Thomas Edison's Secret Lab
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Action- and learning-packed science show doesn't disappoint.
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Thomas Edison's Secret Lab
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Based on 1 parent review
Low-Budget Animation
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What's the Story?
In THOMAS EDISON'S SECRET LAB, a group of friends discovers a long-hidden laboratory created by the famed inventor Thomas Edison and left vacant after his death. Led by 12-year-old genius Angie, JD, Kent, and Nicky discover all kinds of high-tech scientific treasures inside, including a holographic version of Mr. Edison himself and a quirky robot named Von Bolt. The kids turn the lab into their hangout, where they learn about science from virtual Mr. Edison himself and use their knowledge to solve problems that arise for the people they know.
Is It Any Good?
This show pulls out all the stops in its effort to pique kids' curiosity about scientific matters, using virtual reality, music, comedy, and even some mild gross-out humor to hook them. It does the trick, creating an engaging show that sets up semi-realistic scenarios (friends lost on a hike, a grandma who needs to know whether jewels are real, and the like) as avenues for learning about specific STEM concepts. Whether they're looking to learn a lot or just to be entertained, kids won't be disappointed in this intriguing show.
Being the modern production that it is, Thomas Edison's Secret Lab uses every scientific tool at its disposal, and that means that the kids are rarely without their handheld devices. They use them primarily as a means of communication and research, but they also mention uploading content to the show's website, so your kids might be inclined to check out that as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the topics the show explores. Why is it valuable to understand matters of science and math? On what occasions do you use this kind of knowledge in your everyday life?
How does the Internet make information more accessible to you? Is it a valuable learning tool? To what degree do your kids use online resources in school or for homework? What are your family's rules about its use at home?
Kids: What other shows do you watch that have educational quality? Is it important to learn something while you're being entertained?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 7, 2015
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Robots, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: February 10, 2023
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