10 Educational Netflix Shows for Schoolkids to Watch During the Holidays

May 4, 2020

With the school holidays brought forward and an extension of the circuit breaker, your child would be eager to catch up on his/her favourite educational shows on Netflix.

But do you know what your child is watching on TV while you work from home?

Besides setting the ground rules for TV time, you can also work with your child on a list of shows he/she can watch to learn new things.

We’ve put together a list of educational Netflix shows that are not only fun to watch, but also helpful in exposing your child to new and interesting concepts that reinforce their knowledge.

Best Educational Netflix Shows for Younger Schoolkids (7 to 9 Years Old)

1. Ask the StoryBots

Educational Netflix Show: Ask the StoryBots

Join Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang and Bo, the quintet of quirky robots, as they go on an adventure to the human world to answer some of your kids’ biggest questions.

From “How do computers work?” to “How do people catch a cold?”, your young learners will be taken through an interactive and colourful journey on this educational Netflix show as the robots walk them through each explanation using methods that your child can understand.

At the end of each episode, the robots will sum up their answers in the form of an upbeat music video. You might also want to keep your eyes peeled for guest appearances by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Christina Applegate!

Watch it here!

2. Bill Nye Saves the World

Educational Netflix Show: Bill Nye Saves the World

Remember the show Bill Nye the Science Guy which was a hit in the 90s? Your favourite science guy is now back! In this spin-off series, he brings experts and famous guests to his lab for fun learning sessions on a variety of science topics.

Besides discussing issues such as climate change, alternative medicine, video games and space travel, Bill and his guests also address myths and claims objectively on this educational Netflix show.

Watch it here!

3. Carmen Sandiego

 

Educational Netflix Show: Carmen Sandiego

A remake of the popular show in the 90s, Carmen is an infamous ‘thief’ who uses her skills for good intentions. Her mission? To return cultural and historical items to their rightful owners with help from her savvy sidekicks.

There are many lessons your young ones can learn from this TV show, such as the historical and cultural facts about the places that Carmen travels to. But what we love most about the show is how the main character is portrayed as an empowering female role model who thinks strategically and chooses good over evil.

We all need an inspirational role model to look up to at various stages of our lives!

Watch it here!

4. Odd Squad

Educational Netflix Show: Odd Squad

This exciting series is fronted by Olive and Otto, two child agents from the Odd Squad, an organisation run entirely by children.

Under the leadership of their boss, Ms O, Agents Olive and Otto are tasked to investigate strange happenings in their town. Travelling from the Odd Squad headquarters precinct via a system of interconnected tubes, the duo deduces solutions to the problems at hand using basic mathematical concepts like addition, subtraction, and recognition of patterns.

We love how maths skills are practised in each episode in a fun and engaging way – your kids won’t even realise that they’re learning just by watching the show!

Watch it here!

5. The InBESTigators

Educational Netflix Show: The InBESTigators

The InBESTigators is an Australian TV series featuring four friends – Maudie, Ezra, Ava and Kyle – who got together to form a “detective agency”. Operating out of the granny flat in Ezra’s backyard, the team scours for clues to solve mysteries at their school and around the neighbourhood.

In each episode, there is a lot of critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and explanation involved in the team’s investigations. But that doesn’t mean that the show is dry and serious – your child can look forward to funny one-liners that’ll surely bring a smile to his/her face.

The values of confidence, kindness and teamwork are demonstrated in the team’s adventures, so there are plenty of valuable life lessons your kids can learn from watching the show too.

Watch it here!

Best Educational Netflix Shows for Older Schoolkids (10 to 12 Years Old)

6. Brainchild

Educational Netflix Show: Brainchild

Produced with kids in mind, this science show takes a delightfully messy and wacky approach to explaining how things work in the world.

From learning about the different types of germs (or how true the Five-Second Rule is) to uncovering the mysteries behind our dreams, thoughts and memories, every episode features a relevant science experiment to help young learners understand the world around them.

Watch it here!

7. The Mars Generation

Educational Netflix Show: The Mars Generation

A Netflix Original documentary, The Mars Generation follows the journey of self-professed teenage “space nerds” at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre who work towards their dreams of travelling to Mars. As the teens prepare to become the engineers, astrophysicists and astronauts of tomorrow, the leading experts in the field reflect on NASA’s history and future.

If your child is a huge fan of space and astronomy, he/she will be thrilled to get a sneak peek into the architecture of the modern space race. The show also offers insights on the historical, philosophical and technical implications of making the journey to Mars a reality.

Watch it here!

8. The Who Was? Show

Educational Netflix Show: The Who Was? Show

Hosted by American actor and comedian Andy Daly, The Who Was? Show gives kids a crash course on important people in history such as Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, Bruce Lee, Marie Curie and more.

Based on The Who Was? series of books, the breakthroughs and contributions of well-known historical figures are featured through discussions with a group of teens. There’s a lot of humour thrown in as well, which helps to make a seemingly dry subject more interesting and relevant for kids.

Who knows, after watching this show, your kids might learn to appreciate and enjoy their history lessons in school.

Watch it here!

9. Abstract: The Art of Design

Educational Netflix Show: Abstract: The Art of Design

Does your child love all things design and enjoy expressing his/her creativity? Here’s an educational Netflix show your child can watch to get some inspiration for his/her next project!

Abstract: The Art of Design takes us through the creations of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines. Featuring artists such as Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield, graphic designer Paula Scher and interior designer Ilse Crawford who take us through their works, be prepared to be inspired as we learn how design impacts every aspect of life.

Watch it here!

10. The Mind, Explained

Educational Netflix Show: The Mind, Explained

Have you ever wondered what happens inside your head that makes you think of things or feel a certain way?

This TV series examines the processes that take place inside our minds when we dream or when one goes through anxiety disorders. Through a series of interviews, cartoons and animations, topics like memory, dreams, anxiety, mindfulness and psychedelics are explored in a way that is engaging for young learners.

Watch it here!

Read also: 8 Free E-Learning Resources to Occupy Your Kids With at Home

Giving your kids some downtime during the school holidays helps them to rest and recharge for the longer school term ahead. With educational Netflix shows such as the ones we’ve listed, your young ones can learn new things and better relate to topics that have been covered in school.

Written by Justina Goh