Bill Nye The Science Guy
What parents need to know
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Bill Nye the Science Guy is an interactive, multifaceted science app that will most certainly get kids excited about science. Bill Nye is an excellent science teacher who really knows how to bring science topics to life for kids. This app is no exception. From cool optical illusions woven into a storyline about alien invasion to a video game-like planetary adventure to DIY at-home science experiments, kids will find something to love about science on this app. Parents should know that the app includes links to iTunes to purchase Bill Nye videos.
What kids can learn
Language & Reading
- following directions
- substance properties
Thinking & Reasoning
- thinking critically
Engagement, Approach, Support
Whether they're exploring cool game-style space adventures or trying some DIY experiments at home, kids will find this app well-designed and engaging. It hits the sweet spot between kids' everyday interests and interesting science education.
In-app activities, DIY experiments, videos, and other science information all approach science from different, kid-friendly angles, yet with a surprising amount of depth (even more so if you purchase the full-length videos).
The six DIY science experiments that require nothing more than everyday household items are an excellent example of how apps can provide real-world extension activities to complement digital learning.
What's it about?
First, kids must press their thumb on the opening screen to gain top-level clearance to the desk of Bill Nye, research engineer. Once at the desk, kids can tap on a rocket ship for a planetary adventure, a television to watch clips of Bill Nye science videos (full videos must be purchased), learn some science facts from a Bill Nye bobblehead doll, read about science experiments you can do at home, and more.
Is it any good?
Bill Nye The Science Guy is an app that even quite young kids can use to dig into science concepts without much adult help. That said, some sections -- like the more detailed information about science facts and experiments -- require quite a bit of reading. So kids will need to be fluent readers or have someone read those sections to them. But for other games -- like the optical illusion or space adventures -- and a few of the DIY experiments, kids will just need to view pictures or gather some very basic household items (one requires just tape, a piece of paper, and a comb). The really great thing about this app is that Bill Nye explains science concepts clearly through the visually and intellectually engaging videos (even just the free intros) and activities. Best of all, most all of the content on the app is free.
Families can talk about...
Encourage your kid to choose a science experiment or two from Bill Nye The Science Guy, and provide support as needed.
If your kid isn't yet a fluent reader, read some of the more in-depth science info pages aloud.