It's OK to Be Smart
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Entertaining science-based videos inspire curiosity.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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It's OK to Be Smart
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What's the Story?
IT'S OK TO BE SMART is a series of educational videos in which host Joe Hanson, Ph.D. explores the science behind topics like how glaciers move, why hexagons are prevalent in nature, what accounts for luck, the viability of asteroid mining, and the critical role of toilets in human history. Using creative graphic imagery, humor, and a whole lot of his own knowledge, Hanson teaches viewers how and why things work the way they do. The videos incorporate scientific truths from anatomy, biology, astronomy, chemistry, human behavior, as well as the art of general observation.
Is It Any Good?
Hanson's ability to condense a broad scope of information and present it in an engaging and entertaining manner makes these videos a lot of fun to watch. The episode titles play on viewers' natural curiosity (who wouldn't want to know more about a 20-million-year-old spider???), and Hanson delivers thorough but succinct lessons that are easy for even novice scientists to grasp.
It's OK to Be Smart has some great knowledge to impart on just about any age, but the directions in which the content veers can be unpredictable. Though there's nothing strictly mature about any of the topics broached, related topics invite mention of subjects like sex and physical attraction. With some thoughtful selection, these videos can be a fun watch for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the intention of series like this one. Is it all about learning, all about entertainment, or a little of both? Is the information it presents thorough, or do you wish it delved deeper into the topics? Is the host a reliable source, and why?
How has technology changed the way we learn and access information? How does that make the process of finding facts easier? On the other hand, what new challenges does the internet present to deciphering fact from fiction?
What value is there to being a curious person? Do you think this trait is generally viewed as a positive or a negative characteristic? How does your own curiosity drive you to learn and improve?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 1, 2012
- Cast: Joe Hanson
- Network: YouTube
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 1, 2019
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