WGBH Educational Foundation
Boston, MA
$71,508
R&D for a mixed-media television series, combining live-action actors with sets, scale models, and computer animation designed to teach science concepts to children aged six through nine. The series has seven educational priorities: develop materials that are highly appealing to teachers; introduce scientific concepts in a logical order to create building blocks for the viewer; introduce advanced science concepts as secondary elements; separate authentic science from science fantasy; make complex science ideas accessible to the viewer; distinguish between science and technology; and create nonstereotypical characters. This planning project includes developing a series curriculum, convening an advisory board, developing an outreach plan, testing animation and script treatments, and developing the series guidelines.