Full STEM Ahead with SciGirls PBS TV Series Stars Real Tween/Teen Girls!

PBS SciGirls Second Season Sizzles

Bringing STEM to Every Screen: Let the Games Begin!

October 2012 on PBS – Check Local Listings or Watch Online

Got a tween?  Then you’ve probably got a screen. Or two, or maybe three. 

SciGirls gets screens.  As the PBS series that’s all about engaging girls 9-13 in science, technology, engineering and math (or STEM), SciGirls understands how today’s “digital native” kids largely live online.

So as the series premieres its second season in October 2012 on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings or watch online at scigirls.org), SciGirls is shaking up screen time as we know it, unleashing inspirational, innovative and flat-out fun STEM videos and games across all of the digital platforms girls love.

First, there are ten new half-hour episodes of the popular television series that the PARENTING Magazine calls “cool stuff” and the New York Times says makes science “downright enjoyable.” Shot in reality TV’s verité-style, SciGirls’ bright, curious, real girls work with female mentors to engineer a ‘chill’ ice-cream-making bike, design a groundbreaking earthquake app, get the buzz on urban beekeeping, use real forensic methods to solve a mysterious “crime,” and more! And of course, animated characters Izzie and Jake are back, still getting into jams that can only be solved by the real-life SciGirls – and STEM. 

In Season Two, SciGirls really soars beyond broadcast, into the interactive space where the series snagged a “New Approaches” Daytime Emmy Award for linking its shows and website in inventive, fresh ways.  The episodes will seamlessly introduce and “tease” cool new online games, activities, and other content, including:

·         Pick ’m Stick ’m: SciGirls is throwing a search party, with a unique online game that starts during the show! Each episode features onscreen clues that lead girls to a corresponding “mash-up” game on the website.  So while kids are enjoying the new episodes, they’re already playing the game! With the clues, girls go to the SciGirls website to solve an “iSpy”-style puzzle (Pick’m !), unlocking pictures they can use to create a their own collage about the show (Stick’m!).  Pick’m, Stick’m and Share’m, SciGirls! 

·         Aqua Bot: In this game, girls take what they learn from the “Sea Perch” episode and engineer an underwater ROV—remote operated vehicle—that doesn’t sink to the bottom or float to the top.  Once the ROV is ready to roll (or, um, swim?), deep sea-divas can navigate a multi-level game, helping Izzie and Jake find lost treasure.

·         Busy as a Bee: Got honey? That’s the golden currency of this simulation game, which extends the adventures of beekeeping SciGirls on the TV show across the website’s social network.   Part Farmville, part Tamagotchi, kids nationwide will grow their gardens and help their hives by depending on each other.  Sweet!

“Texting, social networking, smart phones, gaming—digital technologies are more than just diversions to kids.  They are educational tools as common to our viewers as pencils and notebooks were to their parents,” said SciGirls executive producer Richard Hudson.  “SciGirls’ second season marries the onscreen adventures of our remarkable SciGirls to the power of the web, to ignite girls’ curiosity and change the way they think about STEM.”

The SciGirls creative team is headed by Twin Cities Public Television’s Director of Science Content Richard Hudson, Executive Producer  of the long-running PBS children’s science series Newton's Apple and creator of DragonflyTV and the SciGirls initiative. Co-Executive Producer is Kathleen Shugrue co-creator of Fetch! and producer of ZOOM at WGBH. Animation is created by Soup2Nuts, producers of PBS’ WordGirl. The website is developed by Big Bad Tomato Interactive, and SciGirls is generously funded by The National Science Foundation.  Additional funding is provided by L’Oreal USA.

 

Every girl can be a SciGirl!

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ABOUT TWIN CITIES PUBLIC TELEVISION (tpt) NATIONAL PRODUCTIONS

tpt National Productions’ quality, creativity and innovation have earned both popular and critical acclaim, garnering more than 300 awards for artistic and technical achievement, including 25 national and regional Emmy Awards, the duPont-Columbia Commendation, three Peabody Awards, an Academy Award nomination and awards at major international film festivals. tpt National Productions' websites also have been honored with Parents’ Choice and PBS Web awards, and its outreach resources have been lauded and utilized by educators, community leaders and parents nationwide.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports education and research across all fields of science and engineering. The NSF supports many science programs on PBS in addition to SciGirls, including Cyberchase, Fetch!, Design Squad, and NOVA ScienceNow.

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Now Available on DVD -- DINOSAUR TRAIN: DINOSAURS A TO Z (Review)

Buy now at Amazon for only $9.99.

Synopsis:

"The Dinosaur Train is filled with its most fascinating passengers yet as it makes new and exciting stops in DINOSAUR TRAIN: DINOSAURS A TO Z.  Join Buddy and his family as they embark on a musical tour where they learn about fantastic dinosaur species that Buddy never knew existed.  From the singing Corythosaurus to the speedy Ornithomimus, this is one train no one will want to miss!  From the world-renowned Jim Henson Company, PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Media Distribution, the DINOSAUR TRAIN: DINOSAURS A TO Z DVD features nine exciting dino-filled adventures including a bonus holiday episode titled “Solstice Time” and loads of special features including Dr. Scott video segments, interactive games, coloring pages, information for parents and more.

Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills as the audience learns about natural science, natural history and paleontology.  Over 13 million households tune in to watch “Dinosaur Train” each month.  The “Dinosaur Train” television series is an Emmy®-nominated and Parent’s Choice Silver Honor series.  “Dinosaur Train” consistently ranks among the top ten children’s programs among kids ages 2 to 5*."

Specifications:             Widescreen with Dolby Digital English Stereo and English SDH subtitles
Rating:                         U.S. – Not Rated; Canada – G
Runtime:                     Approximately 110 minutes
SRP:                             $12.99 U.S.; $13.99 Canada

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My Thoughts:

I have a handful of Dinosaur Train DVDs, which our family loved.  So, when I heard about this new release, I had to get my hands on a copy to review and add to our growing collection.  This new release couldn't have come at a better time, as Savannah has been working hard to learn her ABC's.  Even though she is nowhere near repeating the long names of the dinosaurs, she did enjoy hearing about in alphabetical order.

I remember growing up that dinosaurs were big with boys.  But, after watching this hit series with my daughter on PBS Kids, I can see why so many girls are getting into natural science and learning about dinosaurs.  The Pteranodon family makes learning about dinosaurs so much for.  And, when Dr. Scott comes on after each episode to recap about the dinosaurs learned about in the episode, it is a great way to open up lines of discussion with young children, and get them thinking about the animals who roamed the Earth before us.   

This new DVD release contained 5 action packed episodes, one of which is a holiday themed episode ("Festival of Lights").  We enjoyed watching this holiday episode, as we are getting into the holiday spirit.  If your child enjoys Dinosaur Train, why not surprise them with a copy of  DINOSAUR TRAIN: DINOSAURS A TO Z on DVD today.  Since receiving this DVD, we have watched it over a dozen times, and loved each viewing.  You will not be disappointed with the episodes included on this new DVD release.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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New App for Kids From the Hit PBS Kids Show, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (Review)

 

PBS KIDS DEBUTS DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD APP TARGETING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILL-BUILDING FOR KIDS 2 TO 4 

New Mister Rogers-inspired TV Series Launches App for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

PBS KIDS has launched DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD: Play at Home with Daniel, its first app from the new series inspired by the work of Fred Rogers, which premieres on PBS KIDS on Monday, September 3 (check local listings).  The app, designed for children ages 2-4 and available now for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, makes the series’ social-emotional school readiness curriculum available to parents and children on the go.  In the app, kids play with 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, son of MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD’s Daniel Striped Tiger, as he goes about his everyday activities, learning life’s little lessons along the way in the games “Doctor Daniel,” “Daniel's Bedtime” and “In Daniel's Bathroom.”

“There is a great need for kids to build social-emotional skills, which lay the foundation for effectively learning academic subjects once they start school,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “There are very few apps available that meet this need, so we are excited to introduce ’Play at Home with Daniel.’  Our first app based on DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD’s social-emotional curriculum, ‘Play at Home with Daniel’ features open-ended games, enabling children to explore new experiences – such as going to the doctor – and learn key life skills – like bedtime routines.”
Produced by The Fred Rogers Company and CloudKid, the new DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD: Play at Home with Daniel App teaches children about the world around them as they interact with Daniel and his everyday experiences.  For Daniel Tiger, playing is learning as kids explore bedtime and bath time and play pretend doctor in three interactive games:

Doctor Daniel - Kids play “Doctor Daniel” with toy versions of the instruments pediatricians use. When children play “doctor,” they’re in charge – making it easier to manage a real-life visit when they have to be the patient.
Daniel’s Bedtime - Children help Daniel go through the motions of getting ready to go to sleep. Kids can think about their own bedtime routines and the things that help them get ready for bed as they help Daniel.
In Daniel’s Bathroom - Kids wash, brush and flush with Daniel during his bathroom routine.  Children can practice and become familiar with their own bathroom routines.

The app also features a sticker book, which enables children to pretend-play by creating scenes with Daniel at home. As kids make their own creations featuring characters from DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, the sticker book reinforces the themes from “Daniel’s Bedtime” and “In Daniel’s Bathroom.”

“Fred Rogers was a pioneer in using television to help children learn, and at PBS we continue that legacy of innovation across today's media platforms – with interactive online experiences, streaming video and mobile apps like 'Play at Home with Daniel,'” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, Interactive, Product Development, and Innovation, PBS. “We have had great success in the children’s mobile space to date; more than half of our over 128 million monthly PBS KIDS video streams are on mobile.”*
The DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD: Play at Home with Daniel App is available for $1.99 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The app can be downloaded from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

PBS KIDS has 19 apps available in the App Store, designed to help kids build literacy, math, science and school readiness skills and more. With a cross-platform approach, PBS KIDS is increasingly serving children and families across America wherever they live, learn and play.  More information about PBS KIDS’ apps is available on pbskids.org/mobile.

*Source: Google Analytics Event Tracking, February-July 2012

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My Thoughts:

Since the show premiered, our family has become instant fans of the show.  And, when we heard about the release of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood app for the iPad, we had to download it.  This has become Savannah's favorite app by far.  She loves being able to interact with Daniel and see all the rooms in his house.  She can't stop giggling when she goes into the bathroom.  Her favorite thing to do is fill the potty with toilet paper until Daniel tells her to flush.  I have never heard her laugh so hard.  Now if only she would use the potty. :-)

If you haven't seen this hit PBS kids show, you should definitely tune in.  I was a fan of Mr. Rogers growing up, and now love seeing this updated version for kids.  And, with an app to go along with the show, children can bring Daniel with them wherever they go, and be entertained for hours.



About DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD 

The first TV series inspired by the iconic, award-winning MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD, DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD from The Fred Rogers Company stars 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, son of the original program’s Daniel Striped Tiger, who invites young viewers into his world, giving them a kid’s-eye view of his life. As they closely follow and share Daniel’s everyday adventures, preschoolers ages 2-4 and their families learn fun and practical strategies and skills necessary for growing and learning.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the #1 educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. 

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PBS KIDS LAUNCHES SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play on the App Store for iPhone, iPad AND iPod Touch

Produced by The Jim Henson Company, New SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play App Promotes Early Science Exploration

PBS KIDS today announces that a new storybook app, SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, is now available on the App Store.  Based on the animated preschool series SID THE SCIENCE KID from The Jim Henson Company, and developed by iStoryTime, Sid the Science Kid Read & Play features two storybooks, jokes, games, sing-along music videos, coloring pages and more, all aimed at developing early science exploration.

“Children are using our content on mobile devices more and more; we serve over half of our video streams on mobile. More than 74 million videos were streamed on the PBS KIDS Video App in June, accounting for 56% of PBS KIDS’ total streams for the month*,” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, Interactive, Product Development, and Innovation, PBS. “With so many families turning to PBS for high-quality, educational content on mobile, we are excited to offer a robust app with a variety of interactive features.”

“Our mission is to offer engaging media content for children to prepare them for success in school and in life, and helping them learn about science is a core piece of that early learning puzzle,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “The SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play App brings scientific concepts to life for kids in a way that is relatable and engaging. From learning about germs to discovering the five senses, the app encourages children to explore their world and find out that science is all around them.”

The SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play App features:

• Two Storybooks:

• “The Trouble with Germs”: Follow along as Sid discovers why he has to wash his hands to get rid of germs. While Sid can’t see them, his mom shows him a picture through a powerful microscope to explain that those itty bitty things do exist and can make him sick.

• “What’s That Smell?”: Sid finds out that smells, while invisible, are molecules that can pass through the air even without wind. That’s what allows him to smell his dad’s favorite pancakes, flowers and even his baby brother Zeke’s diaper (ewwww!).

• Sing-Along Music Videos: Parents and children can sing along to songs from the show!

• Coloring Book: Color different scenes and then save, or share or print them.

• I Sense: In this fun interactive game, kids practice what they know about senses by identifying traits of different objects based on how they feel, smell, sound and look.

• Sticker Book: Select from three separate scenes with different objects and characters for little ones to build their own scene. They can be saved to the photo album and shared with friends and family.

• Spot the Difference: What’s different in each image? Kids see if they have an eagle eye and can spot the differences between two images. 

• Narration Options: Choose from Read to Me, Read to Myself and Auto Play.

The SID THE SCIENCE KID Read & Play App is available for $3.99 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore. 

PBS KIDS offers 18 apps, available in the App Store, covering curricular areas ranging from literacy and science to math and more.  Through mobile applications, as well as online games, classroom resources, on-air programming, and curriculum-based toys, PBS KIDS offers educational content to all of America’s children, wherever they live, learn and play.  More information about PBS KIDS’ apps is available on pbskids.org/mobile.

*Source: Google Analytics, June 2012

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. Follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About SID THE SCIENCE KID

Each episode of The Jim Henson Company’s SID THE SCIENCE KID focuses on a single scientific concept that is presented using Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS©), a practical science readiness curriculum used in preschool classrooms that was created by cognitive researchers and preschool educators, incorporating lessons learned from developmental research as well as classroom experience.

The award-winning SID THE SCIENCE KID website (at PBSKIDS.org/sid) inspires kids to think like a scientist, with a kid-friendly video player, songs, games, activities, and materials.  Accompanying lesson plans and at-home investigations can be found online at PBSTEACHERS.org and PBSPARENTS.org.

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy® nominated SID THE SCIENCE KID, Dinosaur Train, Wilson & Ditch: Digging America and "Pajanimals." Features include "The Dark Crystal," "Labyrinth," "MirrorMask," and "Unstable Fables" and television productions include "Fraggle Rock" and the sci-fi cult series "Farscape." www.henson.com.

 

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Now Available on DVD -- Wild Kratts: Jungle Animals (Review)

  

 Buy now on DVD for only $9.99.

Join the Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, as they take their adventures into the jungle and discover some of the world’s most fascinating and elusive creatures in WILD KRATTS: JUNGLE ANIMALS.  In these four amazing new-to-DVD adventures, the Kratt Brothers study the ways of this diverse ecosystem and encounter lizards that walk on water, orangutans who create medicines, and tarsiers that survive in complete darkness! The WILD KRATTS: JUNGLE ANIMALS DVD includes four fun-filled, educational journeys, each with a unique blend of live action and animation creating unlimited potential for education and storytelling.  Over 8 million households tune in to watch “Wild Kratts” each month.

Specifications:      Widescreen with English Stereo with English SDH Subtitles

Rating:                 Not Rated

Runtime:              Approximately 100 minutes

SRP:                     $12.99 U.S.

My Thoughts:

This is another PBS Kids show that Savannah can't get enough of.  Her favorite part of the show is the introduction, as she goes crazy dancing to the theme song.  Then, once the brothers Kratt transform into cartoon characters, she climbs up on the couch and settles into watch one of their wild adventures.  From water to land, these brothers amaze with the animals they come in contact with.  And, they do an amazing job in education the younger audience about them and how important their survival is.  

Both boys and girls enjoy this hit PBS Kids show, and they will love this new DVD, too.  This DVD also contains four popular episodes, which I broke up viewing over 4 days with Savannah.  It was hard to see which of the four episodes was her favorite, as she couldn't still with each of them.  When an animal or the brothers appeared on the screen, she went bonkers, pointing everything out to me and her little sister.  Since receiving this DVD for review, we have watched it once in its entirety, and then began watching it again on Monday.  Three episodes down, one to go tomorrow.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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Now Available on DVD -- Peep and the Big Wide World: Seasons of Adventures and Star Light, Star Bright (Review)

Buy Now For Only $12.99, From PBS.

Follow a newly hatched chicken named Peep and his friends Chirp and Quack (a robin and a duck) on their daily adventures. They live in "the big wide world," a place of great wonder and mystery, a place they are forever eager to explore. Celebrate being curious, being adventurous, and, for at least one character, being a duck.

Episodes include...
The Mystery of the Thing That Went and Came Back - Peep sets sail (accidentally) in the Good Ship Easter Egg.

Peep's Color Quest - Quack has an exciting new toy: a pair of orange sunglasses, on loan from the Fish Museum.

Snow Daze - Here's one more flaw in duck design: unlike beavers, ducks can't slide on their tails. (Or make great art.)

Flower Shower - Chirp discovers the springiest thing about spring (a pink cherry orchard). But then she makes the mistake of telling Quack.

Who Stole the Big Wide World-- - Well, wouldn't you ask that question if you woke up and the world was gray and everything in it was gone?

M-U-D Spells Trouble - Mix mud and sun and what do you get? A stuck robin, that's what! Quack Quack - If one smug, pompous, hilarious duck named Quack is good, then two must be better. Megan Mullally guest-stars as Quack #2.

One Duck Too Many - There's only one way to get rid of an obnoxious duck, and that's to build her a new pond. (To her exact specifications, of course.)

This funny, engaging animated series narrated by award-winning comedienne Joan Cusack gives wings to the innovative idea of teaching science to preschoolers. Wry and distinctive visual humor, charming plotlines, and lovable characters combine with a comprehensive science program to attract and engage young kids.

This DVD features subtitles in English (SDH)

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Buy Now For Only $12.99, From PBS.

Set in and around a pond, a bush, and a tin can, follow a newly hatched chicken named Peep, and his friends Chirp and Quack (a robin and a duck), on their daily adventures. They live in a place of great wonder and mystery, a place they are forever eager to explore, a place they call "the big wide world." Celebrate being curious, being adventurous, and, for at least one character, being a duck.
Episodes include...
The Sounds of Silence, Part 1 - Quack is in a bit of a pickle; he's decided not to talk until Chirp begs him to. (That could take a longgggggggg time!)

The Sounds of Silence, Part 2 - Now it's Chirp who's in a pickle. She's stranded in a puddle and only Quack can save her.

The Tooth, the Whole Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth - Poor Beaver Boy. He's lost a tooth! (Can you still be a Beaver with only one tooth--)

The Winter of Quack's Discontent - Winter is just so blahhhhh. Quack's pond is covered with ice, Beaver Boy won't play, and the fish...hey where are the fish?

In a Bind - It's Chirp's lucky day when she finds a golden string. It's her unlucky day when Quack sticks his big foot in it.

Star Light, Star Bright - Wishing on a star only works if your star hasn't contracted "staritis." (Or is it "staratosiosis"--)

Bedtime Story - Everyone likes to hear stories about the day they were born, right? (As long as Quack's not the storyteller!)

The Deep Duck Woods - It's not the Deep Dark Woods, it's the Deep Duck Woods! And "duck" is always good, especially when you're lost.

This funny, engaging animated series narrated by award-winning comedienne Joan Cusack gives wings to the innovative idea of teaching science to preschoolers. Wry and distinctive visual humor, charming plotlines, and lovable characters combine with a comprehensive science program to attract and engage young kids.

This DVD features subtitles in English (SDH)

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My Thoughts:

I am a fan of comedian, Joan Cusack, so when I stumbled upon this animated series on PBS, while waiting for my daughter's other favorite shows to come on, I had to watch and see what the show was about.  The premise of the show is that Peep is a newly hatched chicken, who looks to his friends to shed light on the big, wide world.  While his friends would prefer to be lazy and relax, adventure always ensues, and lessons are learned.  I was excited to see that Savannah enjoyed this series, too.  Now, each afternoon, after lunch, we sit down to watch Peep and the Big Wide World together.  I love watching her smile and giggle, as Peep, Quack and Chip deal with situations that arise, all while teaching viewers about science.  

The kind folks at PBS sent along Star Light, Star Bright and Seasons of Adventure for Savannah and I to watch.  We began watching this series in January of this year, so we had already seen a few of the episodes from the Seasons of Adventure DVD.  Both Savannah and I love Quack, so we found Quack Quack and Peep's Color Quest to be our favorite episodes from this DVD.  The animation of this series is crisp and bright, keeping young children engaged.  And, the sound effects will have them giggling, like Savannah does. Most episodes run 12-15 minutes in length, which is great, as it keeps toddlers attention.

As for the other DVD, Star Light, Star Bright, we watched all 8 episodes last week (1 each day, and then 2 on Sunday).  This was the first time my husband saw the show, as he works, and we don't record, as we watch it as it airs.  At first, he didn't know what Savannah was watching, or why she liked it so much.  But, five minutes in, he, too, was hooked and ended up watching three episodes with us that weekend.  We had never seen these episodes, so it was great to catch up and see what we had missed.

Overall, these two DVD's are wonderful, and would make for a addition to your family's movie collection.  If you child is a fan of PBS shows, then they will love this.  As a parent, I love that I don't have to screen the content, as I know that is it age appropriate.  Not only is this and other PBS Kids shows entertaining, but each does a great job in educating young children, through lessons, activities, and more.  I love seeing Savannah walk about from watching this episode with new vocabulary and appreciation for science.  

Disclosure:  I was sent copies of these DVDs from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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PBS KIDS RELEASES FIRST MUSIC ALBUM, “PBS KIDS ROCKS!,” AVAILABLE ON iTunes AND AMAZON

Album Features New Songs By Ozomatli, The Weepies and They Might Be Giants

PBS KIDS today announced the release of “PBS KIDS ROCKS!” – its first music album featuring 15 new songs from Grammy Award winners Ozomatli and They Might Be Giants, The Weepies and Parent’s Choice Gold Award-winning music sensation SteveSongs, known as Mr. Steve, cohost of the PBS KIDS preschool destination. Each of the songs is designed to help kids learn about a variety of topics to bolster their reading and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. Song themes range from pronouns to camouflage to opposable thumbs.

“Music has been proven to be a highly effective tool to foster learning and deepen children’s understanding and comprehension,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS.  “‘PBS KIDS ROCKS!’ provides a fun mix of entertaining and original songs that kids will recognize from watching PBS and that families can enjoy together at home or on-the-go.”

Tunes from the album, set to relevant clips from THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, CURIOUS GEORGE, DINOSAUR TRAIN, and SUPER WHY and original animation from KARPTOONS, a boutique design and animation studio, also air during the preschool programming block weekdays on PBS KIDS. Opposable Thumbs, Pronouns, Navigation, Nocturnal, Diurnal and Gravity Always Brings Me Down are also available on PBSKIDS.org and the PBS YouTube channel.

Available on Amazon.com and iTunes, the proceeds from “PBS KIDS ROCKS!” will support PBS KIDS educational programming.

“PBS KIDS ROCKS!” is part of PBS KIDS’ ongoing commitment to providing educational content for kids wherever they live, learn and play - on TV, online, on mobile devices, in the classroom, and through a new line of educational toys and music.

Music artists on “PBS KIDS ROCKS!” album:

Ozomatli

In their fifteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Ozomatli has always juggled two key identities. They are the voice of their city and they are citizens of the world. Their music — a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. Ozomatli has won four Grammy Awards.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants is a band from New York City founded by John Flansburgh and John Linnell. TMBG writes, records and tours continuously, has been involved in numerous television and film projects, and has an on-going podcast. They have won two Grammy Awards. They Might Be Giants recently released a brand new album entitled “Join Us” and the rarities collection “Album Raises New and Troubling Questions.”

The Weepies

Indie duo The Weepies have sold more than a million singles and half a million albums; their simple, direct songwriting has sent them to the top of the folk charts in a dozen countries. Deb Talan and Steve Tannen began writing together the night they first met and soon formed The Weepies.

SteveSongs

Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past twelve years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called "not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one." He’s won numerous prestigious awards, including 2 Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a Nappa Honor, 2 iParenting Media Awards, and 2 Children’s Music Web Awards.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs.  For more information on specific PBS KIDS programs supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

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DVD Review: "NATURE: THE WHITE LIONS" -- I Can See Why It Is Rated 5 Stars Out of 5

FOLLOW TWO RARE LION CUBS ON THEIR JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD IN

“NATURE: THE WHITE LIONS”

Available Now on DVD and Blu-ray from PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution today announced it is releasing “NATURE: THE WHITE LIONS” on DVD and Blu-ray. White lions are among the rarest and most treasured animals in the world. Rarer still is their survival in the wild.  Their white color stands out in Africa’s wild bush country, increasing their risk of being targeted and killed by rival predators and marauding adult male lions. Only three white cubs have reached adulthood in the wilds of South Africa since white lions were first documented there in 1975. Now, two white cubs, sisters, have beaten the odds, surviving all the challenges of their youth with the help of two remarkable lionesses – their mother, Matimba, and their aunt, Khanya, a mother with two young tawny cubs of her own. Without an adult male lion to protect their small pride, Matimba and Khanya must rely solely on their own knowledge, strength and courage to protect their family. NATURE tracks the cubs and their mothers as they struggle to survive all the dangers they are faced with in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The DVD and Blu-ray release of this program is now available for purchase. The program has a run time of 60 minutes. The DVD has an SRP of $19.99 and the Blu-ray has an SRP of $24.99.

Program Synopsis

Used primarily for communication and camouflage, color is one of nature’s most dependable defenses. White lions lose the ability to blend in to their surroundings, exposing them to other predators as well as jeopardizing their own ability to hunt. Overcoming their heightened visibility may be the greatest challenge young white cubs face. Often mistaken for albinos, white lions actually do have some pigmentation and dark eyes. They are leucistic animals, produced by the mating of two tawny lions who both carry a recessive gene for white coat color. Their ghostly white color is both a blessing and a curse, earning them a mythical status and a unique vulnerability.

As they hunt to provide for their cubs, Matimba and Khanya must also defend them from roving male lions who would kill the cubs in order to start new families of their own. Avoiding other lions’ territories, they stay on the move and in the shadows to stay safe. But they always leave signs behind; roving lions can smell their scent and follow them relentlessly, attacking again and again. Eventually, they will take their toll on the family when a tawny cub is injured and dies after a brutal attack in the night. The little pride is shaken by the profound blow, but moves on.

Together, the single mothers teach the cubs to hunt their prey and establish their domain, and to face down hyenas who would steal their kills. The family returns to their home territory when hunting proves difficult and hunger overtakes them. Back in familiar hunting grounds, they hunt zebra and giraffe, and the cubs learn how to climb trees to steal a kill from a leopard. The pride heads for a water hole frequented by buffalo and are rewarded by a perfect opportunity. The mothers spot a lame buffalo and teach the cubs exactly how to plan a successful attack on the injured animal. It is their first buffalo hunt.  

When they reach the age of two years old, the white cubs are almost fully grown. The pride moves to a new home range, rich in game, and settles in. Then, a new male lion comes calling. He is not one of the dangerous nomads, and, in any case, the cubs are too old now to be in danger. The new male is there to join the pride as their new leader, mate and protector. A new chapter begins for the pride. And the young white lionesses who have survived the perils of the wild now begin to depend on their own abilities, their own teamwork and their own wisdom to claim their place in the ongoing story of wild white lions in Kruger National Park.

Celebrating its 30th season, NATURE is a production of THIRTEEN in association with WNET, the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21, New York’s public television stations and operator of NJTV.  For nearly 50 years, WNET has been producing and broadcasting national and local documentaries and other programs for the New York community.

NATURE is a production of THIRTEEN in association with WNET for PBS.  Fred Kaufman is executive producer. “THE WHITE LIONS” was produce by Table Mountain Films, Obsessively Creative, and Terra Mater Factual Studios in co-production with THIRTTEN in association with the DTI South Africa.

NATURE: THE WHITE LIONS

Street Date: June 19, 2012

Genre: Documentary

Run Time: 60 Minutes

SRP: DVD, $19.99 and Blu-ray, $24.99

Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Watch The White Lions - Preview on PBS. See more from Nature.

My Thoughts:

Does your family find themselves flipping through the channels only to stop on nature/animal documentaries?  Well, we do.  It is amazing to not only learn about wild animals, but to see the close up footage that is captured of these beautiful animals in their natural habitats.  So, when I asked to review NATURE: THE WHITE LIONS, a PBS Distribution DVD, how could I say no.  This DVD came at a good time, as my parents were coming to visit for Father's Day, and we have a tradition to watch films while playing board games in the evening.  Usually, we watch films in which we have seen before, so not to have to stop game play and watch.  The movies act more like background noise, as we wait for others to make their moves.  But, as soon as I put this documentary on, everyone stopped game play and decided to watch this DVD instead.  The documentary follows two white coated tawny lions, from birth to adulthood (which at age 2, they are almost fully grown).  The footage captures breathtaking moments that show the bonding between these two sister cubs and their mother and aunt, as well as watching them learn to fend for themselves in the wild.  With their unique white coats, they don't blend in like other lions, so their need for protection and survival skills is key to surviving out in the wild.

Overall, this was a very fascinating movie, and one that we will definitely watch again.   I walked away knowing more about this unique breed of lions, and a greater appreciation for them.  In addition, the soundtrack to this film was amazing, and really added to the drama of the footage.

--BUY NOW--

Click here to order a copy of this DVD and other NATURE documentaries, for your whole family to enjoy, for only $17.99.

About NATURE

Celebrating its 30th season, Nature is a production of THIRTEEN in association with WNET for PBS.  Fred Kaufman is executive producer.   Nature pioneered a television genre that is now widely emulated in the broadcast industry.  The series has been consistently among the most-watched primetime series on public television.  Nature has won more than 600 honors from the television industry, the international wildlife film communities, and environmental organizations including 10 Emmys, three Peabodys and the first award given to a television program by the Sierra Club.  In October 2010, the series won the Christopher Parsons Outstanding Achievement Award, one of the wildlife film industry's highest honors. Major corporate support for Nature is provided by Canon U.S.A., Inc.  Additional support is provided by the Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust, Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Susan Malloy and the Sun Hill Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the nation’s public television stations.  For more information, visit pbs.org/nature.

About WNET

New York’s WNET is America’s flagship public media outlet, bringing quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. The parent company of public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Need to Know, Charlie Roseand a range of documentaries, children’s programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Noah Comprende and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state’s unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJ Today and the new online newsmagazine MetroFocus.

About PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally.  Jointly owned by PBS (Arlington, VA) and WGBH (Boston, MA), PBS Distribution extends the reach of public television programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system and our production partners.  

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films (Prohibition, The National Parks, The War, Baseball, Jazz), documentaries from award-winning series NOVA (The Elegant Universe, Origins), FRONTLINE (God in America, Bush’s War, Growing Up Online), and American Experience (Freedom Riders, We Shall Remain), dramas from Masterpiece (Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, Inspector Lewis), films from independent producers (Easy Yoga for Arthritis, The Buddha, The Story of India, Carrier, Journey into Buddhism, I.O.U.S.A.), and popular children’s programming from Dinosaur Train, Super Why!, WordGirl, Cyberchase, Martha Speaks, and Arthur.  As a multi-channel distributor, PBS Distribution pursues wholesale/retail sales, consumer and educational sales through PBS- branded catalogs and online shops, and international broadcast and video sales. PBS distribution is also a leader in offering programming through digital platforms including the internet, mobile, and web-connected television. 

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

 

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PBS KIDS GO! and WGBH DEBUT FIRST APP FROM ARTHUR SERIES

 

 

D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure App for iPhone and iPod touch Encourages Healthy Eating

 

PBS and WGBH today announced the first app from the PBS KIDS GO! series ARTHUR – D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure for iPhone and iPod touch, available now on the App Store.  Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and produced by WGBH, D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure encourages nutritious snacking for kids ages 4-6, and ARTHUR fans of all ages. In the app, players have the opportunity to help Arthur’s little sister D.W. save a lost unicorn using the power of healthy foods.
 

“PBS is committed to helping kids learn and grow through healthy food choices,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure App is the latest addition to our resources across platforms – from online games, to on-air programming, to offline activities – that help families lead healthy and active lives.”

 

“D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure combines highly engaging mobile game play with a simple yet critical nutritional message: healthy snacks give you the energy to complete your grandest adventures – including those involving unicorns!” added Christine Zanchi, Executive Producer, Interactive, Children’s Media, WGBH.

 

D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure Features

In D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure App, D.W. must help a lost unicorn make his way from Elwood City to Unicornia. To do this, players gallop, jump, and super-jump through three fantastical worlds – Forest, Castle, and Clouds – with 12 levels of increasing difficulty.
 

To fuel the adventure, players need to eat a rainbow of energy-packed snacks. Players are encouraged to eat all the colors of the rainbow by collecting 12 kinds of fruits and veggies: strawberries and apples; oranges and carrots; bananas and pineapples; bell peppers and broccoli; blueberries and plums; and grapes and eggplant.

The game also teaches kids foods to avoid.  For example, players need to stay away from junk food, so that they will not lose energy and can continue to advance in the game. The six kinds of junk food that will hinder performance include: sodas, chips, cookies, donuts, french fries, and candy bars.

“At PBS we continue to extend the reach of our content in the mobile space, giving families the educational content they expect from us on a platform that is available to them wherever they are,” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, Interactive, Product Development, and Innovation, PBS.

 

Funded by CPB, D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure App is available for $1.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.  

 

PBS KIDS has 16 apps available in the App Store, covering curricular areas ranging from literacy, to science, to math, and more.  Through mobile applications as well as online games, classroom resources, on-air programming, and curriculum-based toys, PBS KIDS offers educational content to all of America’s children wherever they live, learn and play.  More information about PBS KIDS’ apps is available on pbskids.org/mobile.

 

 

About ARTHUR

ARTHUR, the longest running kids animated series on television, chronicles the adventures of Arthur, an eight-year old aardvark, his family (including his little sister, DW) and his friends through engaging, emotional stories that explore issues from a kid’s point of view. The TV series and its supporting web site at pbskids.org/arthur are designed to foster an interest in reading and writing, and to encourage positive social skills. Over the past 15 seasons, Arthur has remained one of the highest rated weekday series on PBS, and has won numerous awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA and six Daytime Emmys®. Visit the series website at http://pbskids.org/arthur

About WGBH Boston
WGBH Boston is America’s preeminent public broadcasting producer, the source of one-third of PBS’s prime-time lineup along with some of public television’s best-known lifestyle shows, many public radio favorites, and a roster of children’s programs that empower kids with innovative, entertaining, curriculum-based content. Among the WGBH-produced children’s titles: Arthur, Curious George, Postcards from Buster, Between the Lions, Design Squad Nation, Martha Speaks and Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman. WGBH is the number-one producer of websites on pbs.org, one of the most trafficked dot-org websites in the world, and a pioneer in educational multimedia and in technologies and services that make media accessible to the 36 million Americans who rely on captioning or video descriptions. WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors: Emmys, Peabodys, DuPont-Columbia Awards, and even two Oscars. In 2002, WGBH received a special institutional Peabody Award for 50 years of excellence. For more information, go to http://www.wgbh.org/.  

About PBS KIDS GO!
PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs.  For more information on specific PBS KIDS GO! content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, join our community online on Twitter and Facebook, or visit PBSKIDSGO.org.

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