KINGSTON, R.I. – April 9, 2025 – In celebration of the National Science Foundation’s 75^th anniversary, the University of Rhode Island is hosting a fun-filled, family friendly event to inspire future scientists. Children and adults will learn through activities and interactive experiences, and meet characters and creators from popular PBS KIDS television shows, on Saturday, May 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., at URI’s DeChristofaro Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences.

The event is free and open to the public.

The event – Inspiring Future Scientists through Media: Celebrating Collaborations between the National Science Foundation and PBS KIDS – is designed for children ages 4 to 10, along with their families and caregivers. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive work involved in developing educational media and learn how media impacts children’s school and life success.

Children will meet PBS KIDS’ characters Elinor and Ari from Elinor Wonders Why, Zadie and Zeke from Work It Out Wombats!, Splash and Bubbles, and Molly of Denali, and can play digital games, watch shows, and engage in hands-on activities. Educators and producers from PBS KIDS, GBH, Jim Henson Co., and Shoe Ink will also share their research and development projects.

“As a researcher and children’s media advisor, my eyes have been open to the rigorous process involved in making media that is educational for children,” said Sara Sweetman, URI associate professor of elementary and environmental education, and event organizer. “I have witnessed the immense impacts that investment and partnership from NSF and PBS KIDS have had on children and communities. I am excited to share the stories from behind the scenes and help families build confidence in educational programming.” 

PBS KIDS programming is known for its research-based approach to developing content that supports the whole child and prepares children for success in kindergarten and beyond. The NSF’s investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) connects researchers, educators and producers to broaden participation in STEM by creating media more reflective of diverse populations, and increasing awareness, knowledge, and skills of STEM for children ages 2-10 and their caregivers. The visibility and impact of these collaborative investments will be showcased at this event.

Sweetman contends that parents get mixed messages about children viewing and playing on digital platforms. Public health officials send messages about the dangers of screen use, while businesses and industry push for a digitally savvy next generation. This event will provide an educational framework that demystifies media as a passive learning experience and provides developmentally appropriate tools for learning in a digital age. 

“Both NSF and PBS KIDS have had profound impacts on communities across this country. We are thrilled to showcase PBS KIDS educational media here at URI and know the community will be excited by the opportunity to engage with characters from these popular shows,” said Danielle Dennis, dean of URI’s Feinstein College of Education.

She added, “Dr. Sweetman’s scholarship brings STEM to young children and helps them identify as scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and more. The importance of both NSF and PBS KIDS cannot be overstated. They are essential entities for education of young children and educational research.”

The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1950 by Congress, its mission is to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure national defense. 

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. With PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Across media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life.