Educational Shows On Netflix That Respect Students
- 01. Learning with Netflix: Shows that Build Knowledge
- 02. Top Educational Shows by Grade Level
- 03. Science and STEM Programming
- 04. History and Social Studies Content
- 05. Nature and Environmental Education
- 06. Language Arts and Literacy
- 07. Mathematics and Financial Literacy
- 08. Implementation Guidelines for Educators
Learning with Netflix: Shows that Build Knowledge
Netflix offers over 85 educational shows spanning preschool through high school, including proven classics like The Magic School Bus and modern hits like Ada Twist, Scientist that teach science, history, math, and language arts. These programs are organized by subject and grade level, making them ideal for classroom supplementation or homeschool curricula aligned with Marist educational values of holistic formation and intellectual rigor.
Top Educational Shows by Grade Level
Educators across Brazil and Latin America increasingly integrate streaming content into curriculum innovation strategies, with 73% of surveyed school administrators reporting that video-based learning increases student engagement by at least 40%. The following table categorizes the most effective shows by developmental stage:
| Grade Level | Show Title | Subject Focus | Episodes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool-Kindergarten | Ask the StoryBots | General Science, Questions | 3 seasons | TV-Y |
| Preschool-Kindergarten | Numberblocks | Early Math, Counting | 6 seasons | TV-Y |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | The Magic School Bus Rides Again | Science, STEM | 1 season | TV-Y |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | Brainchild | Science, Social Media, Emotions | 1 season | TV-G |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | Emily's Wonder Lab | STEAM, Experiments | 1 season | TV-Y |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | Explained | Current Events, Science, Society | 3 seasons | TV-MA |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | History 101 | World History, Economics | 1 season | TV-14 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | Bill Nye Saves the World | Climate Change, AI, Health | 3 seasons | TV-14 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | Our Planet | Ecology, Climate Change | 2 seasons | TV-PG |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | The Social Dilemma | Technology, Ethics | 1 documentary | TV-14 |
Science and STEM Programming
Science education thrives on visual evidence, and research shows students remember twice as much when they see and hear content versus text alone. Netflix's science lineup includes:
- The Magic School Bus (1990s classic): Ms. Frizzle's class explores biology, physics, and Earth science through magical field trips
- Ada Twist, Scientist: Three young questioners conduct experiments following the scientific method, modeling inquiry-based learning central to Marist pedagogy
- Emily's Wonder Lab: Astrophysicist Emily Calandrelli demonstrates hands-on experiments for elementary students
- Brainchild: Answers kid questions about germs, emotions, and social media through games and experiments
- Bill Nye Saves the World: The Science Guy tackles climate change, artificial intelligence, and health with humor and expert guests
History and Social Studies Content
Historical documentaries on Netflix provide primary source footage and expert commentary that bring past events to life. School administrators report these shows are particularly effective for community engagement when paired with family viewing nights:
- History 101: Animated mini-lessons on GPS, credit cards, and social movements (TV-14, 1 season)
- We the People: Modern artists sing about U.S. rights and citizenship, akin to Schoolhouse Rock for today's students
- Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb: Archaeologists explore a 4,400-year-old undisturbed Egyptian tomb (TV-PG, 1h 54m)
- Greatest Events of WWII in Color: Colorized footage of Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and turning points (TV-14)
- The Who Was? Show: Live-action comedy sketch bringing historical figures to life for grades 4-6
Nature and Environmental Education
David Attenborough-narrated series exemplify evidence-based analysis of ecological systems, aligning with Marist values of stewardship and care for creation:
Our Planet was Netflix's first nature documentary, focusing on how climate change affects living creatures across ecosystems. The sequel Our Planet II explores deserts, jungles, and oceans with stunning cinematography. Other notable titles include Night on Earth (animal behavior after sunset), Life in Color (how animals use color to survive), and My Octopus Teacher (a filmmaker's relationship with an octopus, teaching empathy and observation).
Language Arts and Literacy
Reading and writing development benefits from storytelling reinforcement through visual media. Key programs include:
- Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices: Celebrities read books by Black authors, sparking conversations about empathy and self-love (TV-Y)
- Word Party: Baby animals teach letters and vocabulary through conversation and play (TV-Y, 5 seasons)
- Spelling the Dream: Documentary following National Spelling Bee competitors, teaching goal-setting and perseverance (TV-G)
- Charlie's Colorforms City: Teaches story elements using interactive shapes, sparking imagination (TV-Y)
Mathematics and Financial Literacy
Math becomes engaging when presented through playful visualization. Netflix offers:
Numberblocks teaches counting, number recognition, and shapes through colorful animated blocks for toddlers and preschoolers. For older students, Money Explained covers credit cards, student loans, and scammers (TV-14), while The Speed Cubers showcases Rubik's Cube champions, demonstrating that math extends beyond paper exercises.
Implementation Guidelines for Educators
Marist educators should integrate Netflix content using values-driven perspective that balances intellectual rigor with spiritual formation. Best practices include:
- Have students take handwritten notes while watching to prevent passive consumption
- Pair viewing with formal reports or video response worksheets (available as free printables)
- Download shows offline for classrooms blocking Netflix streams
- Select episodes aligned with specific curriculum units rather than random browsing
- Facilitate post-viewing discussions connecting content to Marist pedagogy and social mission
Helpful tips and tricks for Educational Shows On Netflix That Respect Students
What are the best educational shows on Netflix for elementary students?
The top choices are The Magic School Bus Rides Again for science, Brainchild for everyday science questions, Emily's Wonder Lab for STEAM experiments, and Ada Twist, Scientist for inquiry-based learning.
Are there educational Netflix shows for high school students?
Yes. Recommended shows include Bill Nye Saves the World for complex science topics, Explained for current events, History 101 for economics and world history, and The Social Dilemma for technology ethics.
How can teachers use Netflix in the classroom legally?
Netflix specifies which media are available for educational screenings; teachers should check the company's educational screening guidelines and use offline download features when schools block streaming.
What educational shows teach about climate change and ecology?
Our Planet, Our Planet II, Chasing Coral, and A Life on Our Planet (narrated by David Attenborough) provide comprehensive coverage of ecosystems and climate change impacts.
Are there Brazilian educational series on Netflix?
Mystery Lab is a Brazilian educational series with English subtitles, exploring mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle and the Great Plague, highly informative for students.
How do educational shows support Marist pedagogy?
These programs support holistic education by blending intellectual rigor with character formation, promoting inquiry, empathy, and social responsibility-core to Marist values across Brazil and Latin America.
