SmarterEveryDay – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

SmarterEveryDay

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2006

87%

WISE Score

11.8M

Subscribers

An engineer with infectious curiosity uses high-speed cameras and science to reveal the hidden magic in everyday (and not-so-everyday) phenomena.

SmarterEveryDay

YouTube

2006

87%

WISE Score

11.8M

Subscribers

An engineer with infectious curiosity uses high-speed cameras and science to reveal the hidden magic in everyday (and not-so-everyday) phenomena.

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11.8M

Screenwise Verdict

SmarterEveryDay is what you hope for when your kid says they want to watch YouTube. Destin Sandlin is a legitimate engineer and educator who makes complex STEM topics accessible without dumbing them down. The channel has been running since 2006, and the quality has only improved—better cameras, deeper topics, more expert collaborations.

The educational value is undeniable: kids watching this are learning real physics, biology, and engineering, often at a level that rivals formal coursework. But it's never dry—the high-speed footage alone is mesmerizing, and Destin's genuine enthusiasm is contagious.

The only real caveats: it's still YouTube (so manage autoplay and comments), and some experiments involve things that go boom (always safely, but worth knowing). Overall, this is the rare YouTube channel that parents can feel genuinely good about, and kids will actually want to watch. If your kid binges this instead of MrBeast, count it as a parenting win.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-99. Younger kids (5-6) can enjoy the visuals even if the concepts fly over their heads; older kids and teens get the full educational payoff. Adults genuinely love this channel too—it's not 'kids' science,' it's just great science.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Hosted by Destin Sandlin, an engineer who explicitly prioritizes being 'a better Dad' and models genuine curiosity, humility, and wonder. The channel's tone is earnest, kind, and collaborative—he frequently brings in experts, admits when he doesn't know something, and celebrates learning. No snark, no manufactured drama, just a guy genuinely excited about how the world works.

Imaginative

Every video is an invitation to see the world differently—high-speed cameras revealing invisible physics, deep dives into bat echolocation, or how a helicopter stays in the air. The channel doesn't just explain; it demonstrates phenomena in ways that spark genuine 'wait, WHAT?' moments. Destin's approach encourages viewers to question assumptions and explore their own curiosities.

Safe

Content is consistently clean—no profanity, violence, or mature themes. However, comments are enabled on a channel with 11.8M subscribers, which means the comment section can be a mixed bag (though generally science-focused communities skew more civil). Some experiments involve potentially dangerous elements (explosives, high-speed machinery) but always with clear safety disclaimers and professional supervision. No predatory elements, no clickbait toxicity.

Enriching

This is STEM education at its finest—rigorous, accessible, and genuinely fascinating. Videos cover physics, engineering, biology, astronomy, and more, often consulting with PhDs and professionals. Destin doesn't dumb things down but explains complex concepts clearly. The channel has inspired countless kids (and adults) to pursue science and engineering. With 1.2B+ views across 392 videos, it's proof that deep learning can be wildly entertaining.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely fascinating STEM content that makes physics, engineering, and biology come alive—this is what 'educational content' should be
Destin models intellectual humility and curiosity without ego; he's learning alongside you, not lecturing at you
Production quality is excellent—high-speed footage, clear explanations, and collaborations with actual experts and scientists
Broad appeal: a 7-year-old will love watching bullets slice through stuff in slow-mo; a 14-year-old will actually understand the fluid dynamics
No manufactured drama or clickbait toxicity—just a dad who really, really loves science and wants to share it

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What to Watch For

Some videos involve explosives, firearms, or dangerous machinery (always with safety precautions, but worth previewing for sensitive kids)
Complexity varies wildly—some videos are accessible to early elementary; others dive deep into calculus-level concepts
Comments are enabled on a massive channel, so younger kids should watch in restricted mode or with parental co-viewing
It's still YouTube—algorithm and autoplay can lead to less-desirable content if you're not careful

Conversation Starters

"What was the coolest thing you saw in that video? Did anything surprise you about how it actually works?"
"Destin often says 'I don't know' and then goes to find an expert. When was the last time you admitted you didn't know something and went to learn about it?"
"If you could use a high-speed camera to film anything, what would you choose? What do you think you'd see?"
"He talks a lot about how things work in the real world versus how we think they work. What's something you thought you understood but turns out is way different?"