understand how these objects impact our lives on a daily basis.

Overall, Everyday Miracles is an informative and engaging documentary series that explores the science and engineering behind the objects that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. With his infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of materials science, Miodownik is the perfect guide for this fascinating journey through the world of everyday objects. Whether you're a science buff or just curious about the world around you, Everyday Miracles is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the objects that make our lives possible.