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Emily’s Wonder Lab Lives on With Calandrelli’s New Book ‘Stay Curious and Keep Exploring’

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During the pandemic parents around the world have struggled to find ways to keep their kids entertained at home while also ensuring that they are still enriching their minds. Video games and YouTube have proven a boon for those unexpected sick days or quarantines, but finding quality entertainment hasn’t always been easy.

A few months into the pandemic, our family discovered Emily’s Wonder Lab , a science-focused Netflix series starring Emily Calandrelli, an MIT graduate that worked for NASA. For my (at the time) 3-year-old son, Emily’s Wonder Lab was both an exciting show to watch but also an informative piece of programming that taught him a lot of cool scientific concepts. His love of Emily’s Wonder Lab even fostered an increased interest in science beyond the show.

Unfortunately, while Emily’s Wonder Lab Season 1 is still available on Netflix, there are no plans for a second season as of this writing. But for Calandrelli and her fans, the journey of Emily’s Wonder Lab continues in book form.

With Stay Curious and Keep Exploring , Calandrelli is capturing the same spirit of Emily’s Wonder Lab with both fun experiments for families to do and key science facts to ensure kids are still learning. Calandrelli isn’t deviating from the formula that worked for Wonder Lab either; she isn’t talking down to the kids when explaining the science behind each experiment.

“The response from fans was overwhelming - in a good way! I could not have anticipated the impact a show like this could have (especially during a time where a lot of us were stuck at home). One of the recurring comments from viewers was that they loved how I talked to the kids. Instead of talking down to them, I incorporated them into the scientific process! Our show encouraged questions and curiosity from viewers and I wanted my book to do the same! So for each experiment, instead of "here's the science!" (like you would read in a text book), the science is explained in a Q&A format between myself and a curious child asking questions. Like in all the work that I do, I wanted this book to feel approachable, relatable and easy to understand!”

Alongside being a genuinely entertaining show with experiments that are as eye-catching as they are educational, Calandrelli has a personality that is well-suited for working with kids. Dating back to 2014 with Fox’s Xploration Outer Space moving forward to guest appearances with Bill Nye and now Emily’s Wonder Lab , Calandrelli has shown she has a genuine knack for bringing science to the mainstream. Stay Curious and Keep Exploring is a new facet of that but it retains the same spirit.

The book itself includes 50 different experiments, each designed to teach a unique scientific concept. The experiments feature an introduction by Calandrelli not unlike what you would see during the Netflix series, a rundown of materials, step-by-step instructions for completing the experiment, and then a tag that explains the science behind the reaction or event that is seen.

As Calandrelli explained to me, she wanted experiments that hit three key notes:

"I worked to find experiments at the intersection of (1) Fun to do (2) Easy to explain, and (3) Accessible. Over the course of the year creating this book, I could be found in my kitchen playing with balloons, bubbles, baking soda, magnets, and food coloring to make sure the experiments were easily repeatable and accessible for anyone who would like to try them at home! Of course, there are a couple more challenging experiments in there for older kids who are ambitious, but for the most part, all of the experiments can be done by kids with just a little help from their lab assistant (their adult)!"

Having spent some time with Stay Curious and Keep Exploring it’s easy to see that the spirit of Emily’s Wonder Lab is in the book. Calandrelli has found experiments that utilize materials that can be found easily around the home, and the results are as eye-popping as those seen on the TV screen. More importantly, the book affords families the opportunity to go at their own pace, which isn’t as easy to do while watching a show.

Stay Curious and Keep Exploring might have still come to life at one point or another in Calandrelli’s career, but the response to Emily’s Wonder Lab is what convinced her to work on the book. Even before we knew the fate of the show, the first spark of the book began.

"Emily's Wonder Lab was so well received by families that I had an explosion of interest for MORE experiment ideas to do at home. I still go through dozens of messages each month where families message me with pictures of them doing experiments from the show with their kids! Many actually asked for a book of ideas as soon as the show came out!"

It may be disappointing that Emily’s Wonder Lab has not continued beyond the one season, but Stay Curious and Keep Exploring is the perfect follow-up. The experiments are engaging, the format is clear and concise, the art work (courtesy of Cachete Jack) is playful, and Calandrelli never shies away from doing what she does best: explaining science to kids.

Stay Curious and Keep Exploring is available September 27, 2022.

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Emily's Wonder Lab on Netflix

What to watch: Emily's Wonder Lab e pisode 2 Walking on Oobleck

Where to find it: Netflix

Best for ages: 3 and up

Run time: 14 min

Why We Recommend Emily's Wonder Lab

Did anyone else fall in love with Emily's Wonder Lab this past summer? This great find is on Netflix. They provide ideas even at the end of the show on how to do your own at-home experiments. You will love this show because it shows kids how much fun science is, as well as how you use science to ask questions and make observations. Your kid will love it because of the explosions, colors and the excitement Emily and the kids express through the show!

Oobleck Activity

I had Logan and his friends watch Emily's Wonder Lab while I got some work done. I actually had them watch the first two episodes and the activity coordinates with episode 2.

Oobleck is a fun "goo" to make because it makes kids (and adults) wonder is this a liquid or a solid?

Estimated activity time: 20 minutes

Materials needed:

Corn starch

Spoon (optional)

Food coloring (optional)

Step 1: Measure out 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part water. I let the kids add food coloring in the water.

Step 2: Talk to your child about how you are going to mix the two together. If you have an older child you can work on the attached worksheet together to write down your questions, guesses, and observations. ------->

Questions & Discussion

What does the corn starch feel/look like?

How about the water?

What do you think they will feel/look like mixed together?

Step 2: Let kids pour the ingredients into the bowl.

Step 3: I let the kids stir the two together with their hands but they can also stir with a spoon. The kids enjoyed doing this with their hands and feeling what the mixture started to feel like. (Note: It should clump in your hand and then melt to a liquid when you open your hand. If the mixture is too watery and not clumping in your hand add more cornstarch, if it is too clumpy and not melting into a liquid then add more water).

What does the mixture feel/look like now?

Was your guess correct of what the mixture would feel/look like?

Is it a solid or liquid? Is it both?

Step 4: Let kids play and enjoy the Oobleck! I brought in some playdough toys and utensils.

Step 5: Share the fun you are having with us on Social Media! Be sure to tag us @curiouscouchpotatoes when you try any of our activities.

Jeanette's Educational Insights:

Children's senses are far more receptive than adults. They are constantly learning through all five senses. This activity encourages your child to "feel" the textures and then "feel" the changes as the substances are being mixed together. Watch their faces as they discover the textures and the transformation. If your child is daring enough, try having them feel with a blindfold on, so they get the full sensation of what they are touching.

As they describe what they are feeling, help them expand their vocabulary by using a variety of descriptive words. Help them practice the words by recalling other things that could be described the same way.

Another activity that builds thought processes is to make a Same and Different chart. As they feel the different textures, ask them what feels the same and what feels different. This helps them discern different attributes that help build pre-math skills.

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Emily’s Wonder Lab: Smart, STEM TV for Kids

• September 3, 2020

Science expert, engineer, space expert and host of Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix, Emily Calandrelli, pitched science shows to large science networks for years and was unsuccessful, receiving feedback that the “majority of our audience is male, so we just don’t know if they’d relate to a female host”.

Last year, Netflix picked up the show she had been pitching for so long, Emily’s Wonder Lab, and Emily filmed the whole thing 9 months pregnant.

Emily’s Wonder Lab now represents an important shift in STEM programming; a female-led Science show, streaming on the biggest platform in the world, hosted by a pregnant woman, available world wide.

The new show’s first season of 10 episodes is now available to stream in its entirety, and each sub-15 minute episode focuses on STEAM topics and experiments that kids can do with their parents at home.

When Emily was one of 2 or 3 women in classrooms of 50 men, studying to become an engineer, she could only have dreamed that one day her daughter would be watching a show like Emily’s Wonder Lab, and on a greater scale, witness the changing of a demographic for her generation.

Emily hosts Emily’s Wonder Lab with 6 kid scientists, and each episode focuses on a theme, like “fluorescence” or “non-Newtonian fluids.” The science content is more geared towards kids age 5+, but the show is otherwise appropriate for younger kids.

Emily explains the theme and does a demonstration of an experiment to illustrate the concept. Then the kid scientists get to have fun with the concept by having a dance party on a pool of Ooblek or covering themselves in glow-in-the-dark paint.

Each 15-minute episode ends by Emily demonstrating an experiment that kid viewers can do at home (with their grown-up assistant’s help, of course!). The episodes are short, but they pack in a lot of information, and though it’s programming designed for pre-school aged kids, Emily’s Wonder Lab doesn’t talk down to kids like you might see in a lot of other programming aimed at the same demographic.

Emily is the science teacher we all wish we had as young kids. Her enthusiasm towards helping kids understand STEM topics is infectious, and she explains concepts in a way kids will understand without talking down to them. The kid scientists are super curious and excited about science. They also model that it’s okay to make an incorrect hypothesis, because that’s how scientists learn. Kids will love watching the really fun experiment demonstrations and will enjoy the kid scientists’ silliness.

The at-home experiments seem easily doable with grown-up helpers, but parents should note that many require supplies that you probably won’t have lying around at home.

This series is an excellent way to get kids interested in science!

Emily’s Wonderlab is available to stream on Netflix

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Elephant Toothpaste | STEAM Experiment for kids

by Emily | Jan 28, 2020 | STEAM Experiments , STEAM for Kids | 14 comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. You may read my disclosure here .

The newly crowned Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier from Virginia, did a chemistry demonstration for her talent. It was an elaborate version of the classic elephant toothpaste experiment. This was the first time a Miss America participant has ever won with a science experiment for their talent.

Unfortunately, I have seen people criticize her talent as “something my elementary school kid can do” and “a simple science experiment”, but I think they are looking at it the wrong way. Yes, this is a simple science experiment, simple enough that I am presenting it in this post for your to try it with your toddlers and preschoolers. But, how could she do anything more complicated that would have as big of an impact in the short time period allowed? I think she did a fantastic job choosing an experiment that surely got many young girls interested and excited about science!

Camille has the knowledge to back her experiment too. She double majored in biochemistry and systems biology for her undergrad at Virginia Tech and is currently working towards her doctorate in Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the kind of role model we need to see more of for our daughters. She’s smart, talented, passionate about STEM, and beautiful. She is showing girls that they can like STEM subjects and be beautiful and girly too.

View this post on Instagram I want every little girl to see that princesses don’t always wear pretty dresses…sometimes they wear lab coats 💕 #missvirginia A post shared by Camille Schrier (@camilleschrier) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:23pm PST

Below I’ll show you how to do a similar elephant toothpaste at home and wow your kids as much as Miss America wowed the crowd during her demonstration. But first…

Let’s talk about the science behind elephant toothpaste.

When I first heard about elephant toothpaste I had a few questions:

• Why is it called elephant toothpaste?
• How does it work?
• Is it safe to do at home?

In case you have the same questions, here’s my short answers:

• Why is it called elephant toothpaste? No, this isn’t really the same toothpaste zookeepers use on elephants’ teeth. It’s named this because when the reaction expands out of the bottle it looks kinda like toothpaste, especially if you add coloring to make stripes. But it’s much larger than toothpaste humans use on our teeth, it’s big enough for elephants! I love the cheekiness behind this creative name. 🙂
• How does it work? This experiment is the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. There are two important scientific processes that make this experiment work: a catalyst and exothermic reaction. -A catalyst is an element that speeds up a reaction. In this case the catalyst is the yeast. The yeast works as a catalyst to release oxygen molecules from the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is breaking down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). As the oxygen releases and begins to travel out of the solution, it gets trapped in the dish soap creating the foamy bubbles. -An exothermic reaction is a reaction that releases heat. The decomposition from hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat. This means the foam (or “elephant toothpaste”) will be very hot after the experiment!
• Is it safe to do at home? Yes, as long as you closely follow my safety recommendations .

Want more information about elephant toothpaste and more experiment ideas? Here are a few helpful and informative resources about elephant toothpaste I found on the web:

Amazing Science: How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

DIY Elephant Toothpaste!

Elephant Toothpaste – Safe Easy World Record Recipe

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

This is a great experiment for an adult to demonstrate to toddlers and preschoolers. If you have elementary school aged children who are good at following directions, they can attempt this experiment themselves with adult help and supervision.

It is very important to follow my safety instructions to prevent possible chemical or heat burns. 40 volume solution hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and burns to the skin . Always wear gloves and safety googles when working with this solution.

The foam released in this reaction is hot . Do not touch it right away, wait a few minutes until it has cooled, then you and the children many touch it with gloves on .

If the hydrogen peroxide or the foam touches your skin, immediately wash it with soap and water.

Prepare a space for your experiment. Either do the experiment outside in the grass or on a sidewalk that can easily be washed down, or if doing inside put down a plastic tarp to cover your table and/or do the experiment inside a large disposable tray.

Clean up the experiment immediately after finishing so young kids can’t get into the hydrogen peroxide, and the yeast will start to smell if left out too long. It is safe to dispose of the experiment materials in the trash or wash it down your sink.

Materials Needed:

• Empty plastic 2L bottle ( I suggest a 2L soda bottle, it worked much better than a 1L water bottle for us)
• Food coloring ( optional, but recommended )
• 4 oz (1/2 Cup) 40 volume /12% Hydrogen Peroxide (40 volume solution can be found on Amazon for ~$15, or it’s much cheaper > $5, at your local Sally Beauty Supply)
• Funnel ( optional but recommended )
• 1 packet (1/2 Tbsp) of active dry yeast
• 4 oz (1/2 Cup) very warm water
• Large disposable roaster pan or plastic tarp ( optional but recommended – for easy clean up and disposal)
• Safety googles
• Plastic gloves

• Find a good spot to do your experiment. I recommend doing it outside on a patio or grass that can easily be hosed down, or in a large disposable tray that can easily be moved to the trash bin after the experiment is complete.

2. Set the bottle on a flat surface

3. Put on your gloves and safety goggles

4. Add a few squirts of dish soap to the bottom of the bottle

5. Measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide

6. Pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle (preferably using a funnel to avoid spills)

7. Gently swirl the dish soap and hydrogen peroxide together

8. Measure and pour 1/2 cup of very warm water into a small bowl

9. Add the yeast, and stir to dissolve it completely in the water (this is a great step to let your kids get involved)

10. Tilt the bottle to squirt food coloring in a steam along the slide, rotate the bottle and do this a few more times with different colors, as shown in the photo below

11. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle (preferably using a funnel), remove the funnel and move back

12. Enjoy watching your elephant toothpaste foam out of the top of the bottle

13. After allowing the foam to cool for a few minutes, you and your kids may touch the foam with gloves on

14. Clean up the experiment by disposing of all materials or washing them in the sink (leaving gloves on until you have finished the clean up)

What Happened:

You and your kids witnessed an exothermic reaction. The yeast acted as a catalyst to speed up the release of oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. The released oxygen got trapped in the dish soap and made awesome foam (aka the elephant toothpaste). The food coloring attached to foam making it look like the stripes that you sometimes see in toothpaste. The foam is hot because of the heat released in the reaction.

My kids were “wowed” by this spectacular experiment. I had to repeat my demonstration several times for them because they were so excited about it and wanted to watch it over and over again! I let them wear gloves and touch the foam – they were surprised by how hot it was!

Although this experiment may seem intimidating, I was surprised to find that after I gathered all the materials needed for the experiment, this was actually a very simple and quick experiment to perform. This made it easy to repeat over, and over, and over for my kids. 🙂

By doing exciting experiments like this one with our kids we are teaching them that science can be interesting, cool, and fun. They are learning science is for everyone.

Have you tried making elephant toothpaste before? I’d love to hear your experience and tips in the comments below!

Share this:

14 comments.

Great post Emily. Love the kids’ faces for the experiment and the support you are giving for Miss America/Camille on thinking outside the proverbial box for a beauty pageant competition and brining STEM to the masses.

Thanks so much Nicole. This one was so much fun, and I just think Camille is awesome! 🙂

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing it. I love the message Ms. America is sending to young girls. We will definitely give the experiment a try too. 🙂

Thanks Florence. Camille really is so inspirational. I’m excited that they choose her, because our kids need more role models in STEM fields. Let me know how it goes when you try it! I hope you have fun with it!

This is so cool. Can you use creme developer? Yours looked like a water consistency, mine is a creme.

I’m not sure on the creme developer, I’ve never tried it. It worked well for us if you do exactly the materials we used. I have no experience with other materials. 🙂

Ive always seen this done with potassium iodine (KI). Is there a difference when you use yeast?

I’ve never done it with potassium iodine, so I can’t tell you the difference. I like the yeast because it’s easily accessible and safe for kids, and we still got a very good reaction.

Can instant yeast be used instead of active dry yeast?

I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure, but I say give it a try! Science is all about experimenting anyway, so if that’s all you have give it a go and see what happens!

Can you resuse the bottle over & over? I would love to show this to classes all day! Would you suggest a “new” bottle for each class?

Yes, definitely reuse it! I used the same bottle doing this experiment many times. Just rinse it out and shake out the water in between uses.

Do you know if you can use crème developer or if it must be liquid?

I’ve only used the liquid developer and I think that works best. But my kids and I love experimenting and try our experiments several times and ways to see what happens, so I think it’s a great idea to try the creme developer if that’s what you have available and see if it works! Good luck!

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Hi, I’m Emily. I’m an engineer, mom, and wife. I encourage kids to love STEAM and motivate women to find personal happiness in their career and motherhood journeys.

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This was published 3 years ago

The TV host inspiring a new generation of women in STEM

By clare rigden, save articles for later.

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American engineer-turned-Emmy-nominated science presenter Emily Calandrelli spent four years trying to find a home for her TV science show.

At one stage she was even asked if she had a boyfriend who could step up to co-host.

"I have four degrees in science and engineering," says Emily Calandrelli. "I am very authentic in my love for science." Credit: Netflix

"I remember one production meeting, we got feedback from a network saying, 'Our audience is primarily male, so we don't know how they would relate well to a female host'," says Calandrelli, on the phone from her home in San Jose, California.

"The exact feedback was, 'Does she have a boyfriend who could co-host?' It was pretty frustrating feedback to hear."

Fortunately streaming giant Netflix had the foresight to see beyond Calandrelli's gender. Last year they green-lit Emily's Wonder Lab , a 10-part science show with Calandrelli – who has a masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology – front and centre. By the time filming began, she was 35 weeks pregnant.

"I have four degrees in science and engineering, and I am very authentic in my love for science, and they wanted me to just play myself," she says. "So we created an entirely new TV concept with Netflix, which ultimately became Emily's Wonder Lab ."

With women vastly underrepresented in science and technology in Australia, experts hope shows like Emily's Wonder Lab create excitement around the fields. Credit: Netflix

In the show, Calandrelli guides kids through a series of science experiments, explaining complex principles in fun, easy-to-digest ways. They can watch her wade in paddling pools of 'oobleck' slime, or make huge soapy explosions out of dishwashing detergent.

It's struck a chord with kids – and their parents. One quick check of Calandrelli's social media accounts shows households are watching the show en masse, from all corners of the globe.

"I now spend the first hour every morning responding to messages I get on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from parents, who are not just like, 'My kids love your show,' but like, 'Thank you!'" says Calandrelli.

"That type of response is so heartwarming, because I feel like we have created something that is useful and meaningful to a lot of people."

With millions of children across the world currently learning remotely, the show has come along at exactly the right moment.

But as Calandrelli explains, this was pure coincidence.

"My daughter just turned one, so we filmed this show [a year ago] in a totally different world – we did not expect to be in a situation that we are in now," she says. "I guess it's some silver lining to think that we created something that can be useful to families and educators right now."

In the show, Emily guides kids through a series of do-it-yourself experiments. Credit: Netflix

And if she's helped just one young girl feel connected to the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), Calandrelli feels her mission has been successful.

"I am hoping by being a female host of a science show for kids, this will help inspire a new generation to want to become scientists and engineers," she says.

Kylie Walker, chief executive of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, says women are vastly underrepresented in science and technology.

"Only 17 per cent of STEM professionals in Australia are women," she says. "Girls start dropping out of STEM in upper primary school, and they keep dropping out all the way to the top."

She says shows like Emily's Wonder Lab are a great way to encourage more young girls to engage with the field.

"It's so important to see people like Emily loving science and technology and putting it into action in publicly visible roles."

Dr Rosie Dawkins, a Melbourne-based retinal surgeon and scientist, and mum to two young boys, agrees.

"As a kid I always loved science, but it was definitely never this fun," she says. "This show helps kids understand that women can be smart, funny, and can be scientists… it's also great to see a pregnant woman talk about "non-Newtonian fluids" – and kids loving it!"

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Slime, tornadoes, and static electricity: How the host of ‘Emily’s Wonder Lab’ wants to teach kids about science

By Pratibha Gopalakrishna Sept. 8, 2020

W hen Emily Calandrelli started sketching out plans for her new Netflix science show, she knew right away what she wanted one of her first experiments to be: making a pool full of oobleck, the gooey slurry of cornstarch and water that’s become a science class staple.

“Ever since I had played with it and learned about this whole non-Newtonian characteristics, I had wanted to create a pool of this stuff, to be able to run across,” she said.

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The show, “Emily’s Wonder Lab,” gave her a chance to make that childhood dream come true. Now, Calandrelli is hopeful the program — which premiered last month — can get other kids interested in everything from tornados and clouds to slime and static electricity.

“Emily’s Wonder Lab” isn’t Calandrelli’s first foray into science education or even television. The MIT-trained engineer also hosted the show “Xploration Outer Space,” co-hosted the Netflix reboot “Bill Nye Saves the World,” and has penned the “Ada Lace” series of children’s books about a young girl who loves science and gadgets.

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STAT spoke with Calandrelli about her new show, science communication, and STEM representation. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

How do you approach talking about science to kids?

I don’t shy away from the science because I think kids are very clever and know way more than a lot of people give them credit for. So the first thing I try to do is approach the kids as if they are peers. I don’t talk down to them. I want to make sure that I don’t treat them like little kids, I treat them like little scientists and I treat them like people who have the ability to understand complex topics.

The challenge then is to make sure that you explain these complex topics in a simple way, in a way that everybody can understand it, and that challenges me to make sure that I know the topics really well. There’s that famous quote that if you can’t explain it simply then you don’t understand it well enough, and that hits home when you do a science show because you really need to find a simple way to explain everything you do.

Related: The curious link between kids’ birthdays and their getting the flu vaccine

What was the hardest scientific idea to explain in the show?

In our first episode we talked about phosphorescence: understanding the chemical luminescence and how things glow. That was something I hadn’t learned about. So, to find a simple way to explain that, I had to break down why I was having a hard time understanding it. One of the reasons is because the words themselves seem really intimidating because they’re hard to say. And so you have to find a way to get down to the basics and explain it in a really fun colorful way so that the kids get excited about it.

You’ve spoken about how many scientific figures in pop culture — including the hosts of science shows — are men. Why is that significant, and how would you like to see it change?

When somebody looks like you, everything that they’re doing and saying feels a little bit more relatable. I’d like to see the people who host science shows represent the demographic of the people in our society, because there isn’t enough BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and people of color] representation in science shows. There are not enough women hosts of science shows — not because there’s a lack of interest but because the people at the top consistently make the same decision of hiring and promoting men, typically white men. So I’d like to see that change and I’m very thankful that Netflix gave me the opportunity to help change that demographic just a little bit.

How should science communicators focus their efforts?

I think that the field of science communication is so incredibly valuable. We should always be focusing on how we can translate the valuable work that scientists and engineers are doing to people who aren’t scientists and engineers, because we need the public to understand how this science and technology affects them. We don’t need the next Bill Nye, we need a thousand Bill Nyes.

Trending Now: House passes bill that targets China biotechs

We need people who have lots of different types of personalities that will reach different types of audiences. And we need people with expertise in different areas of science, because the world’s progressed to be so scientifically and technologically advanced that just one very general science communicator isn’t going to cut it. We need people in the field of space and in the field of medicine, even in the field of immunology, Covid, wildlife management, deforestation, earthquakes, and natural disasters. We need science communicators in all of these fields. I’d like to see an entire generation of people become science communicators.

What barriers do you think need to be broken down for people entering the scientific field or working in it?

I think representation is a huge barrier for students to get involved in the STEM community. I always talk about feeling different, because I was a woman in these rooms, but I was also white, and most of the people in the room were white, so people who are not white, they feel this feeling. It feels especially challenging for them at times.

Related: Women researchers are publishing less since the pandemic hit. What can their employers do to help?

Of course, sexual harassment and the pay gap. Like in many industries, you can see these problems also occur in STEM. It isn’t super welcoming to [having] families. There’s this assumption that if you’re going to have a full-time STEM career, that you’re not going to have very fruitful personal life. In many ways, you’re punished for having one. There is one large study that showed women in STEM, after their first child, 40% were likely to either leave their career entirely or cut down to part-time work, or just transition to a non-STEM career. That’s a huge, scary number to see.

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Pratibha Gopalakrishna is a news intern at STAT.

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Emily's Wonder Lab Viewing Guides

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Have your students discovered Emily's Wonder Lab on Netflix? Emily Calandrelli does a great job of making science fun and engaging for kids through experiments and activities in these short episodes. Students will enjoy watching these episodes and these viewing guides ensure that they are connecting the science behind the excitement!

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Kids' Entertainment

From rockets to root systems, there's something for every curious mind.

Kids have an annoying habit of not enjoying things that are good for them. Vegetables. Bathing. Naps. But how about educational programming within enjoyable TV shows so fun they won't even know they're learning? We've got you. Here are 28 great science shows for kids, because we want to encourage all that STEAM-y goodness early and often.

The promise of quality educational programming that kids will actually want to watch instead of another insipid unboxing video or low-quality home video of someone mindlessly playing with slime on YouTube (seriously, what the heck is the appeal there?) seems hard to believe, but there's actually a lot of it out there! This list is just the tip of the iceberg — incidentally, your kids can and will learn all about icebergs in some episodes of these shows. Not only that, there's a healthy mix of disciplines out there, too. There are shows that focus on astronomy, biology, earth science, physics, and zoology, as well as others that run the gamut for a well-rounded kiddo who might not even think to be interested in a given topic yet.

From quirky to inspiring and funny to freaky, these kids science shows will educate, entertain, and hopefully spark your child's curiosity about the world (and universe) around them.

The cool thing about Brainchild (aside from quirky host Sahana Srinivasan) is that the various experiments go beyond the standard baking-soda-and-vinegar volcanoes we're used to seeing. From social experiments about the psychology of social media to "what happens when you put a glass of water in a vacuum?" (it boils... well, vaporizes), parents will be learning right alongside their kids. Produced by the legendary Pharrell Williams, the show explores and breaks down complex subjects — such as deep dives into the science of emotions, the ocean, dreams, and selfies — that most parents likely can’t answer questions about for their children.

Watch Brainchild , rated TV-G, on Netflix.

Absurd Planet

Most nature documentaries or shows about animals and animal behavior take a reverential, awe-inspired tone. Not Absurd Planet . Narrated by "Mother Nature" reflecting on her most bizarre creations (seriously, Google an aye-aye), this show admits that, yes, nature is amazing, but sometimes it's so weird that it's pretty funny. From introducing audiences to the goo-spewing bombardier beetle to explaining how there’s a butterfly that sustains its appetite by drinking turtle tears, Absurd Planet is filled to the brim with live wonders of the world. And did you know that goats speak in different regional dialects? This show boasts a crazy interesting lineup of weird animal facts that anyone will enjoy.

Watch Absurd Planet , rated TV-G, on Netflix.

What's Up In Space

This is a great series to teach young future scientists about our solar system. Every episode asks and answers questions about the solar system in an age-appropriate, accessible way. With each episode coming in just under 15 minutes long, What's Up In Space doesn’t contain information overload, and it can easily be put on while your kids have a snack in the afternoon. Featuring an array of live-action sequences, colorful illustrations, and computer created animations, it’s a dazzling, easily digestible display of scientific introductions to the planets and stars, including topics about how are stars formed, how far away planets are from Earth, what technology allowed humans to visit the moon, and so much more.

Watch What’s Up In Space , rated TV-G, on Amazon Prime Video.

Sid the Science Kid

Sid wants to be a stand-up comedian, and it just so happens that all of his observations also make him a pretty good scientist! In Sid the Science Kid , he learns and plays in his Montessori-style classroom with his friends and teacher, Susie. Throughout the show’s two seasons, viewers can learn everything from how a computer works and how recycling prevents waste, to the ways in which matter can change states and animals build their unique homes in the wild. Not to mention, Sid the Science Kid ’s hybrid combination of animation and puppetry makes for a fun, colorful watch.

Watch Sid the Science Kid , rated TV-Y, on PBS Kids.

Emily's Wonder Lab

Real life scientist Emily Calandrelli conducts a series of experiments with kid helpers to teach them that science is fun! From baking with solar-powered ovens to making tornados in a bottle, each episode comes with a safe, at-home experiment for kids to try out themselves (with parental supervision, of course). Bonus feature about this show that we love: Calandrelli hosted the first (and currently only) season while visibly pregnant, and we are so here for this science mama representation. Known on social media as the “Space Girl,” she’s a former MIT engineer turned author, public speaker, and TV host. You can also catch Emily on Netflix’s show Bill Nye Saves the World .

Watch Emily's Wonder Lab , rated TV-Y, on Netflix.

Operation Ouch

Twin doctors Drs. Chris and Xand van Tulleken (their parents must be so proud!) use humor, lab experiments, and visits to pediatric hospitals in the UK to educate audiences about medicine, biology, and the human body — everything from snot to first aid to spines. Currently in its ninth season, Operation Ouch not only shows its young viewers how things actually work in the real world of professional medicine, but the program also offers experiments for everyone to try at home and participate in. And for more fun and informative medical learning, a U.S. remake is currently in development, too.

Watch Operation Ouch , rated TV-PG, on YouTube.

The Magic School Bus

Sometimes there's no topping a classic, and when it comes to science shows for kids, The Magic School Bus hits all the right notes as Ms. Frizzle's fourth grade class goes on magical field trips to learn about nature, the human body, chemistry, and simple physics. Not only does this well-known TV show teach young viewers about scientific facts and ideas, but it’s also a fun watch from start to finish as Ms. Frizzle and the school children get themselves into some pretty wacky situations — such as being shrunken down in order to take an inside tour of the human body.

Watch The Magic School Bus , rated TV-Y, on Netflix.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again

There's no topping a classic, but sometimes the sequel really is just as good. Ms. Frizzle (now Professor Frizzle) has retired from teaching grade school. Fortunately, her younger sister Miss Fiona Frizzle is there to ensure the Magic School Bus will continue its scientific adventures. In The Magic School Bus Rides Again , the educational and surprising adventures continue for young viewers to enjoy and soak up — this time introducing subjects like how genes influence the way we look and act, the native sea life of Hawaii’s oceans, and even the importance of poop for humans and animals alike.

Watch The Magic School Bus Rides Again , rated TV-Y, on Netflix.

The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That

The Cat in the Hat is back with siblings Nick and Sally to explore the natural world on the Cat's wacky, all-terrain Thinga-ma-jigger! With comedic actor Martin Short voice acting as Dr. Seuss’ iconic, eccentric title character, audiences can watch as the gang flies, drives, floats, and skis to wondrous locations — ranging from the bottom of the ocean to the rainforest — and learn about topics related to science and engineering along the way. You might even see appearances by the Cat in the Hat’s quirky sidekick duo, Thing One and Thing Two, throughout the team’s journeys.

Watch The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That , rated TV-Y, on PBS Kids.

Science Max: Experiments At Large

Host Phil McCordic explores the science of everyday things through not-so-everyday experiments revolving around the subjects of ecology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Throughout the three seasons of Science Max: Experiments At Large , viewers can learn about Rube Goldberg machines, friction, propulsion and inertia, Newton’s third law, and aerodynamics, among many other subjects. Wearing his signature yellow jacket at all times, Phil shows off a number of large-scale, professional experiments that explain different scientific principles while being incredibly captivating to watch.

Watch Science Max: Experiments At Large , rated TV-G, on YouTube.

Curious George

George is always very curious. And, since science is just curiosity taken to its logical conclusion, that means that this little monkey — along with his human and animal friends — winds up learning a lot about science, from biology and physics to simple chemistry. In many ways, as the show demonstrates, George’s natural curiosity mirrors that of children, with a sense of wonder, intrigue, and educational potential in fields like science, engineering, and math. Not to mention, the friendship dynamic between Curious George and his trusty chaperone, the Man in the Yellow Hat, is basically cuteness and wholesomeness at its peak.

Watch Curious George , rated TV-Y, on Hulu.

Eight-year-old Dot loves technology, and she uses that technology to explore her world and solve problems. This animated series targeted at 4- to 7-year-olds looks to inspire learning and creative exploration while modeling how different technologies can be used as tools to enhance real world experiences. For your future engineer, this show is also a perfect way to share the message that messing up a lot and laughing along the way is perfectly fine, and it’s all part of trying to find the solution to any problem. Oh, and Dot’s bright blue hair and pink polka dot dress are also fantastic.

Watch Dot , rated TV-Y, on Amazon Prime .

Weird But True

Siblings Charlie (an ecologist) and Kirby (an artist) host this National Geographic series found on Disney+ that explores the "how" and "why" of the way the world works. As you can guess, the answers are often weird... but true! Featuring arts and crafts segments and tons of fun facts, this show is perfect for the most inquisitive of kiddos. Weird But True! isn’t afraid to get a little goofy and embrace the strange along the way, as the series dives into topics such as flying planes and excavating dinosaur fossils in the field. Plus, Charlie and Kirby are the ultimate bubbly and funny duo.

Watch Weird But True , rated TV-G, on Disney+.

Destination World

This exploration of wildlife and habitats all over the world features stunning footage divided over seven episodes, one for each continent on Earth, and is intended for children and families. From the hot and dry deserts of Africa, giant winding Amazon river in South America, to big, bustling cities in Asia, watch as Destination World explores some of the coolest places and most intriguing facts from all the corners of the earth. Next thing you know, your little one might be asking for a globe or map of the world the next time the holidays or their birthday rolls around.

Watch Destination World , rated TV-G, on National Geographic Kids.

One Strange Rock

Hosted by Will Smith and directed by Darren Aronofsky, this visually stunning series features interviews with NASA astronauts exploring all the ways in which Earth's natural phenomena are interconnected and just how delicate yet powerful that balance can be. Currently streaming on Disney+, One Strange Rock is a beautifully cinematic series that the whole family can enjoy together. And although your littlest ones might not fully understand what is being talked about just yet, they’ll surely love the vibrant visuals throughout.

Watch One Strange Rock , stream TV-14, on Disney+.

Peep And The Big Wide World

Newly born chick Peep and his friends Chirp and Quack are a hilarious trio of buddies whose little world holds all kinds of big adventures. The scientific ideas and lessons featured in each episode are followed up with simple, at-home experiments conducted by real children following the cartoon. Each 30 minute episode features two stories that touch upon specific scientific concepts, in addition to two live-action shorts that show real kids experimenting with these concepts. Peep and the Big Wide World is a cute and engaging series that celebrates being curious, and, for some extra fun, it’s narrated by award-winning comedian Joan Cusack.

Watch Peep and the Big Wide World , stream TV-Y, on YouTube.

Project MC 2

Spies McKeyla McAlister and her best friends work for an organization called NOV8 (Get it? "Innovate"), a highly secretive group of insanely smart female operatives who use science and technology to protect and save the world. This Netflix series is a perfect middle ground between a highly informative science and technology show and a series with a captivating plot and lovable characters. It’s easy to feel like you’re watching the show for purely entertainment purposes. As the NOV8 girls in Project MC2 prove, as long as you have science, logic, friendship, and sparkly outfits on your side, you can basically achieve anything you want.

Watch Project MC2 , rated TV-G, on Netflix.

Genius super-scientist Anne is an 11-year-old who loves figuring out how things work, and she has used what she has learned to build three androids, PAL, EYES, and HAND. She, her mechanical buddies, and her human friends — assistants Nick and Shania — get into all kinds of misadventures, but they are always able to find a solution through science. Not only does this Amazon Prime series offer interesting ties to science and technology, but it also simply has a great storyline for your kids to get wrapped up in. You might be enrolling your little ones in robotics classes and clubs soon enough, thanks to this show!

Watch Annedroids , rated TV-Y, on Amazon Prime Video.

Earth To Luna

Luna is a 6-year-old girl who loves all things related to science and discovery. Along with her little brother, Jupiter, and their pet ferret, Clive, they learn something new every episode. Be it about the northern lights, ancient pyramids of the past, the explosion of Mount Vesuvius, what makes you able to float in the Dead Sea, or creating a compost bin at home, there is no subject that Luna is unwilling to learn about. Fair warning to parents: The theme song will be in your head all day.

Watch Earth to Luna , rated TV-Y, on Amazon Prime Video.

Ready Jet Go!

Sean and Sydney are two ordinary kids... whose new friend Jet just happens to be an alien. The three team up to explore the solar system and learn about earth science, astronomy, and friendship along the way. Real-life astronomer Dr. Amy Mainzer even appears to explain the true science from within each episode, so you know your little ones are getting all the good science-backed info. Featuring subjects ranging from space junk to the history of the Apollo 11 mission, Ready Jet Go! is an animated, adventurous, and fun series that kids will love from start to finish (or should we say take-off to landing).

Watch Ready Jet Go! , rated TV-Y, on PBS Kids.

Your child is never too young for you to introduce them to natural historian and international human treasure David Attenborough and his remarkable documentary style. Gorgeous and exciting footage of the natural world highlights the balance of our incredible planet and all who live here. With episodes shot with stunning visuals across the globe, Our Planet is divided by biome — jungles, forests, fresh water, deserts, etc. — for your little ones (and you) to be captivated and mesmerized by the amazing beauty, landscapes, and animals that Earth is home to.

Watch Our Planet , rated TV-PG, on Netflix.

Bill Nye The Science Guy

You simply cannot have a list of great science shows and not include Bill Nye: the OG science guy. His goofy antics and accessible lessons are just as fun for kids now as they were when the series first aired nearly 30 years ago. From tectonic plate earthquake simulations to color-changing chemical reactions, Bill’s experiments and explanations are both thorough and fun to watch... yes, even for parents! Soon enough, your kiddos will be reciting the Bill Nye the Science Guy theme song, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t get that tune stuck in their head after watching?

Watch Bill Nye the Science Guy , rated TV-Y, on Amazon Prime Video.

Nature Boom Time!

Art and science collide as hosts Charlie, Kirby, and Patrick travel around the United States to learn about different kinds of trees and just how fascinating nature is. They travel to see Christmas tree farms, the D.C. cherry blossom festival, California’s giant sequoia redwoods, the Florida Everglades, and even an underwater forest — a kelp forest, that is. All the while, back at Headquarters, quirky team member Casey explains science and history with paper cutouts. If you’ve got a budding nature lover, this is the show for them.

Watch Nature Boom Time! , rated TV-G, on National Geographic Kids.

In this documentary series geared toward young scientists, audiences will learn about our galaxy through images taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, and they’ll see how all of the information scientists have learned about outer space affects life here on Earth. Made by National Geographic, this kids show delves into topics including the Milky Way and faraway stars — and even the possibility of aliens being out there in space — all with dazzling space shots of swirling galaxies with bright colors and twinkling stars for all to enjoy and wonder about.

Watch Spaced Out , rated TV-G, on National Geographic Kids.

If I Were An Animal

Observing a wide array of animals — including foxes, cheetahs, polar bears, puffins, whales, butterflies, and more — in their natural habitats, Emma and her brother explore the different ways that these creatures navigate various life milestones, both big and small. From fox cubs having their first outing and humpback whale calves getting some lunch, to a penguin’s first trip out to sea and a young wildebeest migrating with the herd for the first time, If I Were An Animal is full of wholesome, educational looks at a wide array of animals as they journey into the world and experience firsts.

Watch If I Were An Animal , rated TV-G, on Netflix.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Follow as Ada and her two best friends, Iggy and Rosie, ask big questions and work together to discover the truth about anything and everything — from using the scientific method to making exploding volcanoes to helping bring gardens back to life. Adapted to become a television series in 2021 from a children's picture book of the same name (written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts), Ada Twist, Scientist encourages children — and especially young girls — to develop an interest in STEAM-related subjects.

Watch Ada Twist, Scientist , rated TV-Y, on Netflix.

With the aid of scientist mentors, a group of girls design their own investigations, with inquiries that delve into topics ranging from the environment and engineering to nutrition and technology. Winning an Emmy award in 2019 for its fourth season, PBS’s SciGirls currently has five seasons out for viewers to enjoy and soak up all of the impressive ways these young girls explore science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Their educational prowess and creative endeavors — including making stunning music and animation displays through code — are sure to impress even the smallest of viewers.

Watch SciGirls , rated TV-G, on PBS.

Mystery Doug

There are mysteries all around us, but if you have a school-aged child, there’s a good chance you already know about Mystery Doug since many teachers incorporate the YouTube series into their curriculum, and with good reason! Each short episode answers a specific question, which can range from “why do whales sing?” to “how were Lego bricks invented?” to “Why do some people get carsick” and many more. At the end of each new episode, viewers can vote on the question they want answered next. It’s a great series for curious kids to learn about mysteries big and small, and encourage them to find new mysteries of their own.

Stream Mystery Doug o n YouTube .

Schoolhouse Rock

🎶As your body grows bigger/ Your mind grows flowers/ It’s great to learn: 🎶 ‘cuz knowledge is power!

An oldie but a goodie, Schoolhouse Rock has been teaching kids about grammar, math, history, and science for nearly 50 years. On Disney+, each category is divided into a season, and Seasons 4 and 5 are all about science, from “Interplanet Janet” singing about the solar system to computers, gravity, electricity, and more. (And, of course, we highly encourage you to check out the other subjects as well: when it comes to songs this series is all killer, no filler.)

Stream Schoolhouse Rock on Disney+ .

Tiny Creatures

Nature documentaries often focus on the heavy hitters of the animal kingdom. Whales, lions, elephants, grizzly bears. But as Yoda taught us, size matters not! Truly powerful and impressive creatures can come in all sizes, which we think is an important message for small children to understand. This series focuses on the unsung heroes of nature, exploring the “superpowers” and challenges of the world’s smallest critters, who are often (though not always) also the cutest. (I mean, have you ever looked at the eye to head size ratio of a mouse? Absolutely adorable!)

Stream Tiny Creatures , rated TV-PG, on Netflix .

Happy viewing, little scientists. Today TV, tomorrow a Nobel Prize in Physics!

This article was originally published on March 7, 2021

How to Make Oobleck Slime Science Experiment 💚 Emily’s Wonder Lab

What you will learn.

In this lesson, you will learn how to make Oobleck, a fun goo that acts like both a liquid and a solid! You will discover the ingredients needed, which are water and cornstarch, and how to mix them together. You will also explore how Oobleck behaves differently when you squeeze it or let it rest. Finally, you will understand the importance of cleaning up properly after your experiment. Get ready to have fun and become a little scientist!

Let's Think

• What do you think makes Oobleck act like both a liquid and a solid?
• Why is it important to have an adult help you when making Oobleck?
• What should you do with Oobleck after you’re done playing with it, and why?

Lesson Article

Let’s make oobleck: a fun science experiment.

Today, we’re going to have some fun with science by making something called Oobleck. It’s a special kind of goo that acts like both a liquid and a solid! But before we start, make sure you have an adult to help you. Every great scientist needs a good helper, and it’s important to have an adult’s permission.

What You Need

• Food coloring (if you want to add some color)

Let’s Get Started!

First, measure out one cup of water and pour it into a bowl. If you want your Oobleck to be colorful, add a few drops of food coloring to the water. You might want to wear gloves to keep your hands clean.

Next, add one to two cups of cornstarch to the water. Start with one cup and mix it well. You might find that mixing it is a bit tricky, and that’s because Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. This means it doesn’t behave like regular liquids!

What Happens?

Try passing the Oobleck back and forth between your hands like a ball. You’ll notice that when you squeeze it or apply pressure, it feels solid. But when you let it rest, it flows like a liquid. Isn’t that amazing?

Important Cleanup Tips

When you’re finished playing with your Oobleck, remember not to pour it down the sink. It can clog the pipes! Instead, put it in a plastic bag, tie it up, and throw it in the trash.

And That’s Oobleck!

Now you know how to make Oobleck! It’s a fun way to learn about science and explore how different materials can change their properties. Enjoy your experiment!

Discussion Questions

• What did you find most surprising about how Oobleck behaves? Can you think of anything else that acts like both a liquid and a solid?
• Have you ever mixed different things together to see what happens? What did you mix, and what was the result?
• Why do you think it’s important to have an adult help you with experiments like making Oobleck? Can you think of other activities where having a helper is important?

Lesson Activities

Oobleck Dance Party: Create a small dance floor for your Oobleck! Place a thin layer of Oobleck on a tray or shallow dish. Play some music and watch how the Oobleck reacts to the vibrations. Does it move differently with different types of music or beats? Try tapping the tray gently and then harder to see how the Oobleck changes. Discuss with a friend or family member why you think the Oobleck behaves this way.

Oobleck Art: Use your Oobleck to create art! Pour some Oobleck onto a piece of thick paper or cardboard. Use your fingers or a spoon to spread it around and make patterns. Try lifting the paper to see how the Oobleck flows and changes shape. Once you’re done, let it dry and see what kind of texture it leaves behind. What do you notice about the patterns and the way the Oobleck dries?

Question Time: Think about other things in your life that might be like Oobleck, acting like both a solid and a liquid. Can you find any examples in your kitchen or outside? Discuss with a friend or family member why you think these things behave like Oobleck. How do they compare to the Oobleck you made?

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