Lisa Henson, CEO, The Jim Henson Company

Since our earliest days, The Jim Henson Company has been dedicated to making learning exciting and easy to relate to for our young audiences. Of course, it can be challenging but we have found that fostering a child’s curiosity and creativity goes far in education. Using innovative puppetry and digital animation, our programming has inspired knowledge in children around the world. We channel the “How’s” and “Why’s” of children and use that genuine curiosity and desire for answers to encourage discovery and exploration.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are skills that often pose a challenge for educators to present creatively. However, if we can get children engaged in these subjects early, there is a greater chance their interest will take root and grow.

I’m sure you will recognize two programs produced by The Jim Henson Company—and currently airing on public television—that each take two very different approaches to science to engage young, curious minds, Dinosaur Train and Sid the Science Kid (co-produced with KCET). Dinosaur Train helps kids imagine themselves in the role of a scientist and explorer as they see the world through the eyes of a curious T-Rex and discover new types of dinosaur species in a world of prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. Each segment is followed by a clip of a real paleontologist, Dr. Scott Sampson (also appearing at this event) interacting with real kids interested in exploration and discovery. Sid the Science Kid takes a more realistic approach as Sid, an inquisitive young student, asks questions and solves problems using comedy and the help of his family and friends. Every week the show focuses on a different scientific theme, covering concepts that range from the weather to scientific tools and measurement.

Public television has proven a tremendous resource for educators in the past, and in working on these productions, we have seen first-hand how stations continue to find new ways to assist in presenting the content of our shows in an interactive manner. THIRTEEN & WLIW21 are excellent examples of this; not only is the educational material on television, but also online in games, lesson plans, videos and even iTunes. These tools have made it easier than ever to find new ways to inspire students, caregivers and teachers alike.

By focusing on specific scientific topics, we have joined in the mission to meet student achievement goals within the important STEM curriculum. As we create these shows, we know that we are speaking to the potential scientists of tomorrow; scientists who already have their work cut out for them and hold the key to our future in their hands. It is for this reason that I’m excited by my work each day and why I am coming to share my experiences for the first time at the Celebration of Teaching & Learning. I look forward to hopefully providing some inspiration and share ideas with educators who have the ability to connect with and ignite the spark of curiosity in their students.