These days, there's little parents can do to avoid the presence of screen time in their children's lives. The issue is more controversial in some households than others, but many of today's parents share the same concern. It's not the screen time, per se, as much as the content of the screen time.
Ideally, you want your kids consuming content they can learn from instead of just mindless entertainment. There's certainly time for both, but when kids are left to make the decision, they're not always going to make the reasonable one. That's why it's great when your kid gets genuinely hooked on something that you actually approve of them watching.
If it's science you're looking to expose your kiddos to, you're in luck. There are so many different series out there today that celebrate kids of all genders and colors as they explore STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Here are some your kids are sure to enjoy.
'Ada Twist, Scientist'
Ada Twist is an 8-year-old scientist with a tremendous sense of curiosity and desire to learn about the world around her. Ada's best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck, help her along her adventures and ooze girl power as they expand their minds.
'Emily's Wonder Lab'
Host Emily Calandrelli drew a lot of attention with her Netflix series, Emily's Wonder Lab. Not only is the content fun and educational, but Emily trailblazed by filming the series while she was pregnant. Seeing a pregnant woman in STEM appeal to the curiosity of children is super powerful and surprisingly moving.
'Weird But True!'
Weird But True! is Disney+ and National Geographic's kids series that's full of exploration. It's a mix of arts and crafts and unbelievable facts explored in the field and in studio with hosts Charlie Engelman and Carly Ciarrocchi. Some of National Geographic's most knowledgeable professionals also appear.
'Ask the StoryBots'
StoryBots have been teaching kids all kinds of fascinating facts between web shows, their educational website, and now Netflix. The StoryBots answer kids' biggest questions about the world around them, from "Why is the sky blue?" to "Where does rain come from?" in ways they can understand and engage with.
'Brainchild'
Brainchild explains some of life's biggest concepts to its youngest minds. Learn about everything from germs to motivation to space and find out how mind, body, and the world around us works.
'Brain Games'
Brain Games is an Emmy-nominated series full of interactive games and experiments that challenge kids to get thinking. They'll learn all about how the mind works through its many different functions and think about how their bodies really work.
'Tumble Leaf'
This series is aimed at preschoolers and teaches learning science through play. The exciting adventures these whimsical characters go on teach basic science concepts that will get kids curious about the world around them.
'Sid the Science Kid'
Sid the Science Kid follows a curious little boy as he and his friends try to find the answers to their burning questions, all while singing and dancing and having fun. If it has a familiar feel to it, it's because the series is coproduced by The Jim Henson Company, so it's family-friendly and educational all at once.
'Bill Nye Saves the World'
For the generation that missed out on Bill Nye the Science Guy comes Bill Nye Saves the World. It's a humorous watch for your older kids that takes on some of the pressing scientific questions of the day, from climate change to space exploration and more.
'The Magic School Bus'
The Magic School Bus is one of those great animated series that's just as awesome now as it was during its original run. Ms. Frizzle and her class of curious kiddos learn about the planet, the human body, and so much more.
'The Magic School Bus Rides Again'
Remakes don't usually get a lot of love, but parents have been surprised to find that The Magic School Bus Rides Again has a lot of the high points of the original with a fresh new twist. This group is led by Ms. Frizzle's little sister, Fiona, as they learn all about science.
'The Mars Generation'
Space camp was every '90s kids' dream, and we're stoked to report it's just as cool as you imagined it to be. The Mars Generation follows space campers dreaming of traveling to Mars as experts reflect on the history of NASA and its future.
'Odd Squad'
This Canadian live-action TV series comes to US audiences courtesy of PBS. It definitely has a silly side, but there are also a lot of valuable lessons that come from following the Odd Squad as they learn about math and handle all kinds of chaos.
'Project Mc^2'
A gang of teenage girls who happen to be superheroes use brain power to take on challenges. Science and tech skills are at the heart of their world-saving adventures.
