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PBS KIDS Lab
Pros: High-quality, research-backed content has been developed by experts, and its delightful combo of learning and fun is sure to please kids.
Cons: The directory-style nature of the site means kids can get lost in the massive network of PBS KIDS' content.
Bottom Line: With PBS-pedigree content that's up to its usual standards of excellence, this is a great, fun resource that ensures high learning potential.
There are so many ways in which PBS KIDS Lab helps teachers use their materials, and they give so many ideas for activities, the best thing you can do is really take some time to peruse the educator resources. PBS KIDS Lab excels in providing suggestions for seamless integration of both online and offline activities. Pre-packaged collections include online, offline, tablet, and sometimes augmented-reality activities (in which kids use a camera to complete tasks) that are all relevant to a common learning goal. They also suggest games that can be demonstrated on a whiteboard. Games can be assigned to kids to play individually or in groups. Teachers will definitely want to take advantage of the pre-made lesson plans, class activities, pre-packaged collections of games and activities for specific learning goals, and the calendar of daily learning activities.
PBS KIDS Lab is a hub for new material from the PBS KIDS suite of programs (e.g., Dinosaur Train, Martha Speaks, The Electric Company). There are games, loads of suggestions for offline activities including lesson plans, and research reports detailing the findings from research on PBS KIDS’ impact on learning. Games are organized by skill (e.g., addition, spatial sense, storytelling, vocabulary), age (3-5 years and 6-8 years), device (many activities can be played across multiple devices, including a whiteboard in the classroom), and show. There are also pre-packaged collections of games and offline activities that all address common learning goals. Activities address a wide range of Common Core math and language arts standards.
Games and activities gathered at PBS KIDS Lab are developed carefully by teachers and experts in media, development, and learning, and are backed by research -- and it shows. PBS KIDS content excels at seamlessly embedding solid learning content into engaging activities. There is no separation here between fun and learning; it’s all one and the same. Choosing activities is easy, as lists include short descriptions as well as learning goals. The varied approach to gaming is motivating, and if kids are overdoing it on screen time, there are suggestions for hands-on, skill-based activities for home and school that are just as fun as the online games.
PBS KIDS Lab is ultimately a directory site: Content is found on each particular show’s website. So, staying on task in the lab can be difficult and can require sophisticated navigation (e.g., once kids are done with a game, there's no link to get back to the lab, so kids might get lost on or distracted by the show’s site). Plus, there's no central data collection on progress or scores, so adults can't see how kids are performing in the games. Thus, the site requires adult supervision (target age includes young kids, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing) or freedom to explore.
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Great interactive games for multiple devices that engage learners and reinforce skills
PBS Kids Lab is a great teaching tool to help reinforce skills and concepts. Teachers can use this resource for whole group or small group instruction. Each game features a picture as well as a brief statement of how it works and what will be learned. This can be helpful to students as they decide whether or not to play the game if they are playing individually. Once you click Play, then a new page opens up which displays a separate URL for the game or a download button for apps. It may be challenging for some students to navigate back to the main PBS Kids Lab page unless the game is opened up in a new window. However the game link can be bookmarked or shared as needed.