3-2-1 Contact Extra — Season 1, Episode 5: Bottom of the Barrel
Kids, Family • 30 min • 1 season, 10 episodes
Episode synopsis
“Bottom of the Barrel” investigates the environmental and economic consequences of society’s dependence on oil. Through on‑site reporting, expert interviews, and clear scientific explanations, the episode explores how petroleum is extracted, refined, used, and ultimately wasted. It highlights the pollution and long‑term damage caused by spills, overconsumption, and improper disposal, while also examining efforts to conserve resources and develop cleaner alternatives. Aimed at helping teens understand the true cost of fossil fuels, the special encourages thoughtful choices about energy use and environmental responsibility.
About 3-2-1 Contact Extra
3-2-1 Contact Extra is a collection of documentary‑style specials produced by the Children’s Television Workshop as an extension of the science series 3‑2‑1 Contact. Aired between 1989 and 1992, the specials were designed for older children and teenagers, tackling real‑world issues through science, personal stories, and expert insight. Each episode focused on a single topic—ranging from public health and environmental challenges to adolescence and social pressures—using interviews, on‑location reporting, and first‑person narratives. The series aimed to help young viewers understand complex subjects with clarity, honesty, and practical relevance.