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Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M., 2015, Nickelodeon. 138 minutes.
Age/Interest Level: 4-7 years
Lexile Level: N/A
Awards: N/A
Reader Annotation: Some of Nick Jr.’s most popular characters appear in these series of vignettes to explain some basic concepts in S.T.E.M. subjects.
Plot Summary: Nick Jr. produced this work in an attempt to educate children on the concept of S.T.E.M. Each vignette contains characters from a specific show learning ideas based around science, technology, engineering, and math. In the Dora the Explorer segment, she learns how to make a model volcano for her science fair. In Bubble Guppies, construction and engineering is talked about at length as the team builds a doghouse for Bubble Puppy.
Critical Evaluation: This is a great concept. By taking some of the most popular shows on television for this age bracket right now and creating a S.T.E.M.-focused product, children are directly exposed to these very important ideas. However, it doesn’t hit kids over-the-head. Often, these concepts are shocking in that they are things people use in their day-to-day lives but just do not understand or do not realize. These are just basic introductions to the concepts, making it perfect for very young children just starting to explore S.T.E.M. fields. It’s also a great head-start considering the importance placed on the subjects due to Common Core.
Why Included: The adaption of Common Core in many areas and the overall increased importance of these concepts has made materials on S.T.E.M. topics absolutely necessary. This is a great addition since it utilizes already intensely popular characters as teachers.
Age/Interest Level: 4-7 years
Lexile Level: N/A
Awards: N/A
Reader Annotation: Some of Nick Jr.’s most popular characters appear in these series of vignettes to explain some basic concepts in S.T.E.M. subjects.
Plot Summary: Nick Jr. produced this work in an attempt to educate children on the concept of S.T.E.M. Each vignette contains characters from a specific show learning ideas based around science, technology, engineering, and math. In the Dora the Explorer segment, she learns how to make a model volcano for her science fair. In Bubble Guppies, construction and engineering is talked about at length as the team builds a doghouse for Bubble Puppy.
Critical Evaluation: This is a great concept. By taking some of the most popular shows on television for this age bracket right now and creating a S.T.E.M.-focused product, children are directly exposed to these very important ideas. However, it doesn’t hit kids over-the-head. Often, these concepts are shocking in that they are things people use in their day-to-day lives but just do not understand or do not realize. These are just basic introductions to the concepts, making it perfect for very young children just starting to explore S.T.E.M. fields. It’s also a great head-start considering the importance placed on the subjects due to Common Core.
Why Included: The adaption of Common Core in many areas and the overall increased importance of these concepts has made materials on S.T.E.M. topics absolutely necessary. This is a great addition since it utilizes already intensely popular characters as teachers.