"Whoops, I tripped."

Theoretically, this is an event for children, a “Science Saturday All Age Matinee.” Caltech recommends it for ages 8 and up. If you’ve ever seen Planet Earth, or any nature documentary that doesn’t sugarcoat the food chain, you’ll know that kids expecting Milo & Otis (do kids still watch that?) are in for a shock. But it’s never too early to learn about the brutality of nature… right?

That said, the episode they’re screening — Caves — doesn’t have much in the way of creatures eating each other. Instead, it has some really bizarre critters, some stunning geological formations and a gigantic underground mountain of bat poop. Planet Earth is a beautifully photographed series, especially in high definition (which the screening is in), and Caves is one of my favorite episodes. If I had kids I’d take them. Since I don’t, I’ll take myself.

Planet Earth — Caves
Saturday, March 6, 2 p.m.
Beckman Auditorium, Caltech
332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena
Tickets $5
Call 626.395.4652 or visit events.caltech.edu