Animal Atlas
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fun globe-trotting series teaches kids about animal species.
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Animal Atlas
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What's the Story?
ANIMAL ATLAS takes viewers around the world and to the depths of the ocean to learn about diverse wildlife and domesticated species. Big and small, hairy and scaly, predator and prey -- all sizes and shapes get their time in the spotlight as narrator Eric Schwartz points out what makes each one unique and how shared characteristics make some groups similar. It's a whirlwind virtual field trip that brings kids up close to species they've never heard of and treats them to fun trivia about familiar favorites.
Is It Any Good?
This superb series blends educational content and entertainment in the perfect ratio. Animal-themed programming certainly isn't an endangered species, so how do you go about weeding through the masses for the pick of the litter? Well, if you've found Animal Atlas, then the hunt is over. It gets kids' attention with quirky facts and conversational commentary before unleashing a wealth of quality information related to each animal species. If the subjects are lions, for example, you'll learn about predators and carnivores as well as how nearby prey animals' unique defenses give them a fighting chance for survival. Think all bear species are pretty much the same? You'll think again after seeing how physical adaptations make each one a heavy hitter in his respective environment
The beauty of this series is that it ditches the rote formulas so many shows fall victim to and keeps its process fresh by mixing up its focus. Some segments center on animals grouped by where they live or what they eat, while others give a snapshot of one particularly intriguing species. But what never changes is the show's deliberate content that aims to teach as much as it entertains
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how animals adapt to their environments in Animal Atlas. What forces work against the species in this show? How are their bodies designed to help them survive? What would happen if one species became disproportionately dominant in a habitat?
Similarities and differences are a common theme in this show. Kids: Which characteristics or interests do you share with your friends? How does this make it more enjoyable to be with them? Are differences necessarily a bad thing? In what ways do your unique qualities make you special?
This series is a great place to start some hands-on learning with your kids. Take a walk through the woods or visit a local zoo or pet store to view different types of animals up close. Talk about different environments and how their qualities affect the animals' well-being. How do they survive a changing climate? Where do they look for food?
How does Animal Atlas promote curiosity? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 24, 2004
- Cast: Eric Schwartz
- Network: Syndicated
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM, Horses and Farm Animals, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: August 25, 2022
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