Science Archives | Wisdom Harbour

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Molasses isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you think of a natural disaster—but in 1919, Boston learned otherwise. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Briley Crisafi tells the incredible true story of the Great Molasses Flood, when a massive storage tank burst and sent a fifteen-foot wave of sticky syrup barreling through city streets at nearly thirty miles per hour. You’ll discover how the disaster unfolded, why it was completely preventable, and how molasses itself has a surprising history, from its role in rum-making to its unexpected nutritional benefits.

The Math Behind Every Game

by Rick Burgess | Betcha Didn't Know

You might not see calculators on the field, but math is hard at work behind every pitch, pass, and play. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Rick Burgess reveals how angles, spin, velocity, and even advanced stats shape the sports we love. From spiraling footballs and curving soccer kicks to split-second pit stops and record-breaking swims, this piece shows that math isn’t just part of the game—it’s what makes the game work.

Tapped Into the Truth: The Sweet Science of Maple Syrup

by Andy Andrews | Betcha Didn't Know

Think maple syrup is just for pancakes? Think again! In this sweet and sticky Betcha Didn’t Know, Andy Andrews uncovers the surprising science behind one of breakfast’s tastiest toppings. From immune-boosting minerals and antioxidants to the delicate art of tree tapping, you’ll learn why pure maple syrup is not only delicious—but downright impressive. Pour yourself a little knowledge and find out what makes this golden goodness worth its weight in sap!

Udderly Surprising: Fun Dairy Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

by Andy Andrews | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha Didn’t Know… ancient farmers used live frogs to keep their milk fresh! From frog-powered refrigeration to 3,000-year-old cheese, this dairy deep-dive is full of unexpected twists. Andy Andrews dishes out the creamy truth about cow superpowers, milk’s yellow glow, and the surprising perks of spoiled dairy. With tales that stretch from ancient tombs to your breakfast table, this episode is udderly packed with juicy morsels you’ll want to share. Got milk? You’ve got to hear this.

Exploring Weather

by Briley Crisafi | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha Didn’t Know… the Medici family helped launch weather forecasting… or that it can literally rain fish. In this wild ride through sun, storms, and science, Briley Crisafi explores how weather works, where it started, and why sometimes it’s just plain weird. From fog bows to frozen iguanas falling from trees—this episode is anything but a fair-weather forecast!

The Underwater Forest

by Ben Raines | The Way I See It

Hidden beneath the Gulf of Mexico, an ancient cypress forest lay untouched for over 60,000 years—until a powerful hurricane revealed its existence. Just off the Alabama coast, this prehistoric relic, once teeming with life, now rests 60 feet below the surface, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s distant past. How did this forest survive beneath the sea? And what secrets do its tree rings hold about ancient climates and rising sea levels?

Body Parts That Never Stop Growing

by Armon J. Newton | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha Didn’t Know some of your body parts are in a lifelong growth spurt—ears and noses, we’re looking at you! Ever notice how Grandpa’s ears seem… a little larger than life? Don’t worry, it’s not magic, just gravity and aging teaming up for a slow-motion stretch. Join Armon Newton as he breaks down why your cartilage doesn’t get the memo to stop growing, with a few laughs along the way!

The Secret Melodies That Make Plants Thrive

by Armon J. Newton | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha didn’t know that music can do some pretty unexpected things! Some say it helps plants grow, while others believe it can boost brainpower. But did you know classical music has a history full of strange surprises? From lost masterpieces to unbelievable mix-ups, the stories behind some of history’s greatest composers might just leave you speechless. Explore the wild, wonderful, and sometimes bizarre world of classical music in this episode of Betcha Didn’t Know!

How Military Research Spawned the Internet Age

by Armon J. Newton | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha Didn’t Know that the internet you’re using right now began as a military project to survive nuclear war! Armon Newton uncovers how a Cold War-era communication experiment grew into the global phenomenon we know today. From the first email (sent between two side-by-side computers!) to the invention of the World Wide Web, this episode will have you marveling at the internet’s evolution—complete with coffee pot webcams, dial-up screeches, and even a near miss with the name “Cadaver.”

The Alchemy of Color: How Medieval Artists Made Paint

by Andy Andrews | Betcha Didn't Know

Join Andy Andrews as he reveals the fascinating history of paint, from egg-based “illuminations” in medieval manuscripts to Tyrian Purple—a dye so rare it was reserved for emperors! Discover how crushed beetles, tree resin, and sea mollusks created iconic colors, why the White House wasn’t always white, and the story behind the Golden Gate Bridge’s “International Orange.” This Betcha Didn’t Know brushes up on the colorful evolution of paint through the ages!

The Surprising Science of Glass

by Andy Andrews | Betcha Didn't Know

Betcha Didn’t Know…glass isn’t really a solid! Join Andy Andrews as he shatters your expectations with surprising facts about this amazing material. From glass flowing over time to cracks racing at 3,000 miles per hour, this episode is crystal clear in its fun and fascinating science! Learn how glass is made, why old windows look wavy, and how “stunt glass” in movies is actually made from sugar!

Supersonic

by Briley Crisafi | Betcha Didn't Know

Join Briley Crisafi as she dives into the world of extreme sounds, from pig squeals at 130 decibels to the pistol shrimp’s underwater “gunshot” at 218 decibels. Discover how sound travels through air and water, why flies can’t hear their own buzzing, and how infrasound in horror movies can give you chills. Plus, learn about the loudest sound ever recorded—an erupting volcano heard 3,000 miles away! Prepare for a sonic adventure in this Betcha Didn’t Know!