PBS Kids Dinosaur Train

There is a reason why PBS Kids is the number one educational media brand for kids!  The quality of programs are really top notch and they allow children to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs.

From the renowned Jim Henson Company, the hit DINOSAUR TRAIN series encourages scientific thinking and other skills as it teaches children about natural science, natural history and paleontology. The series is part of PBS KIDS’ ongoing commitment to prepare kids for success in school and in life, with cross-platform content that supports learning in key areas such as science, math, and literacy. 

The Jim Henson Company sure did a great job when they created Dinosaur Train.  I think most kids love dinosaurs and/or trains – so the combination of the two equals pure fun for kids!  They are premiering a new Dinosaur Train “Submarine Adventure” on February 18th.  The Pteranodon family dives into an underwater adventure in “Submarine Adventure.” The one-hour program features four new stories about sea creatures that lived during the “Age of Dinosaurs.”Children will meet new friends along the way – from Otto Ophthalmosaurus to Archelon turtles – as they learn about natural science, natural history and paleontology. (Source: PBS Kids PR).

Submarine Adventure:

My six year old daughter and were able to preview the new show “Submarine Adventure” and really enjoyed it.  She has requested to watch it several times since we first viewed it which is always a good sign  that it is well received. One of the things I really like about the Dinosaur Train programs is that they teach children about dinosaurs, the planet and much more.  As Leslie Rotenberg, General Manager of Children’s Programming for PBS says: ” “DINOSAUR TRAIN leads kids on this path of exploration with content that is fun and educational, like the ‘Submarine Adventure’ special, which will engage kids in learning natural science and paleontology concepts, while also inspiring them to embark on their own learning adventures in the world around them.”  As a parent, I know that I appreciate when shows teach children about the world around them.  Following is a description of the four shows that will be premiering on the 18th:

On-air Special Program Descriptions:

“Otto Ophthalmosaurus”

When the Pteranodon family takes the Dinosaur Train under the sea to visit their friend Elmer Elasmosaurus, they learn that the Elasmosaurus family is leaving the station to follow their food – the fish. Buddy wants to follow, but the train tunnel doesn’t go that way – so Mr. Conductor decides to take the family in a brand-new invention, the Dinosaur Train Submarine! On their journey, they meet a marine reptile called Otto Ophthalmosaurus, who guides the submarine deeper than it’s ever been, and even helps them find their way out of a sea cave. 

 “Shoshana Shonisaurus”

The Pteranodon family goes under the sea again to ride the Dinosaur Train Submarine – this time they go to meet Shoshana Shonisaurus, an enormous marine reptile that’s something between a dolphin and a whale. Since Shoshana loves to dive very deep, Shiny has a problem with following her to the bottom of the sea. Shoshana kindly helps Shiny get over her fear of diving deep. 

 “Maisie Mosasaurus”

The Pteranodon family goes back underwater in the Dinosaur Train Submarine and meets Maisie and Marvin Mosasaurus, a daughter and father who are huge, fast-swimming lizards with flippers. Maisie and Shiny bond when they discover neither likes to go deep in the water. The Pteranodons and Mosasaurus have a great time near the ocean’s surface, each family showing the other how they hunt and catch fish to eat. 

 “A Sea Turtle Tale”

The Pteranodon family is on the beach watching small eggs hatch and baby Archelon turtles emerge and start to swim away.  The family and Mr. Conductor get into the Dinosaur Train Submarine and follow the baby Archelons, who discover their own facts of nature – that their mother doesn’t stay with them after they’re born and that they will grow up to be giant-sized sea turtles. 

We hope you have as much fun as we did watching their new show “Submarine Adventure.” Both full episodes and clips from “Submarine Adventure” will be available on the PBS KIDS Video Player at PBSKIDS.org/video and on the PBS KIDS Video App beginning February 19.

 You can Follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

Note:  We were provided with a DVD to preview Dinosaur Train “Submarine Adventure” but this did not affect our opinion of the show! All opinions are our own!

References: PBS Kids Press Release