PBS Western Reserve conducted dozens of standards-aligned learning programs in FY25 for early learners and K-12 students alike, creating a variety of engaging out-of-school-time learning programs for libraries, summer camps, and other settings, and reaching more than 1,500 children in both K-12 and out-of-school programs. Each program is designed to provide play-based, media-integrated, learner-centered experiences for children. All sessions are facilitated by PBS Western Reserve Educational Services staff, with all materials provided and funded by PBS Western Reserve.
All About Air
Children ages 5-10 learn about the power of air through simple, engaging experiments that spark curiosity and encourage STEM skill development.
Camp-in-a-Box
PBS Western Reserve wrapped up its Camp-in-a-Box program in FY25 with sessions at Small Hands, Big Dreams. In partnership with Ohio Learns 360, Camp-in-a-Box provides interactive kits to out-of-school-time providers to accelerate learning in grades K-5. The kits include five activities that support Ohio’s learning standards.
“Holly and PBS Western Reserve were a tremendous partnership for my School Age Child Care program here at The Shaw JCC of Akron. Their Camp-in-a-Box program was such a wonderful initiative, and provided countless hours of education and fun for our youth. It is initiatives like this that allow communities like ours to have access to educational experiences that they may not otherwise encounter. Holly and her team at PBS Western Reserve were thorough when implementing the trainings required for the execution of the Camp-in-a-Box curriculum. I was devastated to see this program go, but am so grateful for the many boxes we were able to procure, thanks to PBS Western Reserve.”
Lyndsey Heffern, Youth Program Director, Shaw JCC of Akron
Chip Kids
Our Chip Kids program is inspiring the next generation of engineers and investing in STEAM education by introducing kids to the science behind microchips, circuits, motherboards, the flow of electricity and more.
“My son, Ikal, attended the program you hosted at the Kent Library and came home very excited by what he had learned. We own a few snap circuit sets, but for some reason, this was different for him. He likes to create with raw materials so that may be why. Anyway, he brought home an extra kit and incorporated it with a wooden box to make a birthday present for his best friend ... Ikal built the circuit, created a button and painted it. He developed the idea and carried out the project 100% on his own. Needless to say, he was very proud of the finished product. Thank you for hosting and inspiring a new interest.”
Sarah Reyes, Parent of Chip Kids participant
Community Helpers
Preschool aged children are introduced to community helpers such as firemen, doctors and law enforcement in this early civic education program. This program teaches kids that they too are valuable members of their community as they work on building skills like respect, responsibility and empathy.
Ramp and Roll
Children build and test ramps to explore the science of motion in this fun preschool program. Together, participants investigate how objects roll, slide or stay put on different surfaces.
ScratchJr
PBS Western Reserve introduces the ScratchJr app to children ages 5-7 to teach kids basic coding. With ScratchJr, kids can program their own interactive stories and games, learn problem solving and design.
Seismic Shakeup
This hands-on STEM activity encourages kids about earthquakes. Using their creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, attendees build a structure to test on a shake table simulating earthquake vibrations.
Sound Energy
This program sparks interest in physics and energy by introducing 5th grade students to the science of sound through hands-on exploration and creative activities. Students learn how sound travels, experiment with vibrations and build simple instruments to visualize sound waves in action.
Tuesday’s for Toddlers
Every second Tuesday of the month, toddlers and their caregivers flock to the Eastwood Mall in Niles for PBS Western Reserve’s monthly Tuesday’s for Toddler’s event. The events are themed around a PBS KIDS character and feature a read-aloud book, a take-home craft and a giveaway. Some months even have the exciting opportunity to meet a PBS KIDS character! Tuesday’s for Toddlers promotes literacy, provides an opportunity for children to learn basic concepts and encourages healthy social interaction with other toddlers. Subjects covered in FY25 include brushing teeth, colors, buoyancy and more.
Wild Kratts’ Creature Powers
Kids ages 5-8 use basic coding to animate animals with special creature abilities in this Wild Kratts-themed program combining creativity, STEM skills and wildlife.
Work it Out Wombats
Children aged 3-5 play games and engage in hands-on activities at themed stations, where they tackle challenges that encourage problem-solving, teamwork and creative play. As they complete each activity, they earn a Wombuddy Badge for their efforts and participation.
WAYS TO WATCH:
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1)
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2)
FNX — First Nations Experience (WNEO 45.3 / WEAO 49.3)