Ep 10. After Dark

Popular Mechanics for Kids season 2 episode 10 "After Dark" is an exciting and informative look at the world after the sun goes down. Hosts Elisha Cuthbert and Jay Baruchel explore the mysteries of the night, from the animals that come out to play to the technologies that help us explore the darkness.

The episode begins with the hosts venturing out into the darkness to learn about nocturnal animals. They visit a zoo where they learn about animals such as bats, owls, and lemurs that are active at night. They even get to see some of these animals up close and learn about their unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the darkness. Elisha and Jay also venture into the wilderness at night to look for some of these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitats.

Next, the hosts take viewers on a tour of some of the best stargazing spots in North America. They visit a telescope observatory in California and learn how scientists use telescopes to study the stars and galaxies. They also take a trip to Arizona to visit a famous meteor crater and learn about the science behind meteors and meteorites. Finally, they end up in Texas to visit the McDonald Observatory and learn about the tools that astronomers use to study the night sky.

The episode then takes a turn towards technology, as the hosts explore some of the gadgets and machines that allow us to see in the dark. They visit a manufacturer of night vision goggles and learn about how they work and the different types available. They also try out some bioluminescent fishing lures and learn about the science of bioluminescence. Finally, they visit a company that makes thermal imaging cameras and learn about the many different applications for this technology, from wildlife conservation to home security.

The hosts then turn their attention to the lighter side of the night, as they learn about some of the fun ways people enjoy the darkness. They visit a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course and learn about the science behind glowing objects. They also try out some glow-in-the-dark paint and create their own works of art.

The episode ends with the hosts reflecting on the many different ways that humans have adapted to life in the darkness. From the animals that come out at night to the technologies that allow us to see in the dark, it is clear that the darkness is a fascinating and important part of our world. Popular Mechanics for Kids season 2 episode 10 "After Dark" is an informative and entertaining look at this mysterious world that comes to life when the sun goes down.