A new PBS Kids series created to help children better understand the impact of weather and climate took instructional cues from Jeremi London, associate provost for academic opportunity and associate professor of mechanical engineering, who played a role in the show’s development.
Called Weather Hunters, the animated science series for kids ages 5-8 debuted on Sept. 8 and is produced by Al Roker Entertainment, the production company led by Emmy-winning TODAY weatherman and host, Al Roker.
Each 22-minute episode explores kid-relatable STEM-based activities and themes through the adventures and explorations of character Lily Hunter – a weather detective – and her family. Lily’s dad, Al, is the fun-loving, beloved host and weathercaster of a long-running TV program. Dot, Lily’s multitasking mom, is producer of the family’s weathercasts, while Corky is an 11-year-old budding documentarian who loves capturing exciting weather events on video. Rounding out the Hunter family is Benny, the 5-year-old brother who is always drawing or painting something he has seen during the family’s weather adventures.
Topics include observing and tracking weather patterns, exploring why weather changes can be different around the country and the world, and the connection between humans and the environment.
London was a curriculum advisor for the show, providing input on engineering topics and constructing stories to wrap around the STEM concepts that were being conveyed.
“I was thrilled to have input in the development of a show that seeks to help children better understand the tools and gadgets that facilitate an understanding of science that’s happening in their own environment and in locations around the world,” said London, who directs the flagship Posse Scholars Program, and is founding director of the Levy First View Program for First Generation Students at Vanderbilt. “Through adventure and comedy, the show positions STEM exploration as a family endeavor and is a great way to gradually encourages children to play outside while learning about the world around them.”
Engineering education is a topic of particular interest to London, who uses mixed-methods research designs to investigate the organizational change strategies that level the playing field for all aspiring engineers and strives to make an impact on STEM education through research. Her efforts have been supported by over $11 million in grants, and resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed articles, best paper awards, keynote addresses, national leadership, and meaningful student outcomes.
“I’m proud to be part of an institution that has deep expertise both in engineering and science, as well as the methods for teaching these concepts effectively,” London said.