Generation Genius Science Curriculum

Today I want to tell you about Generation Genius science curriculum. This program consists of 36 videos, 12 minutes each, on major science topics that we should cover in grades 3-5.

Every video comes with a lesson plan, a vocabulary list, a teacher guide, and activities to do before and after watching the video. Generation Genius was produced through a partnership with the National Science Teachers Association.

Generation Genius Videos

My children watching Generation Genius videos

My children will be in 3rd grade and 5th grade respectively this Fall, so this curriculum fits our needs very well. I can see how younger or older children would like it, too. The videos entertain, besides delivering solid scientific concepts.

Boy answers Generation Genius questions

Answering questions after watching Generation Genius videos

 

The Dancing Scientist

Jeff Vinokur, also known as the Dancing Scientist, along with Izzy and Zoe, teenagers, take turns showing different science experiments and concepts. Bert, a funny robot, and Dr. Jeff’s mom make appearances as well. Together, they make up a great cast of characters who exude energy and the cool factor.

Many TV shows have featured Dr. Jeff. He makes science fun, funny and entertaining. He also makes it clear, which is probably the most important thing. Honestly, some of these videos explained science concepts in a way that made sense even for me, a linguist. I wish I learned science this way as a child.

Dr. Jeff, Zoe and Izzy from Generation Genius

Dr. Jeff, Zoe and Izzy

My children loved the videos. In fact, it was hard to stop them from binge watching. I believe it took them only three days to watch all 36 videos. The program is captivating.

 

How We Used Generation Genius

For the first three videos, they let me do a full lesson plan with them. We answered questions before watching the video. Then, we answered questions after watching the video. Don’t worry, the answers are only one click away, so you do not need any preparation for teaching this curriculum. It’s very much open and go.

Generation Genius crew at work

Generation Genius crew at work

There are vocabulary terms that need to be discussed and copied into the Science Binder under Definitions. Last but not least, if you feel brave enough, you can reproduce the DIY projects suggested, one per video.

As I said, they kids accepted this order of things for the first three videos. After that, they begged me to just let them watch the videos straight up, no formal learning activities around them. It’s summer break, after all, so I let them.

 

Summer Break Rationalizations

They watched 12 videos per day and they kept coming to tell me about the videos. I watched several with them, of course, but I still had my own responsibilities around the house and could not sit through all of them.

Dr. Jeff, Bert the Robot, and Lizzie from Generation Genius

Dr. Jeff, Bert the Robot, and Lizzie

My plan is to pick it back up from video number 4 when school starts in a couple of weeks. This way, we will go through each lesson all over again. As we do so, we will reinforce the subject matter.

The videos are available on a subscription basis, $15 monthly or $95 yearly, on any device connected to the Internet. For me, this science curriculum seems perfect.

First, it inspires the kids with the idea that science is cool. Secondly, it reinforces the scientific method. Third, it teaches otherwise boring concepts in a fun way. Last but not least, we have no mess to clean up in the kitchen.

 

Disclaimer: I have received a free subscription to GenerationGenius.com in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

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2 thoughts on “Generation Genius Science Curriculum

  1. Hi- I know this post is a couple years old but did you end up using Generation Genius for the year? If so, did you do one lesson a week? My kids have watched a couple videos and love them. Trying to figure out how to make this work as our science curriculum for next year. Thanks.

    • Well, my kids binge watched all the lessons in one week. It was impossible to squash their enthusiasm. We did not do a lot of the homework. They just watched the videos. I wish I could help more, but sometimes homeschooling ends up being like this. I usually stay in control of the schedule and the pacing of the curriculum, but now and then I let them take the lead. Especially if I am tired or busy with other things, if they find something they enjoy AND they learn from, I leave them to their own devices. Does it make sense?

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