STEAM Toward New Role Models
Role models are all around us: Teachers, advisers, instructors, athletes, coaches, musicians, clergy and even parents. Yet so often, the most common role models for our children show up on a screen somewhere. Movie, television and even YouTube stars are a huge influence on many kids, including ours. Most of the time that is okay. Sometimes, it isn’t. (Hannah Montana, anyone?)
Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have a problem with super heroes. Everyone likes someone who saves the day. Nor do I have an issue with athletes; they teach kids the importance of perseverance, determination and practice. Actually, all the role models that I mentioned have positive attributes. My concern isn’t the popularity of the individuals who ARE available; it’s the realization that there are limited academic role models available.
Big Bang Theory is one of the few sitcoms that showcases the value and importance of being smart. Unfortunately, it still shows how intelligence and alienation go hand-in-hand AND it isn’t exactly G rated. Several documentaries and reality shows like Battle Bots put a lot of weight on STEAM and that’s fantastic. Do they showcase how girls can be smart and cute and fashionable and rock all at the same time? Not really. Those kinds of role models don’t exist.
Well, then didn’t. They do NOW. Netflix original Project Mc² hits it on the head with a series devoted to smart girls solving problems using their minds. Girls who are smart, yet stylish and cute. And smart. Did I mention that yet?
The premise of the show is that four girls, each with their own talents, come together as a team to solve problems. Knowing the type of shows that Miss K likes, I encouraged her to watch an episode then let me know what she thought. She didn’t watch just one. She watched all three that are currently available to stream on Netflix. When I asked if she could tell me a little about it, she said, “They all have some kind of power. One girl is good at building things.” I asked if she meant like an engineer and she said yes. “And like an inventor. Another one of the girls is good with chemical stuff. Another is the leader. She is good at everything.”
It was cool listening to her tell me all about how awesome these girls were. I mean, how can you not admire a girl who wears pixel glasses? That’s the intersection of where geek meets chic. Seriously. Check out those awesome glasses!
You can learn more about McKeyla, Adrienne, Bryden and Camryn and find out what talents they bring to the team. Your tween can also play Project Mc2 games and go on missions. Maybe they’ll be inspired to want to become a scientist or an engineer! Project Mc2 dolls, science kits and other gear are fun alternatives to traditional dolls.
Project Mc2 on Netflix is filled with positive messages, stresses the importance of S.T.E.A.M while showing that smart girls can be pretty awesome. If you have tweens itching for screen time, encourage them to watch this. It’s just the kind of role models our kids need.
Who does your child look up to?
This looks like an enlightening show for kids. I do believe there should be role models of all types as well. Thanks for sharing this great story.
Great show idea for kids. Looks like it would be enlightening and entertaining at the same time. Thanks for sharing!
Looks like a great show for kids- I think it’s important to have role models of all different types to speak to every person!
Cheers! I love Netflix and I’m always looking for good role models for my grandkids.
This looks like a great show for kids! My younger cousin would probably love this!
I’m loving seeing more shows like this that support smart strong kids! I think these girls are great role models for the new generation!
This is so cool, Netflix really is awesome!
I really like the message behind this show but I wish the girls were just a little less made up and styled. I’m sure our tween will have this entire series streamed in no time. We love Netflix!
Probably fun for kids.
What a fun show!! I think my daughter would love this, going to have to show it to her, great to see a show pop up to encourage girls like this!
This is great! My daughter loves shows like these, and I only allow educational, positive videos as it is. I can’t wait to show her this show!
This looks like an awesome show for kids! I dont have Netflix but looking at all the shows they have I may just have to get it.
Oh this show looks great. I have to check it out with my daughter.
I am loving all the original shows on Netflix. It certainly makes the fee worth the money!
What a great show! I hope there is something like this for when my tot is older… but I am adding it to my Netflix queue just to have!
This sounds like a great show for my girls. I love the premise of a show that teaches girls it is ok to be smart and like math etc. Thanks for letting me know about it!
This sounds like it would be really great for my nieces.
I’m so glad netflix has this show, I’m hoping it catches on and more shows like this come out.
Looks like a smart show great for young girls. Something important since they lack role-models.
AMAZING. Some of my favorite shows as a kid were science-based kid’s shows and I felt like they were lacking in this day and age. Instead they are teaching girls to base their value on sexiness and beauty. Loving the idea of this show and will be watching as well.
It’s exactly the kind of thing our youth needs to see as they mature. I’m so glad this exists!
I love how the talents of all of these girls are being showcased. It is a great show for tweens and teens.
We need good role models. This sounds great.
About darn time is all I can say! Smart and being cool and friendly etc and female are not exclusive and it is time that the world recognized this.
Looks like an interesting show. Kid might like it.. we’ll have to check it out.
Girls that are smart, cute, fashionable and rock all at the same time <<< This should make for an awesome show for kids. I love the idea.
Thanks for the notice