Skip to content
Type
ICE Community blog

9 terrific TV shows that teach children about engineering 

Date
26 January 2022

From Bob the Builder to Netflix's new series for kids, Ada Twist, Scientist, these shows are educational as well as entertaining. 

9 terrific TV shows that teach children about engineering 
"We're scientists. And best friends."

We’d love for our children to be reading books all the time – and we can recommend some great civil engineering-inspired books here – but in today’s digital native world, that might not always be possible.

However, if you’re worried about how much screen time your kids have access to - worry no more. We’ve rounded up some TV shows that are entertaining AND educational. Not only will it help appease your guilt a little, but you might find yourself enjoying them, too!

1. Maddie’s Do You Know

The ever-effervescent Maddie Moate takes kids on a journey to discover how stuff around us works. From how we get drinking water to how a tram uses electricity to run, Maddie uses a special camera to give an unusual perspective as she explores the everyday.

Find out more

2. Bob the Builder

Can he fix it? If by ‘it’, you’re referring to the question of how do we inspire the next generation of construction workers, then ‘Yes he can!’

Those of a certain age will remember Bob’s probable peak when he reached the masses with his pop song (sorry for that earworm) in 2000. Fortunately, today, you can still get plenty of episodes on Amazon Prime.

Find out more

3. Ada Twist, Scientist

Based on the book of the same name by Andrea Beatty, who also wrote Rosie Revere, Engineer, Netflix has created a show where the “pint-sized” scientist, Ada Twist, together with her best friends, one of whom is Rosie Revere, works to discover the truth about big questions about the world.

The first series of the animated show – from executive producers Barack and Michelle Obama - starts in the UK on 28 September 2021.

Find out more

4. Bitz & Bob

This CBeebies cartoon series is about budding inventor Bitz and her energetic little brother Bob. Eight-year-old Bitz uses her engineering skills to solve a whole range of problems for her friends, taking them all on mini adventures along the way.

Inquisitive kids will relate to a funny little creature called Messy, who goes on magical adventures to find the answers to fun and interesting things. It covers a whole range of science and engineering topics, and in one episode Messy explores that civil engineering favourite – bridges.

Find out more

5. Messy Goes to Okido

Inquisitive kids will relate to a funny little creature called Messy, who goes on magical adventures to find the answers to fun and interesting things. The series covers a whole range of science and engineering topics, and in one episode Messy even explores that civil engineering favourite – bridges.

Find out more

6. Go Jetters

Ubercorn leads a team of four adventure-seeking superheroes, the Go Jetters, who battle with Grandmaster Glitch to save famous landmarks around the world.

Along the way, kids will learn fascinating facts about some of the engineering greats, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Tarbela Dam in Pakistan. Plus, there are some hilarious in-jokes for the adults to enjoy, if you watch closely!

Find out more

7. Catie’s Amazing Machines

Rally driver Catie has a really cool job. In this series for preschoolers, it seems that all she does all day is go around driving amazing machines – including a digger and a tunnel-boring machine.

Find out more

8. Bill Nye The Science Guy

An American TV series, Bill Nye the Science Guy is a classic, live-action show from the mechanical engineer Bill Nye. The award-winning series sees Nye explore the science of everyday things with fast-paced action and quirky humour.

Although it’s been discontinued, you can find full, half-hour episodes on YouTube.

Find out more

  • Anh Nguyen, digital content lead at ICE