- STEM and STEAM shows for preschoolers combine entertainment with education to build early skills in critical thinking, creativity, basic math and science skills as well as problem-solving in a fun, age-appropriate way.
- Educational programs such as Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi, Curious George, Elinor Wonders Why, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, promote curiosity, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills through engaging characters and storytelling.
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In today’s fast paced and ever-changing world early exposure to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving is becoming more essential. One way to introduce these concepts to young children is through engaging educational media such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (which adds Art) shows. These shows specifically designed for preschoolers are made to nurture curiosity and foundational skills in a fun, age-appropriate way. These types of programs blend entertainment with education, helping preschoolers develop an early interest in these important subjects.
While STEM and STEAM shows can be great educational tools, parental involvement will enhance the learning experience. Watching the shows together, asking follow-up questions, and encouraging related playtime activities can deepen your child’s understanding. For example, after watching a show about building, your child can try constructing towers with blocks or Legos. After a science-themed episode, you can do a simple experiment at home with your child. These enrichment activities in addition to the visual stimulation of the show will encourage your child to learn while having fun.
1. Bubble Guppies
Skills: Math, Science, the Arts, Health, Environment, Pre-Reading, Social Emotional
Target Ages: 2-5
Bubble Guppies is an animated educational television series aimed at preschoolers that airs on Nick Jr. In the show, a group of young merpeople learn lessons and attend school in an underwater-inspired setting. They learn about math, science, health, language arts, and the arts through play and music. The show is vibrant and cheerful with original music and lovable characters. It encourages active involvement from its young viewers while keeping them entertained.
While new episodes ran from 2011 through 2023, reruns are still shown regularly on the Nickelodeon channel. They are also available for streaming on multiple platforms including Paramount+ and Amazon Prime.
Bubble Guppies was my son’s favorite show when he was younger. He was always a very busy little bee but would stop and dance along to the songs whenever he heard the show come on. He is now a strong lover of mathematics.
2. Team Umizoomi
Skills: Mathematical Concepts and Problem Solving
Target Ages: 2-5
Team Umizoomi is an animated educational tv series with live-action elements that airs on Nick Jr. In the show, viewers join brother and sister duo Millie and Geo and their robot friend Bot to solve everyday problems using their “Mighty Math Powers”. They take their audience through adventures in their town of Umicity, blending live actors with animated characters and environments. The show encourages active involvement from the audience as they solve problems using teamwork and basic mathematics skills such as numbers, patterns, shapes, and measurement.
New episodes stopped airing in 2015 after four seasons; however, the show still airs reruns regularly on the Nickelodeon channel. Episodes are also available for streaming and purchase on multiple platforms such as Amazon Prime and Philo.
Team Umizoomi was a show watched by all of my children but especially loved by my youngest. With his love for math, this show was right up my son’s alley. Additionally, with the lovable characters and mix of live-action characters, all of my children really enjoyed this show.
3. Curious George
Skills: Math, Science, Engineering, Problem Solving, and Exploration
Recommended Ages: 2-5
Curious George is a preschool animated program centered around a young monkey named George and his friend “The Man in the Yellow Hat” airing on PBS Kids. Since everything is new to George he is curious and inspires the audience to explore math, science, and engineering in the world around them. Many of the show’s stories involve hands-on problem-solving through trial and error. Curious George and his friends often get into trouble due to George’s curiosity. However, through teamwork they demonstrate that mistakes are a part of learning while also showing the importance of friendship and kindness.
Curious George aired new episodes for 15 seasons from 2006 to 2022, racking up 198 episodes plus multiple specials. While new episodes are no longer being made, PBS still airs reruns daily. Streaming platforms such as Hulu and Peacock offer the series, and some episodes are also available to watch on PBSKids.com.
Not only was Curious George a favorite with all of my kids (as well as myself) but they also enjoyed the books. In fact, we still have both DVDs and books of Curious George that we enjoy.
4. Elinor Wonders Why
Skills: Basic Science and Nature
Target Ages: 2-5
Elinor Wonders Why is a science-based animated show aimed towards preschoolers that airs on PBS. In the show the audience follows Elinor the bunny and her friends as they encourage curiosity and the exploration of science by introducing scientific inquiry in a fun and engaging way. In every episode Elinor observes, asks why, and gathers information. Most of the episodes focus on nature, the natural world, and how living things interact with their surroundings. The cute and charming characters also demonstrate the importance of respecting others and the value of teamwork.
Elinor Wonders Why currently has two seasons and airs daily on PBS. The show can also be streamed on Hulu or watched on PBSKids.org.
My kids find Elinor and her friends Olive the elephant and Ari the bat very lovable. The muted colors and more simplistic artwork are some of the things that make this series a favorite. Plus, the focus on nature, animals, and the environment makes this show a huge hit.
5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Skills: Counting, Shapes, Colors, Problem-Solving
Target Ages: 2-5
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a Disney Junior show I feel that everyone knows. The show follows the adventures of Mickey Mouse and his well-known friends at their clubhouse. While not strictly a STEM or STEAM program, it does teach preschoolers problem-solving skills as well as early math concepts like counting, shapes, and colors through active engagement. The show encourages participation by asking viewers questions, prompting them to choose between options, and celebrating their success with songs.
The series originally ran from 2006 to 2016. However, the show continues through reruns on Disney Junior and can be streamed on Disney+.
Mickey Mouse has been a prominent childhood figure for decades and putting him in a fun and vibrant show with all of his well-known friends is a recipe for greatness. All of my kids enjoyed this show at some point. My kids especially loved the songs and dances and Mickey’s helper friend Toodles.
By combining entertainment with foundational learning, STEM and STEAM programs can help young children develop essential cognitive and creative skills. Technology will continue to shape our world, and these programs will encourage the next generation to think critically, ask questions, and solve problems.
I hope this blog gives you some ideas of the wonderful STEM and STEAM programs age-appropriate for your preschooler. If you found this blog helpful, please consider subscribing and liking this post as it will help to grow the community as well as let me know which type of posts are more beneficial for you. If you are looking for some mathematical inspired games to help your child learn while playing, check out my My Top 5: Math-Inspired Video Games for Elementary Students blog.
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What are some of your family’s favorite STEM or STEAM based programs? Please share your favorites with the community in the comments below.
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