Using PBS KIDS Media to Unlock Early Science Learning With “Elinor Wonders Why”

This webinar was moderated by Pam Johnson Ph.D., of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and featured  a new animated series by PBS KIDS, Elinor Wonders Why. Developed as part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting-Public Broadcasting Service Ready to Learn Initiative with funding from the U.S. Department of Education and Corporation for Public Broadcasting, this television show and related content provide a vehicle for igniting children’s early science and literacy learning and fortifying school-home connections. 

In this webinar, series’ creators — Jorge Cham, a celebrated cartoonist and robotics engineer, and Daniel Whiteson, a physicist and educator — explained the genesis for the show and how it is designed to help children ages 3-5 become little scientists. Inspired by Cham’s daughter, the character of Elinor represents all children and their innate curiosity as she encourages them to explore and think critically about the world around them. Launched on Labor Day, the series includes 37 half-hour episodes and one 55-minute special. 

Cham and Whiteson were joined by PBS KIDS staff and advisors who shared the robust set of educational programming and associated content being developed by PBS to help families, educators and community partners promote children’s early science learning. The PBS learning media developed in conjunction with Elinor Wonders Why includes digital games, offline activities, field guides and observation pages, lesson plans covering five units, student printables and a teaching guide. Like the show, these materials are designed for preschoolers to help them learn through play. 

The presenters shared that local PBS stations will be working with community and family engagement partners to ensure that this and other educational content reaches children and families. Mayra Monterroso of Rhode Island PBS offered examples of how her station has been working with community partners, including public libraries, family child care providers and others, to leverage public media resources like Elinor Wonders Why. 

Tony Durborow of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) shared how his organization has been partnering with PBS on the Ready To Learn Initiative, stressing the importance of accessible virtual resources during COVID-19 when many centers are closed. 

Shelley Pasnik of Education Development Center described the evaluation plans for Elinor Wonders Why and related materials. Beginning in early 2021, researchers will engage approximately 100 families with young children from a variety of locations to measure the impact of the show on child outcomes, parent attitudes and knowledge about early science and usage of the materials.