Sid the Science Kid is an educational animated television series using comedy to promote exploration, discovery and science readiness among preschoolers. This landmark production, co-produced by The Jim Henson Company and KCET/Los Angeles for PBS KIDS features a practical in-school science curriculum, uses music and humor to celebrate children's natural curiosity about science in everyday life. The energetic and inquisitive 5-year-old Sid starts each episode with a new question ("Why are my shoes shrinking?" "Why do bananas get mushy?") and embarks on a fun-filled day of finding answers with the help of family and friends. Watch this Fall at 8:30 am Monday-Friday; 7:30 am Saturday and Sunday.
WHYY Kids Club and Sid the Science Kid
After watching the episode, I Want Cake!, try this Super Fab Lab Investigation, an engaging exploration of healthy eating.
Instructions are online at pbs.org/parents/sid
Nutrition on the Web
For more information about healthy foods, visit these links:
On the Shelf
Additional reading on children health issues:
- Pre-School to Age 8
Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat
Eat Healthy, Feel Great by William Sears
Physical Fitness by Dr. Alvin Silverstein
- Ages 7-11
Blue Potatoes, Orange Tomatoes by Rosalind Creasey
Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley
- Ages 11-14
Nutrition Ambition: Reaching Your Fitness Goals by Dianne Bean
Food Facts for Teenagers: A Guide to Good Nutrition for Teens and Preteens by Margaret Belais Salmon
- Parents and Families
The Family Nutrition Book: Everything You Need to Know About Feeding Your Children from Birth through Adolescence by William Sears
The Yale Guide to Children's Nutrition by William Tamborlane
Healthy Snack of the Week
Who wants cake? Did you know that eating two cupcakes, a typical serving, made from a box of chocolate cake mix can pack on 430 calories - 189 of those from fat? Instead, try this healthy fruit no-bake "cupcake!" What you'll need: an apple, a few large grapes, yogurt (try to find a healthy, calcium-rich yogurt), and granola (look for low in sugar, high in fiber granola).
Core an apple. Cut it in half horizontally. Sit the apples in cupcake papers, flat side up. Remove seeds. Plug the holes (made from coring) with the grapes. "Frost" the tops with yogurt, sprinkle with granola, and serve.
Get Moving!
In order to prepare your family for the big Y12K this November 14th, try a new exercise each week with your children. A great way to get them interested in physical fitness is to experiment with different activities and find a favorite, something they can do well. Encourage that exercise and they'll feel good about getting fit! According to a study done by the University of Missouri researchers, parental encouragement is the second most important factor in whether children exercise or not. This week, try jump roping! In addition to being a great exercise for cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance, the American Heart Association also links it to good mental health - feeding the brain glucose and oxygen.
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