Educational Entertainment: Our Top TV Picks for Homeschool Scientists

Science is everywhere, and it’s never too early to start exploring and learning about the world around us. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic science shows for little kids that make homeschool science fun and exciting. From investigating the mysteries of the universe with Ada Twist, Scientist, to exploring the animal kingdom with Wild Kratts, these shows are not only educational but also entertaining.

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of our favorite science shows for our homeschool learners, and why we think they’re perfect for young minds who are curious about the world. So, grab your little ones and get ready to learn and have some fun!

Doozers

Recommended for ages 3 to 5

Doozers (TV Series 2012–2018) - IMDb

Doozers is an animated series on Hulu that aims to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. The show follows a group of small, green creatures, known as Doozers, who employ engineering and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges, fostering a sense of curiosity and adventure in young viewers.

Through the Doozers’ explorations and experiments, viewers learn vital lessons in teamwork, critical thinking, and the scientific process. The series stands out as an excellent science resource for homeschooling, particularly for kindergarten to second-grade students.

Tumble Leaf

Recommended for ages 2 to 5

Tumble Leaf, a stop-motion animated series available on Amazon Prime, is an engaging science show designed for preschoolers. Following the adventures of Fig, a curious blue fox, the series explores scientific concepts such as sound, light, and buoyancy in each episode.

Tumble Leaf combines science, storytelling, problem-solving, critical thinking skills and play to introduce preschoolers to scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way. Through Fig’s adventures, kids are encouraged to use their imaginations and curiosity to explore and discover the world around them.

Sid the Science Kid

Recommended for ages 3 to 6

Sid the Science Kid airs on PBS Kids and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. The show follows the adventures of a curious and enthusiastic young boy named Sid, who is always asking questions and seeking answers about the world around him. With the help of his family and friends, Sid uses science to explore everyday phenomena and solve problems.

Each episode focuses on a particular scientific concept or theme, such as simple machines, weather, the human body, or the five senses. Through music, humor, and interactive activities, the show engages young viewers and helps them develop critical thinking skills and a love of science. 

After watching Sid the Science Kid’s episode about weather, continue to explore the elements with Little Monster Universe’s lesson plan on Weather Wonders.

Wild Kratts

Recommended for ages 6 to 8

Wild Kratts is a PBS animated show that follows the adventures of brothers Chris and Martin Kratt as they explore and learn about different animals and their habitats. Using their Creature Power Suits, the brothers can take on the abilities of various creatures, allowing them to better understand their behavior and characteristics.

The show can teach homeschool learners about biology, ecology, and zoology in an engaging and entertaining way. Wild Kratts helps children develop a curiosity about the natural world and encourages them to learn more about the animals they encounter in their daily lives.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!

Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Airing on PBS Kids, “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!,” inspired by Dr. Seuss’s iconic books, is an animated series designed to enrich science education for homeschooling parents teaching young children. 

Join the Cat, Nick, and Sally on captivating scientific explorations, with each episode unveiling a new topic, from the intricacies of honey production to the secrets of sound travel. The Cat in the Hat uses imaginative storytelling and vibrant animation to explain complex scientific concepts and inspire curiosity. 

Continue to share classic cartoon characters with your learner through our Winnie-the-Pooh unit. This literature-based unit will take children on a journey through the woods with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Elinor Wonders Why

Recommended for ages 4 to 6

Elinor Wonders Why, available on PBS Kids and Amazon Prime, is an ideal resource for homeschool parents seeking engaging and

educational content for preschoolers. The show centers on Elinor, a curious rabbit, and her friends Ari and Olive, as they explore the natural world, delving into scientific concepts such as pollination, migration, and animal behavior in each episode. With a focus on fostering empathy and respect for the environment, Elinor Wonders Why introduces young viewers to the wonders of nature in a fun and insightful way.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Ada Twist, Scientist, available on Netflix, is an animated science show perfect for homeschool parents teaching science to their children. The series follows the adventures of Ada Twist, a naturally curious young girl engaged in scientific exploration. With a focus on scientific methods, Ada’s inquisitive nature encourages kids to think like scientists, fostering a love for asking questions and seeking answers through fun investigations and experiments. The show not only promotes critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork but also features diverse characters, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background or identity, can be a scientist. 

The Magic School Bus

Recommended for ages 6 to 10

The Magic School Bus is back — and it's tackling evolution | PBS NewsHour“The Magic School Bus” is a classic series that originally aired in the 1990s and is now available for streaming on Netflix. The show follows a class of elementary school students and their eccentric science teacher, Ms. Frizzle, as they embark on educational field trips in a magical school bus. Each episode explores a scientific concept or theme, such as the solar system, the human body, or weather patterns, in a fun and engaging way. The Magic School Bus combines humor and adventure with scientific inquiry, making learning about science fun and enjoyable for young viewers. 

Enjoy Learning Science with Little Monsters Universe

Combining a hands-on learning experience with fun science tv shows will give your kids a well-rounded educational adventure. As you develop your science homeschool lesson plans, be sure to include one of these fantastic tv shows and a fun science-based learning plan from Little Monsters Universe.

Little Monsters Universe can also bring your child’s favorite tv show into a science lesson plan with a custom unit. Partner with us to create a customized science unit that is created with your learner’s interests in mind and gets them excited about learning. Learn more here.


References

  • Tumble Leaf. Director Drew Hodges, Amazon Studios, 2014-2018.
  • Common Sense Media. “Doozers – TV Review.” Common Sense Media, 2014, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/doozers
  • Sid the Science Kid. Jim Henson Productions, PBS, 2008-2013.
  • Elinor Wonders Why. Creator and Director Jorge Cham, PBS Kids, 2020-present.
  • Silvergate Media. (2021). Ada Twist, Scientist [TV series]. Netflix.
  • PBS KIDS. (n.d.). The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/parents/shows/the-cat-in-the-hat-knows-a-lot-about-that/ 
  • Kratt Brothers Company. (2011-2022). Wild Kratts [TV series]. PBS Kids.
  • “The Magic School Bus: Rides Again” [Netflix Original Series], Netflix

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