UC and Time Warner Cable Launch Educational TV Show

The University of Cincinnati and Time Warner Cable of Southwest Ohio have partnered to develop a locally-produced television show aimed at teaching students about the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  The “Time Warner Cable STEM Explorers Show” features high school students from Hughes and the Dayton Regional STEM Schools in the cast.

The programs are developed and written by Carla Johnson, associate professor of science education at University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services along with Tonya Matthews, vice president of museums for the Cincinnati Museum Center. Scenes from the shows are filmed onsite at the Cincinnati Museum Center as well as The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton.

Episodes are designed for 4th to 8th graders, and address science and math-oriented topics like roller coasters, sound and earthquakes. The shows feature experiments that kids can try at home, and “STEM On the Street” interviews, all moderated by the show’s energetic host, “Dr. Claire.”

The project is part of a two-phase initiative to develop STEM opportunities outside the classroom funded by Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds (CAMM). CAMM is a worldwide campaign created by Time Warner Cable to connect youth to ideas, people, and opportunities that inspires and educates the problem solvers of tomorrow.

Time Warner Cable’s STEM Explorers Show episodes are available to Time Warner Cable digital subscribers on Channel 411. Copies of the shows on DVD can also be requested by teachers and schools through UC. Johnson is working to develop lesson plans to accompany the shows.

As part of the second phase of the UC-TWC partnership, Johnson developed a STEM after school program with Stephanie Harrison and Kim Lemon from UC. Time Warner Cable supplied materials for the programs, which were held at area Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other after school centers once a week throughout the spring and fall of 2010. 

Tune in to TWC Channel 411 to view the Time Warner Cable’s STEM Explorers Show, or contact Stephanie Harrison at Stephanie.harrison@uc.edu to request a DVD.