Summative Evaluation of FETCH Season 1

In 2005, WGBH began production of a new television series for children called FETCH. FETCH is a competition-based game/reality show for 6-10 year-old children that includes both animation and live action footage. The show is hosted by a cartoon dog named Ruff Ruffman. FETCH is scheduled to begin airing on PBS in May of 2006. In December 2005, WGBH contracted Goodman Research Group, Inc. (GRG), a research firm specializing in the evaluation of educational programs, materials, and services, to conduct an early summative evaluation of the series. Because Season One was still in production, a limited number of shows were available. None of the shows had an opening sequence or final graphics, and the animated sequences were in various stages of production. GRG employed a multi-method evaluation of FETCH with four 4th grade classes. Each class watched three episodes of FETCH. Students completed a pre-post assessment and participated in individual pre-post interviews. They also completed a feedback survey. The purpose of the evaluation was to: -Determine the extent to which children's understanding of science content increased as a result of watching the show. -Determine the extent to which children's recognition and application of scientific process skills increased as a result of watching the show. -Gather data on the appeal of the series to children.