Broadcast Outage: We're investigating a broadcast transmission failure affecting the San Luis Valley from Antonito in the south to Salida in the north. We're working to resolve this issue. You can stream our live broadcast HERE or via the RMPBS+ App.

Stream live and on-demand content now on our new app:

RMPBS+

Donate

Help tell more stories in 2026 - make a year-end gift!

Be Smart show's poster

Science and Nature

How the Meter Became The Meter

Join Joe Hanson as he explores curiosity and illuminates the science behind… well, everything.

How the Meter Became The Meter

Season 5 Episode 6 | 6m 2s | CC

The meter is the world’s ultimate measure, but how did it become “the” meter? What is this measurement based on? The story of this revolution in measurement traces its roots to the French Revolution. Scientists decided that an equal and united people should have equal and united measures. So they sent a pair of young astronomers out to measure the world, and invent the meter.

share

Be Smart

Watch more episodes

Why Is Blue So Rare In Nature?

Learn how living things make blue, and why this beautiful hue is so rare in nature.

Is Space A Thing?

Since the days of Ancient Greece, philosophers and scientists have been asking Whats space

How The Pyramids Were Built (Pyramid Science Part 2)

This week we look at ancient Egyptian mathematics, building techniques, tools, and culture

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >