Science Max is a wonderfully elegant way to show kids how the world works: do an experiment at the small, at-home scale, while inviting them to try it for themselves. Then, scale it up, using all the materials available to creative science folks who stand ready to lend their expertise to make it a success. It's a beautiful formula the structures each episode, with plenty of reward at the end.
Along the way, Phil McCordic brings out some cameo appearances from science history in the "Max Historica" segments, or has some fun in a low-key pawn shop called Sal's Science Shop. Other segments like "Max Fax" or "Mini Max" punctuate the project that propels the episode, which makes the resolution of a problem as entertaining and dramatic as any kids' show you'll find. (Phil's attempts to "max out" the small-scale experiments don't always work at first, showing that failure is the way to learning. It's a fantastic lesson to teach.)
In each episode, Phil meets with other people who lend their expertise to his wacky ideas for a scaled-up, "maxed out" experiment. It's a great illustration of the fun and creativity that can happen when people put their heads together in search of answers.
Whatever the episode's project--making trebuchets, smashing bowling balls with hydraulic presses, or keeping balance on a tightrope with a backpack fitted with some spinning bicycle tires--each shows the thinking process behind the effect. It's truly excellent for modeling problem solving as well as presenting scientific principles.
My kids have watched each episode, and they have attempted many of the experiments for themselves and have begun thinking more scientifically. If you're looking for something that is fully worthy of shows in the tradition of Beakman's World or Bill Nye, you'll love Science Max. In fact, I far prefer this show to those because of how the show focuses largely on the project and what will make it work. It teaches thinking.
If you care about your children's science education, you won't be sorry you showed them Science Max.
Along the way, Phil McCordic brings out some cameo appearances from science history in the "Max Historica" segments, or has some fun in a low-key pawn shop called Sal's Science Shop. Other segments like "Max Fax" or "Mini Max" punctuate the project that propels the episode, which makes the resolution of a problem as entertaining and dramatic as any kids' show you'll find. (Phil's attempts to "max out" the small-scale experiments don't always work at first, showing that failure is the way to learning. It's a fantastic lesson to teach.)
In each episode, Phil meets with other people who lend their expertise to his wacky ideas for a scaled-up, "maxed out" experiment. It's a great illustration of the fun and creativity that can happen when people put their heads together in search of answers.
Whatever the episode's project--making trebuchets, smashing bowling balls with hydraulic presses, or keeping balance on a tightrope with a backpack fitted with some spinning bicycle tires--each shows the thinking process behind the effect. It's truly excellent for modeling problem solving as well as presenting scientific principles.
My kids have watched each episode, and they have attempted many of the experiments for themselves and have begun thinking more scientifically. If you're looking for something that is fully worthy of shows in the tradition of Beakman's World or Bill Nye, you'll love Science Max. In fact, I far prefer this show to those because of how the show focuses largely on the project and what will make it work. It teaches thinking.
If you care about your children's science education, you won't be sorry you showed them Science Max.
