PBS KIDS is launching a new multiplatform animated series, Hero Elementary on 1 June on all PBS stations.
Co-created by former Sesame Street EP Carol-Lynn Parente and co-produced by Twin Cities PBS and Portfolio Entertainment, Hero Elementary is expected to spark a love of science among kids and understand its power.
This all-new animated show takes the superhero theme in a fresh direction: the lead character is on the autism spectrum.
Hero Elementary centers around a school for budding superheroes, where kids learn to master their innate powers, like flying and teleportation, while exploring science along the way. Targeted to children aged four to seven, the series will feature important tools to help them solve problems by encouraging them to think and act like scientists, igniting their natural curiosity. Hero Elementary also showcases character and social-emotional concepts such as kindness, empathy, and commitment to working together to solve problems.
Commenting on the series, PBS KIDS Content head Linda Simensky said, “With its unique, fun and informative stem, literacy and social-emotional learning curriculum, Hero Elementary is sure to be a heroic hit with kids, parents and teachers alike.”
The stories of the animated series revolves around a diverse group of super students, led by their quirky and enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Sparks. The team works together to help people, solve problems, and try to make the world a better place. When their imperfect powers aren’t up to the task, they look to their other powers – the superpowers of science – to help them investigate, observe, make predictions, and figure out a solution.
The “Sparks’ Crew” includes Lucita Sky, an empathetic natural leader with the power to fly – and a fear of heights; AJ Gadgets, a superhero who is passionate about all things “super” and has the ability of thought projection and making super gadgets – and who also happens to be on the Autism spectrum; Sara Snap, who’s tiny, but mighty, with super strength and the power to teleport; and Benny Bubbles, a loyal and protective animal lover with a heart of gold, who can create amazing bubbles that double as force fields and more. Both Mr. Sparks and Lucita are bilingual Spanish/English speakers. Rounding out the crew is Fur Blur, the class hamster with an epic appetite and super speed.
“Hero Elementary has the right formula to help empower kids to make a difference in their own backyards and beyond by actively doing science. The series combines the excitement of superheroes and the power of science to help show kids that they can be superheroes and save the day, too,” added Parente, who co-created the series with Christine Ferraro.
The science curriculum in Hero Elementary addresses crucial components of children’s learning – the ability to develop and test ideas, ask questions, predict, and observe – skills known to contribute to learning in other content areas, such as literacy, language development and critical thinking. Each episode will include two animated 11-minute stories accompanied with interstitial content. The series is currently in production for 40 half-hour episodes, which will premiere on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS 24*7 channel and PBS KIDS digital platforms.
Along with the television series, the Hero Elementary universe will include a collection of interactive digital components to supplement and expand the television world, reinforce learning, and encourage interactive play for kids everywhere. Hero Elementary games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. A collection of Hero Elementary parent and educator resources will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia, respectively.
Hero Elementary is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Ready To Learn Initiative is a federal program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted to preschool and early elementary school children and their families.
