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PBS Kids' Lunch Lab (http://pbskids.org/lunchlab/)

common sense media says

Web-exclusive animated series promotes good nutrition.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this PBS Kids web-only series is an entertaining place for elementary-aged kids to learn the importance of good nutrition, a balanced diet, and physical activity. Professor Fizzy is the Lunch Lab’s funny host who serves up a fun mix of nutrition information, healthy eating tips, and simple recipes -- all while trying to foil the efforts of his evil nemesis Fast Food Freddy. Created around monthly themes, the site releases a new animated short video each week as well as a corresponding recipe for kids and their parents to enjoy. A variety of supplemental nutrition-based activities are available to extend the learning into the home.

Educational value: Filled with fun food tips and information that encourages healthy eating and physical activity.
Positive messages: The site focuses on teaching kids about the connection between good nutrition and good overall health.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety:
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on PBS Kids' Lunch Lab

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • The importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Although occasional treats and sweets are nice, your body needs a steady balance of good nutrition and physical activity. Why is it not good for you to spend too much time on the couch and in the drive-thru lane?
  • How marketers target children in order to sell junk food. What methods and tricks do they use to convince kids to ask their parents for junk food? How do they use different media and technology to reach kids with messages about their products?
  • Which types of food are good for our bodies and which are not? At what times of the day do you find yourself craving not-so-healthy foods? Sitting in front of the television? Playing computer games? Do the messages and advertisements you see during the day make you crave those things?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
PBS Kids has created a web-only series that creatively presents nutrition information in a way that kids will understand and enjoy. The Lunch Lab is led by Professor Fizzy, a funny, energetic culinary genius, and his trusty sidekick Mixie-Bot, a robot helper made of kitchen appliances and gadgets. Together, they teach kids about cooking, nutrition and kitchen safety as well as the benefits of basic nutrition, proper portion-size and physical activity. The animated videos are entertaining and educational, and through clever characters such as Sully the Cell, they explain complicated concepts like the virtues of whole wheat flour versus white processed flour. And all the information is imparted using simple language that kids will understand (“Wheat is Sweet!”). Young users will enjoy the games and music with catchy names like “Buffet Boogie” and “Veggie Fever.” Interesting food facts and do-at-home activities make this a fun stop for every member of the family -- and will provide healthy food fodder for any dinner table.
This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Nchat
kid, 7 years old
6
 
perfect for both old n younger kids
it is very helpful n fun to work with.
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (10)
Psychic Readings
adult
5
 
New twist on food for childern.
It really is a wonderful idea to incorporate this into a game. So many kids get older and have no balance of why food is important for them, except the usual from parents "saying, b/c it's good for you" it actually take the time to fully educate them!
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (11)
daddyslittle8
kid, 9 years old
7
 
the goodness of this site
i love this website im a kid and im glad i made an account i hope others injoy this wesite to i will play this be nice not use bad words in my texts and parents this is a good website let them make an account please well hope you like what i wrote byyy!
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (11)
TheMelMonster
adult
5
 
Great videos and recipes for child chefs, games need some work
I really enjoyed this recipe-filled website. The videos are entertaining, the science is sound, and the site is easy to navigate. The games are not horribly entertaining, but the videos and recipes make up for it. I recommend Lunch Lab for any child that is interested in learning more about nutrition and how to cook.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (9)
Static16
kid, 12 years old
6
 
A Kid's Review
I LOVE FIZZY'S LUNCH LAB! I LOVE THE FREEZER BURN VIDEO! THEY ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH!
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)
starwars reviewer
kid, 13 years old
5
 
These shows are too preachy! No one likes a show off.
I've seen a few of these shows, and this is the Captain Planet of food. Even unhealthy foods LOOK appetizing. Take the episode Hoagie Throwdown, taking one bite of an unhealthy food does not cause you to pass out, and it would not take a whole day of exercise to burn off one bite. I vote it off, because it is teaching kids that it's only healthy, if it looks healthy.
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Kold Duff
kid, 10 years old
2
 
Ages 0-5 only it's boring for People 6+
It's Food for the Brain but only for ages 0-5 would see this it's also rated G
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)

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