Vegas PBS Premiers New Original Series, “Vegas PBS STEAM Camp”
Vegas PBS is premiering a new original series, Vegas PBS STEAM Camp, which will engage young viewers with localized STEAM lessons, at-home activities and extended learning through readings. Starting on August 7, 2020 three episodes will begin airing weekly on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and repeat on Sundays at 9 a.m.
STEAM Camp, a series for children ages 6-8, is a program designed to teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) concepts through exploration and discovery reminiscent of a traditional summer camp. With a running theme in each episode, viewers can follow along with at-home STEAM challenges and continue their learning with related readings. Viewers will investigate questions like, “How does PBS KIDS travel to my TV?”
“How do we clean water that goes down the drain?” and “Why did we build Hoover Dam?”
In addition to potential summer learning loss, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for Vegas PBS STEAM Camp. The digital divide in Southern Nevada has the potential to exacerbate achievement gaps among populations that lack broadband internet access or a desktop or laptop computer for online learning. Vegas PBS has provided curriculum-based programming during the regular academic year as a service to Southern Nevada’s students. Vegas PBS STEAM CAMP will fulfill that same need during the summer months.
“I’m very proud to be part of this project,” said Jessica Russell, host of Vegas PBS STEAM Camp and Ready To Learn Coordinator at Vegas PBS. “It truly makes an impact on our young viewers when they can see the lessons they learn on PBS KIDS come to life in places they recognize in our community.”
The series premiere on Friday, August 7, Waves and Bridges, will feature experts from the Vegas PBS broadcasting team and the Nevada Department of Transportation, along with librarians from the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Children at home are encouraged to share photos and videos of their investigations for possible inclusion on the Vegas PBS STEAM Camp website. Those who submit will also be entered into a raffle to receive summer learning kits comprised of books and educational activities.
To learn more about Vegas PBS STEAM Camp, visit vegaspbs.org/steamcamp.