I’m often asked where Emily’s interest in STEM came from and I honestly can’t pinpoint just one thing because I believe it developed through repeated exposure to many different things over time. Knowing incredible women in the field of science provided amazing role models while engaging hands-on games and activities both at home and through school peaked her interest. Even the content she watched on PBS Kids as a preschooler helped her start thinking like a scientist from a young age!
I believe that for every kid there is some point of entry to STEM subjects but it’s always important to provide age appropriate opportunities that match their interest. The youngest ages need toys that provide open ended play that promote exploration while older kids who feel pressured by peers and stereotypes need experiences that allow them to feel connected to their friends because of the growing importance of their social world and relationships.
One series that Emily is loving is Project Mc². This brand new live action series on Netflix is geared towards tweens and features four super smart and science-skilled girls who happen to also work for a top-secret spy organization (NBD). My STEAM loving tween says the show is suspenseful and will be enjoyed by those who like mysteries and secret agents.
The show is a fresh take on the typical tween girl show but the series organically weaves S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) into the storyline, making it fun to watch while breaking the stereotype that being smart, funny, stylish, and capable are mutually exclusive. How refreshing for our girls to see that it’s ok to be everything they want to be and more without being pigeon holed!
Project Mc² reflects today’s tweens in a relatable way, giving girls four empowered female leads to look up to. The new series has made its Netflix debut with three 30 minute episodes available through Netflix but Emily and other fans hope there will be more soon! So if your tween watches and likes Project Mc², let Netflix know by commenting on the official show trailer on YouTube or tweeting @Netflix because Smart is the New Cool and we need more shows like Project Mc²!
In addition to the Project Mc² show, there is also a website that features at-home STEAM experiments that are great for all ages and both genders. Kids will love these hands-on experiments that serve as another way to interact with STEAM content while providing a tie in to the show.
Project Mc² character dolls, journal, and other show themed products are available from retailers like Amazon. The dolls allow kids engage in imaginative play to act out scenes from the show or have characters conduct experiments with the enclosed items while journal serves as a great way for kids to record their findings as part of the scientific process.
I am a Netflix Stream Team Member and while I am not compensated, my family does enjoy a complimentary Netflix subscription and other items for my involvement. Amazon affiliate links included in this post.
