Kimberly W. Land (757) 864-9885 k.w.land@larc.nasa.gov | For Release: Feb. 21, 2002 |
NASA "Why?" Files: NASA was recognized with another Emmy award for its childrens educational television programming. After one season of production, the NASA Why? Files instructional video/web series received its second Emmy for The Case of the Challenging Flightin the category of best Childrens Program/Educational on Feb. 2, 2002. The regional Emmy was presented by the Nashville/Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences during ceremonies at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn. The program has such a tremendous success because we have a great cast, crew, content, and wonderful support from all our Langley researchers, says Shannon Ricles, the shows coordinating producer. With that combination and enthusiasm, we can only continue to produce high-quality instructional programs and have a winning series. NASA is about research and development. Therefore, the programs we offer to the educational community are also grounded in research and contribute to a programs design, says Dr. Shelley Canright, NASAs Education Division Technology Program Manager. The convergence of television and web coupled with NASA content and researchers offers a wealth of untapped potential for educators and students. The NASA Why? Files series introduces students in grades three through five to NASA; integrates mathematics, science, and technology through the use of problem-based learning, scientific inquiry and the scientific method; and seeks to motivate students to become critical thinkers and active problem solvers. Each program includes hands-on classroom and home activities, virtual field trips, research experts and Dr. D, the tree-house detectives next-door neighbor and mentor. The tree-house detectives are six ethnically diverse, inquisitive schoolchildren who investigate and solve a variety of everyday problems. Other honors for the series include a regional Emmy award for Best Childrens Series for the 2000-2001 season, Awards for Publication Excellence, the International Film Festival Award and the Golden Web awards for the NASA Why? Files web site. The NASA Why? Files show has reached over 3.7 million students worldwide and about 165,000 registered educators and parents. The NASA Why? Files can be seen on PBS-member stations across the United States and NASA TV, down-linked via Ku- and C-band satellite, and accessed via the Internet at: http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov. Major funding for the production of NASA Why? Files is provided by NASAs Aerospace Vehicle Systems Technology Office. Program partners include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation; Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Va.; Sea World, Tampa, Fla.; Christopher Newport University; and Hampton City Public Schools. The NASA Why? Files is one of a suite of award-winning television and web series produced by NASA Langleys Office of Education. Other series include NASA CONNECT (grades 5-8) and NASAs Destination Tomorrow (grades 9-adult). Visit the NASA Education Home Page, at http://education.nasa.gov, for further details on these programs. - end - |
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