PBS Kids: Plum Landing is not designed for traditional learning settings, but can be used as a supplemental resource for classroom educators. Afterschool pathways are already set up as one-hour standalone sessions. Many of these could easily be done in a single class period. The Club Pathways are set up for five one-hour sessions. This could be adapted for a one-week science session or spread out over a longer period of time in classrooms that only do science once or twice a week.
Some videos, like the one included in the Sound Safari Introduction, help educators see examples of how the lesson might work. Be aware, however, that showing this to kids in advance of the activity may direct learners in a very narrow way. These introductory videos are probably best used for educators, only because they may remove some of the student inquiry from the task.
PBS Kids: Plum Landing has a well-balanced combination of digital and real-world activities that lend themselves well to kids’ scientific learning. In Roots and Shoots, kids build models of plants using sponges to look at adaptations for conserving water. This activity is fun and clearly addresses the concepts of adaptation and structure & function. The site also includes games like Feed the Dingo that are fun, challenging, and push kids to look for patterns to figure out things for themselves.
While Plum Landing’s pathways have been linked to the Next Generation Science Standards, the lessons themselves aren’t always well aligned to the Disciplinary Core Ideas. Sound Safari is linked to three different Disciplinary Core Ideas, none of which match the learning goals about animal sounds. The lesson is also linked to Structure and Properties of Matter; these ideas could use a deeper examination. While better alignment would better support educators, overall the site offers kids a new and exciting perspective from which they can explore their world.
Website: https://pbskids.org/plumlanding/
Overall User Consensus About the App
Student Engagement
Though lacking much variety, games are captivating for kids. Cartoons are funny, but real engagement lies in the outdoor activities and scientific investigations.
Curriculum and Instruction
Investigations, games, and videos are woven together so kids can learn in a variety of ways. Better alignment to the Next Generation Science Standards could help educators find more ways to implement the resources in class.
Customer Report
Lesson plans provide clear directions, and videos demonstrate the lesson being taught with actual learners. Extension activities are provided for each pathway.
