Once again, Disney demonstrates its proficiency at blending entertainment and education in Safety Smart Science with Bill Nye the Science Guy: Renewable Energy. It's hosted by well-known scientist and TV personality Bill Nye, famous for lending his unique brand of humor to hands-on demonstrations, and blending live-action skits with clever and exciting motion graphics to underscore educational points.

With both English and Spanish language options, the program explains the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and points out that we are using energy faster than we can produce it. Nye goes on to demo and describe renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and solar power, and relates their uses to everyday products. This information will strike a chord with young people and adults alike. In addition to pointing out obvious uses for fossil fuels, such as gasoline for cars, Nye also points out some lesser known ways to cut down on your carbon footprint, such as switching to beeswax lip balm instead of using petroleum-based ones.

The educational content is appropriate for children aged 10 to 14 (with some spill-over appeal on both ends of that age range), and the humor level lands within that age range too. It's just corny enough to make tweens and young teens groan, but not so corny that it will turn them off as being too "baby-ish."

At $29.99, it's a bit pricey for a program that's only 21 minutes long, but this Classroom Edition includes DVD extras to boost its value. Instructors and home school educators can access an interactive quiz; a downloadable user's guide with additional resources and web links; bonus features about wind and solar energy; and a fascinating feature about product safety testing at Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Whether used in a science class or as part of an environmental lesson (or even as interesting and informative viewing at home) Safety Smart Science with Bill Nye the Science Guy: Renewable Energy is an energetic hit.