Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smart series ignites girls' interest in science and math.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
SciGirls
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
What's the Story?
SCIGIRLS showcases tween girls who are curious about the world and inspired to get out there and study it. Each episode follows a new group of girls as they delve into a science-minded question, gathering data and exploring possible solutions for the problem they face. Whether it's engineering a large-scale puppet with moving parts or giving favorite recipes a healthy boost, these girls prove that they're up to any challenge.
Is It Any Good?
In a media environment that bombards tween girls with iffy messages about body image and self-worth, this show makes every effort to change how girls perceive their place in the world. SciGirls' real-life stars are vibrant, curious explorers who believe in their abilities to change the problems they see around them, and their interactions with female professionals in scientific fields will open viewers' eyes to the array of careers available to them. Plus, watching the girls interact with each other offers examples of respectful conflict resolution and the strength that diversity brings to team projects.
Because the show's companion website has a strong presence within the series (the episodes are unified by an animated character who taps into the girls' adventures via the website), viewers will be encouraged to explore the site to create their own pages and share ideas with like-minded peers. Parents may want to talk with tweens about Internet safety before turning them loose to explore all of the resources the site has to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the integrative nature of modern media. How do various branches of the media (TV, Internet, etc.) converge to keep us informed? How does this interconnectedness change how we absorb information? Are there any drawbacks to our high-tech world?
Tweens: What aspects of science interest you? What problems do you see around you that you think could be solved by science? What steps would you take to make that happen? What would the outcome be?
Tweens: What do you want to be when you grow up? How will you use your knowledge and skills to help people? Do you have any mentors whom you admire? How might they and others help you achieve your goals?
How does SciGirls promote curiosity? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 13, 2010
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: August 15, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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