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Bill Nye the Science Guy: Insects and Reptiles--Leapin' Lizards! (NR, 1995)

common sense media says

Funny and engaging science education.

parents & educators say
  • 50% say there are positive messages
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Nye succeeds in making science attention-getting. His humor and the quick scenes will captivate kids enough to get them thinking about being scientists when they grow up. But be warned: One guest wrestles with an alligator for play, and scientists and keepers hold poisonous snakes, alligators, scorpions, bees, and wasps. Young children may get the wrong idea regarding how much danger is involved.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Bill Nye the Science Guy: Insects and Reptiles--Leapin' Lizards!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous animals in their own environment. Are there black widows, snakes, etc? What is the best way to approach (or, more likely, completely avoid) those animals? How do you show respect for a venomous animal?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In INSECTS AND REPTILES – LEAPIN LIZARDS, "Science Guy" Bill Nye covers the characteristics of the cold-blooded (animals, not people) and the differences between amphibians and reptiles. A group of environmentally-conscious kids watches over a batch of baby sea turtles as they hatch and scurry to the ocean for the first time. Next, a man wrestles with an alligator, making it look too easy. The stages of metamorphosis are presented with elaborate visuals. Insect exoskeletons are compared to the outside of a plane, a car, and a dome. And if that's not enough to whet your appetite, or ruin it, kids collect odd-looking bugs and viewers learn how to conduct a fruit fly experiment at home.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Parents can't help but be engrossed -- or grossed out -- by the footage Bill uses, though kids will likely have no problem with it. Though many of the reptiles and insects seem unapproachable to the average person, young viewers will like the hands-on nature of this video. With the understanding that kids don't have long attention spans and need plenty of educational variety, Nye gives basic explanations of concepts like cold-bloodedness and metamorphosis, then brings in knowledgeable guests to demonstrate their prized reptiles and insects.

Bill Nye is definitely innovative, and despite his bad puns, has a certain charisma that attracts dedicated followers. He is, by far, one of the most popular and perhaps only scientist known to some kids. The guy deserves a lot of credit for empowering kids' minds.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Darrell Suto, Mitchell Kriegman
Cast: Bill Nye
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 50 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1995
DVD release: August 8, 1995
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: not rated
This review was written by Amy Kulcak
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say there are positive messages
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Most useful reviews by all members

EspumaMarina
teen, 15 years old
6
 
Its a pretty cool show, lighten up a little..
I think its really funny, I mean its something to watch in science class, which is SO much better than doing packets. I actually really like it, the jokes are funny in my view, and its funny when the 'camera guy' kinda acts like Bill is weird. The kids are pretty dorky, but dueable. Its kinda cool the way he does his experiments, and once he dresses' like an old lady on a cooking show, sorry, but when your stuck at school for eight or nine hours, this stuff gets to be pretty fun.
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tommysportsgirl
adult
 
Excellent program, although he takes evolution as a fact, and some parents may have a problem with that.
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Stanley
teen, 16 years old
 
Cute enough show...
Anyone who knows me knows I hate science. However, my 6th grade Science teacher showed me a Bill Nye video, and though it didn't create any love of science within me, it was cute enough for when you're forced to watch it. Plus, when they're advertising a fake product, if you write down the address to send it to and you actually send a letter, sometimes you get something back!
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Mafatu32
educator
8
 
This here little guy, "Hello".
Were is the show? Only the movie? Whatever, still great to watch.
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common_sense_u ...
adult
 
Educational but boring
I watched this with my 6-year-old and we turned it off about 15 minutes into the show. Bill Nye speaks to the kids viewing as though he is talking to children with a mental disability. The whole show is filled with pointless experiments, unclear explanations about why things happen in nature, and unfunny jokes. It is definately educational, but very boring. A better way to teach your kids about science would be to take a family day trip to a free science museum. There are great ways out there to educate your kids about the wonders of science...but this is not one of them.
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cherry619
adult
6
 
Educational
Bill Nye in general is a great way to educate kids on science and get them wanting to learn in general. I'm 18 and still watch Bill Nye and still learn things from him. His experiments and easy explanations not to added humor and skits all help learning stuff less boring. He's also very hands on and encourages young viewers alike, with parents of course to engage in experiments with him for better grasping of stuff.
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