Here at Science Sparks, we're big fans of anything that encourages kids to develop an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Sesame Street Wick Builders is a new 3D animated series featuring beloved Sesame Street characters reimagined as robot heroes with STEM superpowers. It's a great concept and we can't wait to see more episodes. The series aims to help older preschoolers practice and learn important foundational critical thinking skills while enjoying Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby solving problems in an often fun and always entertaining way.
My five-year-old son really enjoyed watching the preview episode they sent us to watch in advance, and I will definitely use it as inspiration to learn activities we can do together too! One episode features a rocket launch, which would lead nicely into the making and launching of mini bottle rockets, for example. Another episode features melting ice cream, which combines beautifully in a ice research.
The Sesame Street characters get into all kinds of sticky situations and, using their special powers, gadgets, teamwork, and perseverance, introduce kids to important STEM concepts such as simple machines, forces, and properties of matter. The characters are adorable, kind and fun with big imaginations – perfect for inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts!
Elmo Wick It has a lot of gadgets, but not all of them are as useful as you might think, which makes for a lot of fun moments. Elmo's Rollie Things on his feet are especially inventive, and our favorite tool and gadget is the bubble wand!
abby wick He has super strong and super elastic arms, and Wick Cookie He has a hammer hand, vision, and springs.
The series is set in three different locations, which provide the setting for various problems that the robot heroes must solve. The big, bustling Pretty Big City has a melting magnet and slide problem. Treetop Woods provides the setting for a runaway train, a ravine to cross, and many other adventures. Sunny Field Farm is home to a rocket launch gone wrong, a corn maze that needs a map, and a windmill without power. The series even features a space station. I love that many of the situations have a link to a real-world problem, allowing the show to introduce kids to complicated scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
I can't think of a more exciting way to learn about friction, for example, than imagining a super-duper sled slide and watching the Mecha Builders use chicken feed to slow down the sleds! I won't reveal much more, but if you have a 3-5 year old, Mecha Builders is definitely a great show to check out!
“Plan it, test it, figure it out!” There's no problem too small or too big for the Mecha Builders, and they never give up!
Sesame Street Wick Buildersthe first fully animated sesame street Spin-off series, has been acquired by Milkshake! from Channel 5.
Try the activities
After you've watched the show, try one of these simple science activities. Make super sand, take part in an ice melting race, or try a floating and sinking investigation.
Watch Mecha Builders on Channel 5's Milkshake now!
Publication in collaboration with Sesame Workshop
Last updated on March 25, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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