Inside PBS Blog

Last week’s Sid the Science Kid episodes were all about play dates so we invited educational consultant Kimberly Brenneman to help us incorporate science learning into play time. You submitted your questions for Brenneman and this week we have her answers. Don’t forget to check out the additional tips on encouraging young scientists from PBS Parents.

Can you give me some ideas of fun quizzes and games that parents can do during car short car commutes that stimulate kids' interest in science? Deidre

Deidre, you've no doubt noticed that we think the car is a great place to engage kids in interesting science discussions.  Grandma's conversations with Sid provide him with the opportunity to review what he's learned so far during the day, get another perspective on his big question, and to even ask new ones.  I'd advise taking a page out of Grandma's book and spend the time asking your kids about their own "Big Questions."  If you need some inspiration, you might start by reviewing one of Sid's questions and asking your child, “Did you ever wonder about that?"  Help your children to think about what they already know about the topic, what they most want to find out, and to make a plan for finding out more. You'll be amazed by what is on their minds!

You've also noticed, I'm sure, that the adults on the show talk with Sid about the ways they use science in their lives.  Use time in the car to tell your kids about some things you wonder about.  These might even be questions you had when you were a child.  Sharing your own thoughts, ideas, and science stories is a great way to connect with children.  They'll like hearing about what interests and puzzles you.  They'll also enjoy being treated as a conversational partner whose ideas on that topic are important and worthwhile.

Are there any possibilities for a similar themed show aimed at an older audience, say 8+? PBS: Can you recommend some science learning activities for elementary school-age children? Anita

I'm so pleased that you're concerned about those older science kids and maintaining a climate of curiosity for them.  Our team isn't currently working on a show for this age group, but you might want to check out PBS's Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman.  Fetch! is aimed at kids ages 6-10 and, like Sid, focuses on kids asking questions, actively investigating their world, and doing real science.  It's educational, high-energy, and full of laughs.

With younger and older learners alike, the main thing is to keep talking with your child about his or her questions about the world and ways that he or she could explore those questions.  It might mean taking a trip to a local science center or checking our books at the library.  Maybe the two of you will do some internet research to get information or to find relevant hands-on science activities.  Or, perhaps you'll brainstorm together to design some simple activities or experiments you could do to explore your child's question.  Informal learning experiences with parents can yield benefits for children's science learning, and when these experiences are tied to children's interests, parents support children's intellectual skills, motivation to learn, and confidence in themselves as learners.

Can you respond to the parents who commented that the show is too formulaic? Betty

You'll notice that the format of the show follows a typical preschooler’s day and does not change much from day to day.  We’ve structured the show in this familiar way-from wake up to bedtime-to make it easier for children to understand.  The predictability of the sequence of events and the familiarity of each setting allows viewers to focus on the new content that's being presented, rather than trying to figure out where Sid is now and what's going to happen there. We do add some new elements to familiar settings by having Gabriela join Sid at his house one afternoon a week, and in Season 2, Teacher Susie and her young scientists will venture to the Explore Room at the local museum once a week, too. 

As a parent, you can take advantage of the structure of the show to extend your child’s learning.  Ask him or her to describe Sid's day to you.  Repeating what happened during the episode gives children a chance to remember what they’ve seen, tell a story in order, and review ideas from the show.  This kind of interaction also gives parents the chance to find out what their children learned, what they might have misunderstood, and what ideas excited them most.

How important is music to scientific learning (for pre-K kids, mostly)? Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I know that people have studied the link between music and math, but I'm not aware of research studies that show that music training benefits science learning for preschoolers.  (One great feature of the internet is that we'll hear from others if such studies exist!)  Still, it’s clear from watching and listening to Sid that its creators are great believers in music as a powerful and entertaining way to present science content.  A catchy tune helps kids and adults remember the information presented in the lyrics.  Many people my age actually remember the preamble to the Constitution because of School House Rock on Saturday mornings.  I have a hard time recalling it without singing it!  As another example, try reciting the alphabet without the song.  See how closely linked music and content can be? 

Music can also be the focus of science activities.  Listening to music provides rich opportunities to observe the world through our sense of hearing.  One activity you might do would be to play the same tune with different instruments or at different volumes or with different lyrics.  Ask children to listen and try to figure out what is different about the two versions.  Describing what they notice allows children to use their sense of hearing to make observations, to compare and contrast, and to use new vocabulary to describe the music.  It's also fun (and educational!) to make up dances and movements that match the music one hears.  Doesn't a Sousa march make you want to move differently than a waltz?  How does salsa music sound?  How does it make you want to move your feet?  With all of the describing, comparing, contrasting, and matching sounds and motions children practice scientific thinking and language skills while they learn about music, get some exercise, and have a whole lot of fun.

You have done a brilliant job with the diverse cast only if there was a "desi" or Indian/Pakistani Asian American kid in there too. It would totally rock the world... I would love to help with that idea someday!! [Are there plans to add characters to the show?] Reshma

Hi Reshma,

As you noticed, we've tried hard to create diverse characters of different genders, cultures, ethnicities, personalities, and ages.  One thing that they all share, though, is their excitement about science. In future shows, we expect to introduce two new characters.  Both are members of Gabriela's family.

Her mother, Rosalinda, is a biologist and will be our first character who's a professional scientist.  Gabriela's older brother, Mateo, is a budding engineer who engages Sid, Gabriela, and our viewers at home with in his favorite activity--building stuff. While we don't yet have plans to include a character like the one you describe, please stay tuned.