Goliath tarantulas are the most enormous spiders in the world. Most people consider them to be extremely dangerous and avoid them, but not tarantula expert Rick West. He seeks out tarantulas because he has an important story to tell. What information does West want to share with the world? Are tarantulas as dangerous as people think?
The Arctic region of Canada is home to a huge depression in the earth called the Haughton Crater. A group of explorers has come to the area to explore the challenges expected when traveling to Mars. What challenges will they experience? What preparations are being made for a trip to Mars here on Earth?
In Brazil, a man has discovered a new way of saving, or rescuing, people from drowning in the ocean. This new rescue method involves a person using a motor-powered aircraft to work with lifeguards on the beach. How do these people work together? Is this an effective way of saving lives?
In Japan, a young woman named Umechika dreams of becoming a geisha and has left home to follow her dream. This mysterious Japanese profession requires years of difficult training. What happens during the training of a geisha? Why does Umechika want to be one?
Confucius (551-479 B.C.) is a well-known person in Chinese history. He had many followers who believed in what he taught and who spread his ideas throughout the country. Confucius continues to influence many parts of Chinese life. What were his ideas? How do they still affect China today?
People from around the world travel to Coober Pedy, Australia, with hopes of getting rich. This town is full of valuable stones called 'opals'. Some opals are worth millions, but they are extremely hard to find. What influences the value of an opal? What does it take to find them?
A group of young athletes have traveled to the Indian Ocean to visit Reunion Island for a unique challenge: canyaking. This tough outdoor activity is a combination of two different sports and requires the cooperation of all team members. What two sports does canyaking involve? Will the team succeed in canyaking Reunion Island?
The first trip outside of a spacecraft, or 'spacewalk', was completed in 1965. Since then many astronauts have participated in spacewalks, but spacewalking does not come without its risks and challenges and astronauts are in constant danger when in space. What are the risks and challenges of spacewalking? How do astronauts overcome them?
The human body is an amazing 'machine' made up of different systems that allow us to do things like run, eat, and even breath. These systems work together to keep the body functioning normally and healthily. How does the human body actually work? What jobs do the systems perform?
The weather on Earth is always changing. One day it's cloudy, the next day it's sunny, and the day after that - who knows? Meteorologists are scientists that can predict the weather. But how do they do it? What causes these changes in weather?
In the 1800s, the Rocky Mountain locust brought massive destruction to Western settlers. Then, the insects suddenly disappeared-almost without a trace. Now scientists hope to find a reason for the locust's extinction. What caused the Rocky Mountain locust to disappear? Where will the scientists find the answers?
Greve, Italy, is one of the many cities around the globe that is part of the 'Slow City' movement: a way of living designed to fight the negative effects of our increasingly fast-paced world. The 'Slow City' movement has also inspired individuals to start a 'Slow Food' movement. What does it mean to be part of these groups?
In a small village in northern Greece, local residents participate in an annual religious festival called 'Anastenaria'. During the festival, believers walk across fire to test their faith and receive blessings from religious figures. Will all the participants make it across the fire? How will their firewalk affect them?
Global warming and the overuse of available traditional fuels have created an environmental crisis. In Colorado, however, scientists in the windy Rocky Mountains have found alternative fuel sources that could provide a solution. What are these new sources of energy? How can they be used in everyday life?
Along the coast of Northern Ireland, there is an unusual place called "The Giant's Causeway." According to a local story, a big man, or "giant, " made it. Scientists, however, have a different story. How was this unusual place made? Was there really a giant?
Many people visit Alaska to see the beautiful national parks. One group of visitors wants to fly into a national park and go skiing. However, the weather turns bad. Will the visitors be able to get to the park? What will they do there?
Humboldt squids, or 'Red Devils, ' are the world's largest animal without a backbone. These sometimes dangerous creatures live in the deep waters of the Gulf of California. A researcher and professional diver have come to the Gulf to learn more about them. Will they find any Red Devils? Will they be able to observe them safely
For thousands of years certain remote groups of native Chinese people have existed in near isolation. Separated from the mainstream world, these deeply cultural communities have maintained the old ways of life. Now, with the introduction of today's modern conveniences, they could disappear. What are these cultures? Can they be preserved before it's too late?
