Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Project Descriptions

WUFNIKS! A Weekly Television Science Series for Children

May 15, 1993 - April 30, 1995 | Media and Technology
NEON, Inc. a not-for-propfit corporation, proposes a television series for children, initiallyu 30 programs, suitable for daily or weekly broadcast, for home viewing via PBSA (with appropriate availability elsewhere). Program length: 30 Minutes. The premise: Three Wufniks--creatures from the cartoom world--draw their way into our world and with the help of children, undertake the adventure of finding our what it's all about. Thesek characters (played by adult professional performers in structurally sophisticated fantasy/animal costumes), move from dthe uncertain world of animated film into a range of encounters with ourrock-solid environment, get to know children and adults, scientists and laypeople, and must continually reconstruct their naive theories and their image of life on earth. The concept, designed to appeal to five- to nine-olds, combines education with entertainment (and is inclusive of other age groups, such as parents, to enhance educational effect). School and other non-broadcast distribution of program elements is planned, plus ancillary materials including computer software and print. The educational approach is interdisciplinary, with emphasis both on content and the development of positive attitudes towards science and mathematics; sub-objectives geography and history. The Principal Investigators are a television producer experienced in science programming for children, and a scientist with extensive children's educational television background. Program appeal for girls and minorities is integarl to the design; project staff will also cover a broad spectrum. Encouragement of science-and math-related audience activities is a project objective. Planning includesds extensive outreach and promotion related to the show premise.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 9254690
Funding Amount: 630176

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Al Hyslop
    Principal Investigator
    Neon Inc.
  • Edward Atkins
    Co-Principal Investigator
  • Discipline: General STEM | Geoscience and geography | History/policy/law | Mathematics
    Audience: Parents/Caregivers | Elementary School Children (6-10) | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media
    Access and Inclusion: Women and Girls

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.