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StoryBots: Answer Time - Glue (S1E3)

StoryBots: Answer Time – Season 1 - Episode 3 – Glue

How does glue work? Mr. Wonderful can't start his show until Bang gets to the bottom of this sticky question. Common guest-stars.

Runtime (min)24
Air Date2022-11-21
GenresKids, Animation
TV RatingTV-Y
Network(s)Netflix

Storyline

In this episode of StoryBots: Answer Time, the StoryBots tackle the question of how glue works. Bang takes center stage to investigate this sticky mystery while Mr. Wonderful waits impatiently to begin his show. The episode follows the StoryBots as they explore the science behind adhesives, examining what makes different substances stick together and why glue bonds materials so effectively.

Through their characteristic blend of animation, live-action segments, and musical numbers, the StoryBots break down the molecular science of adhesion in age-appropriate terms. The episode features guest appearances by rapper Common, who helps explain the concepts in an engaging way. As Bang works to answer the question thoroughly, the tension builds around whether Mr. Wonderful will get to start his show on time, adding a narrative thread that keeps young viewers engaged while they learn about the chemistry and physics that make glue such a useful tool in everyday life.

What parents say

Parents have consistently praised the StoryBots series for making complex scientific concepts accessible to young children without dumbing down the content. Many appreciate that the show respects children's curiosity and intelligence while delivering accurate educational information in an entertaining format. Parents note that episodes like "Glue" spark follow-up questions and conversations, turning screen time into a jumping-off point for further learning and experimentation.

Parents have complimented the series for its diverse voice cast and guest stars, with episodes featuring artists like Common providing positive role models for children. Some parents mention that the catchy songs get stuck in their heads, though most view this as a positive since it reinforces the educational content. The show's brief runtime is frequently mentioned as ideal for younger attention spans and for parents who want to limit daily screen time while still offering quality educational programming.

Parents have warned other parents that the energetic pacing and bright animation style may be overstimulating for some sensitive children, particularly before bedtime. However, most find the show's enthusiasm contagious rather than overwhelming, and appreciate that it models curiosity and problem-solving without relying on conflict or scary scenarios.

What kids learn

Children learn about the fundamental science of adhesion and how glue works at a molecular level. The episode introduces the concept that glue contains special molecules that form bonds with the surfaces of materials, creating a strong connection between them. Kids discover that different types of glue work in different ways, and that the effectiveness of glue depends on the materials being joined and how the adhesive interacts with their surfaces.

Beyond the specific chemistry lesson, children learn the value of thorough investigation and not rushing to conclusions. Bang's commitment to fully answering the question before allowing Mr. Wonderful's show to proceed demonstrates the importance of completing tasks properly and taking the time to understand things deeply. This models intellectual patience and the idea that some questions deserve careful, complete answers rather than quick, superficial ones.

The episode also reinforces problem-solving skills and scientific thinking. Children see how breaking down a complex question into smaller parts makes it easier to understand, and how observation, experimentation, and explanation work together in the learning process. The engaging presentation helps children understand that science is not just about memorizing facts, but about asking questions and discovering how the world works through investigation and curiosity.

Parents' top 5 questions

QuestionAnswer
Is the science about how glue works actually accurate for young children?Yes, the episode presents scientifically accurate information about adhesion and molecular bonding, simplified appropriately for the preschool and early elementary audience. The StoryBots series works with educational consultants to ensure content is both correct and age-appropriate. While the explanation doesn't delve into advanced chemistry, it provides a solid foundation that won't need to be unlearned later, introducing concepts like molecules and surface bonding that children will encounter again in more detail as they progress through school.
What age range is this episode most appropriate for?This episode works best for children ages four through eight, though the appeal can extend slightly beyond those boundaries. Younger preschoolers may enjoy the music and animation without fully grasping the scientific concepts, while older elementary students can appreciate the detailed explanations. The show's energetic pacing and colorful visuals engage younger viewers, while the substantive content and humor provide enough depth to hold the attention of early elementary children who are ready for more complex scientific thinking.
Are there any safety concerns about kids trying to experiment with glue after watching?The episode may inspire curiosity about glue and adhesives, which parents should anticipate. While the show doesn't explicitly encourage experimentation, young children often want to try things they've learned about. Supervise any glue-related activities, use non-toxic school glue, and establish clear rules about where and when glue can be used. This can be an excellent opportunity for guided exploration, allowing children to test how glue works on different materials under your supervision, turning their curiosity into a safe, hands-on learning experience.
How can I extend the learning from this episode at home?Create simple, supervised experiments comparing how different adhesives work on various materials. Try school glue, tape, and stickers on paper, fabric, and plastic to observe which combinations stick best. Discuss why some materials bond better than others, reinforcing the episode's lessons about surface interaction. You can also explore everyday uses of adhesives around the house, from bandages to Post-it notes, helping children recognize how the science they learned applies to real life. These activities deepen understanding and show that science is everywhere.
Does the episode explain why glue eventually dries out or stops working?The episode focuses primarily on how glue creates bonds between materials rather than the drying process or degradation over time. If your child asks about why glue dries or stops being sticky, you can explain simply that many glues work by starting as liquids that harden as water or other ingredients evaporate, and that over time exposure to air can change glue's stickiness. This can lead to further discussions about states of matter and chemical changes, building on the foundation the episode provides.

Writing

Directing

Season
Season #Episode #Episode Name
11
Something's not adding up for Giuseppe the pizza guy, but Beep totally knows how to help — multiplication! Danny DeVito guest-stars.
12
When a cat burglar has a question about keys, Boop goes to Security Hardware Headquarters to unlock the answer. Zooey Deschanel guest-stars.
13
How does glue work? Mr. Wonderful can't start his show until Bang gets to the bottom of this sticky question. Common guest-stars.
14
To build a sandcastle, a royal architect wants to know where sand comes from. It's up to Bo to get to the nitty gritty. Sophie Turner guest-stars.
15
Mr. Awesome Ultra Guy is curious about budgets, so Bing pays a visit to the bank. Kevin Smith guest-stars.
16
When a secret agent asks the StoryBots about lasers, Bang shoots the question to a photon named Frans. Anne Hathaway guest-stars.
17
Ms. Mushroom wants to learn how to taste better. To find out more, Bo goes to see her favorite band, the Taste Buds. Chrissy Teigen guest-stars.
18
Boop visits the Chemical Department to answer a burning question for Mr. Super Snowy Icy Cone Guy: How is ice made? Patton Oswalt guest-stars.
19
Bing takes a spin to the Department of Bodily Functions to help Mr. Karate Guy understand why people get dizzy. Gabriel Iglesias guest-stars.
110
A lost tourist wants to know how GPS works, so Beep travels to Old Willy's map to learn more. Craig Robinson guest-stars.
Season #Episode #Episode Name
21
Cosmic Caller thinks he found an alien code, but something's not adding up. Bing talks to Alabama Smith to figure things out. Rainn Wilson guest-stars.
22
Before his big show, the Great Bubblini is bursting to know how bubbles form. Bang heads to the laundromat to find out. Josh Gad guest-stars.
23
When Disco Delilah asks how many tiles she'll need for her dance floor, Beep steps up to learn more about area. Wendi McLendon-Covey guest-stars.
24
Bo explores why the moon seems to change shape to help Ms. Astronaut Lady safely land her spaceship. Scarlett Johansson guest-stars.
25
Ms. Firefighter has a burning question about taxes, so Boop visits the Department of Government and Stuff. Gabrielle Union guest-stars.
26
Beep takes a spin with documentarian Chase Weathers to answer Mr. Cow's question about how tornadoes form. Joe Lo Truglio guest-stars.
27
Where does glass come from? Mr. Castaway can't make windows for his house until Bo cracks this question. Steve Buscemi guest-stars.
28
After Ms. Cafeteria Worker Lady's refrigerator stops working, Bing visits the Refrigadome to learn more about cooling. Kristen Bell guest-stars.
29
Boop travels to the Archive Department to help the all-knowing Socradamus with a fundamental question: What is stuff made of? Simu Liu guest-stars.
210
When Ms. Clown gets an offer to invest in e-Digital-Clown-Circus-World.com, Bang pays a visit to a TV show about stocks. Julie Bowen guest-stars.
211
Bo looks into how the internet works after an office worker named Stacy accidentally sends a silly video to his boss. Trevor Noah guest-stars.
212
Bing races to ask runner Speedy Lightning a question about finding the fastest route for Ms. Pizza Delivery Lady. Jessica Alba guest-stars.

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