Science and Math Shows for Kids
We don’t have a TV. It’s not a moral decision; we just don’t have a lot of time to watch it! That is not to say that my kids don’t watch programs. Everything we watch at home is on YouTube.
It’s easy for the kids to go astray on YouTube, so be sure to set up some safety measures. See my earlier post here
My kids easily get sucked into watching other people play video games. That’s when I shout,
“No more! You have to watch something with some redeeming value and that’s educational!”
This is my quick go-to guide for math and science based shows (because that’s what they are in to) that the kids like to watch and can all be found on YouTube. There are lots of great literary shows, too. But that’s a story for another time.
The age guidelines are based on my opinion, and the description are from the shows’ websites.
Science
Animals
Go, Diego, Go! is an Latino-American animated educational television program where an 8-year-old Latino boy whose adventures frequently involve rescuing animals and protecting their environment.
Octonauts – (4+) Go on missions to rescue sea creatures by joining Captain Barnacles and crew as they explore the ocean.
Wild Kratts – (5+) Join the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure, while traveling to animal habitats around the globe.
WotWots – (age 2+) an enchanting pre-school series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot. This delightful pair of enquiring minds have come to Earth to explore and to marvel at the extraordinary diversity of life on the blue planet.
Zoboomafoo – (4+) with the Kratt Brothers, is the first wildlife program specifically designed for preschoolers. This features the Kratt Brothers and is a pre-curser to Wild Kratts.
General Science
Bill Nye the Science Guy – (elementary to pre-teen) is a live action educational television program. The show aims to teach a specific topic in a natural science to a preteen audience.
Grossology – (elementary) Ty and Abby are a teen brother and sister crime-fighting team who report to the Bureau of Grossology, a secret government facility whose job is to protect the city from disgusting villains and their gross crimes. Each episode of the series follows the pair on adventures based on real scientific facts.
Nova: Making Stuff… (6+) these are a series produced by PBS and are appropriate for children to learn about making stuff: colder, wilder, faster, etc.
Sci Girls – (elementary) It’s an educational outreach program for elementary and middle-school children based on proven best practices for science, technology, engineering and math education for girls. The boys love it, too!
Math
Math Monsters – (Pre school to grade 2) Math Monsters is an amusing and enlightening video and book series that introduces young readers to mathematical concepts through the humorous antics of Addison, Mina, Multiplex, Split and their friends.
Mathnet – (6+) Mathnet is a segment on the children’s television show Square One Television, of which five seasons were produced (1987–92). This parody of Dragnet featured mathematician/detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department who solved mysteries using their mathematical skills.
Number Jacks – (preschool) A British series where the mission to learn is an exciting and entertaining world where children become engaged with and learn mathematics through a unique mix of games, video, audio, images and interactivity.
What other suggestions do you have that I can add to the list?
