Darwin & Newts

Name: Darwin & Newts
Item: Darwin & Newts
Rating: 4
Author: Melissa Camacho

TV review by

Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 3+

(i)

Outdoor adventures mix science, engineering, and fun.

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X of Y

Newts and Heni listren in with a telephone they made.

X of Y

Darwin looking at things in the water and rocks.

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X of Y

We think this TV show stands out for:

Character Strengths

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The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

Offers science- and engineering-inspired lessons, and encourages imaginative and creative play. Kids can also learn problem-solving skills.

Positive Messages

Teamwork, cooperation, friendship, and patience are themes.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Darwin and Newts are close siblings who love to learn and to help each other out.

Violence & Scariness

Sexy Stuff

Language

Consumerism

There is a corresponding website and app that features videos and learning activities for families.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Darwin & Newts is a series from New Zealand designed to motivate preschool kids to go outside and explore. It encourages imagination and discovery, as well as creative thinking and problem-solving using basic science and engineering principles as a guide. Arts and crafts are also encouraged. The show's website and corresponding app also offer lots of resources and learning activities.

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What's the story?

DARWIN & NEWTS is an animated series that encourages children to explore and discover the world around them using the basic rules of science and engineering. The New Zealand import features young Maori siblings Darwin (Sarah Hart) and Newts (Sara Stone) playing outside and having lots of adventures sparked by their imaginations. With the help of friends like next-door neighbor Heni (Faith Gunn), Wapiti the deer (George Henare), grumpy frog Burpee (Mark Hadlow), and Kea, Heni's pet bird, they spend their time having fun while learning about all sorts of outdoor phenomena. They sometimes face some challenges, but with Darwin's science smarts and Newts' creativity, they work together to find solutions and build what they need in order to make it through.

Is it any good?

This colorful and lively series is designed to introduce young viewers to basic science and engineering principles while encouraging them to go outdoors and have some fun. Each 11-minute installment features the siblings engaging in activities like fishing, zip-lining, and riding tricycles, all of which form part of a larger adventure full of exploration and discovery. They also encourage imaginative and creative thinking and building in order to problem-solve. Adding to the show are the cultural Maori references they occasionally offer throughout the process. Ultimately, Darwin & Newts offers an entertaining way of inspiring kids to spend some time offscreen finding other things to do.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the interesting things Darwin and Newts learn about when they are outdoors. What kinds of interesting things can you learn about when you are playing outside?
What kinds of science and engineering lessons does Darwin & Newts offer?