| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this is an album kids of all ages will enjoy. Even though They Might Be Giants typically appeals to the elementary school set, this album packs simple and complex ideas into each song, so kids of various ages can grasp different concepts, depending on their age. Kids should also find the bonus set of five music videos helpful and charming.
They Might Be Giants have schooled us in the ABCs and 123s and now, with HERE COMES SCIENCE, the band is back with lessons about numerous scientific fields, from biology and chemistry to astronomy and ecology. But these aren't your basic lessons about the Earth revolving around the Sun and the life cycle of a flower. No, that would be too easy for this band. Instead, Here Comes Science delves into topics like evolution, photosynthesis, and the periodic chart. To make sure they got all the facts straight, the band reportedly even hired a scientific consultant during production of the album.
They Might Be Giants took on the gigantic task of making sometimes dry and confusing scientific concepts explode with fun and humor. If there was a Nobel Prize for best scientific album, this release would definitely be in the running! Who else would have the nerve even to try to make the periodic table exciting?
But the band goes above and beyond just entertaining, offering up concrete lessons that would make anyone in a white lab coat proud: "Carbon, in its ordinary form is coal, crush it together and diamonds are formed." The music videos that accompany many of the songs are beautifully designed animation that only add to the education experience.
Families can talk about how media can help with education. Do you think computer programs, music, and videos can help you understand a concept better, or is reading the only way you should learn?
Families can talk about how to tackle tough science lessons or other homework. Can you try to make a song for facts you're trying to remember?
Families can talk about the difference between fiction and non-fiction, science and fantasy. What is the scientific method, and why is it important for all scientists (no matter their age) to follow it?
| Artist: | They Might Be Giants |
| Release date: | September 22, 2009 |
| Label: | Disney Sound |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |