I don’t know about you but the words SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT literally strike fear in my heart. I was never good at science and in fact had to go to night school for Chemistry class. But in an effort to never allow my own insecurities as a person to color the experiences of my kids I am forever on the prowl for ways to make science anything but frightful- and always delightful. And the truth is in today’s global economy, students who excel in S.T.E.M. subjects – science, technology, engineering and math – will be the leaders of tomorrow’s innovations and ingenuity.
Even President Obama has often said that winners of science and engineering fairs should be celebrated like NCAA champions! And Netflix agrees! So before you Google “easy science projects for kids,” they’ve got a variety of TV shows and movies that might help jump start your kids’ imaginations and get the whole family excited about a winning science fair idea.
Keep reading for TV shows and movies, a science project you can do at home and a yummy treat! And let me add this disclaimer– my nine year old son and I have zipped through at least half a dozen of these episodes and their content has ignited a spark within him that has him questioning everything and looking at the world from a while new perspective. Who knew WATCHING Netflix could illicit such an emotional and social response from him?!For big kids, check out Netflix’s 7 titles to inspire blue ribbon-worthy Science Fair projects!
1. Mythbusters
2. How Stuff Works
3. How Do They Do It
4. Is It Possible?
5. Build It Bigger
5. How the Universe Works
6. Extreme Engineering
For Littler Kids Check out Netflix’s 5 titles that will encourage curiosity and problem-solving
1. Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius
2. Peep and the Big Wide World
3. Magic School Bus: All Dried Up
4. Animal Mechanicals
5. Wild Kratts
Still need project inspiration? Common Sense Media has 13 more ways to help motivate, inform, and engage your kids this science fair season – check out the list here.
Jumpstart your kids’ scientific creativity with this quick and easy light bulb experiment. Click here to learn how to create your own.
Further your kids’ science knowledge while indulging your sweet tooth with this honeycomb candy recipe.
How will this get your kids EXCITED ABOUT SCIENCE? As you add the secret ingredient (baking soda!) to boiled sugar, the mixture will bubble and quadruple in volume. Click here to learn how to build your own.
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