SciGirls – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

SciGirls

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2010Animation, Adventure

78%

WISE Score

7.5

IMDb

Real tween girls doing real science experiments—PBS's answer to getting more girls excited about STEM, one hypothesis at a time.

7.5/10

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SciGirls

show

TV-Y, 2010, Animation, Adventure

78%

WISE Score

7.5

IMDb

Real tween girls doing real science experiments—PBS's answer to getting more girls excited about STEM, one hypothesis at a time.

7.5

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Screenwise Verdict

SciGirls does exactly what it sets out to do: show girls that science isn't just for boys in lab coats. The real middle schoolers conducting actual experiments give it authenticity that scripted kids' shows can't match, and the PBS pedigree means it's genuinely educational without being preachy.

That said, this is 15-year-old educational television, and it shows. The production values, pacing, and overall vibe feel very "classroom TV cart on a Friday afternoon." It's not bad—it's just not competing with modern kids' content for entertainment value. Your science-curious 8-year-old might genuinely enjoy it; your screen-savvy 10-year-old raised on YouTube might find it painfully slow.

If you're specifically looking to encourage STEM interest in your daughter or counter gender stereotypes about who can be a scientist, this is a solid, safe choice. Just don't expect it to become appointment viewing.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-11, particularly elementary schoolers who are developing interest in STEM. The content is accessible enough for first graders but the presentation style and topics are calibrated for the upper elementary crowd. Tweens and teens will likely find it too young.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

PBS-produced educational series featuring real tween girls collaborating on science projects. Models teamwork, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships. Common Sense Media confirms it promotes inspiring female role models and cooperative behavior. No concerning content flags on IMDb parental guide.

Imaginative

Combines live-action with animation to explore real scientific questions through hands-on experiments. Each episode follows girls tackling genuine problems through inquiry-based learning. Encourages STEM exploration and curiosity, though format is more educational-demonstration than open-ended creative play.

Safe

PBS Kids programming with no violence, profanity, or inappropriate content. Available on kid-safe platforms with kids mode. IMDb parental guide shows zero concerns across all categories. Designed specifically for educational viewing without surprise content.

Enriching

Explicitly designed to change how girls view STEM fields by showcasing real peers using science to explore and impact the world. Strong educational value with hands-on experiments demonstrating scientific method. Parent and kid reviews on Common Sense Media confirm learning outcomes. Addresses gender representation in science fields.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shows actual middle school girls (not actors pretending to be scientists) conducting genuine experiments and solving real problems
Tackles the gender gap in STEM head-on by normalizing girls in engineering, technology, and science roles
Combines live-action segments with animation to keep the educational content visually engaging
Demonstrates scientific method and inquiry-based learning in practical, accessible ways
PBS production quality means zero commercials, safe content, and actual educational value

⚠

What to Watch For

This is 2010 PBS educational programming—think more classroom supplement than binge-worthy entertainment
The pacing and presentation style may feel slow or dated compared to modern kids' content
Works best for kids who already have some interest in science or need STEM encouragement, not necessarily for reluctant viewers

Conversation Starters

"Which experiment from the show would you want to try yourself?"
"Did you notice how the girls worked together to solve problems? What made them a good team?"
"What kind of science project would you design if you could study anything?"
"Why do you think there used to be fewer girls in science and engineering jobs?"

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