"Hero Elementary" premieres on PBS KIDS on June 1

Science is powerful and Elemental hero, a new cross-platform animated series from PBS KIDS, co-produced by Twin Cities PBS and Portfolio Entertainment, will help spark a love of science among children across the country when it premieres June 1 on PBS stations.

Hero Elementary is a budding school of superheroes, where children learn to master their innate powers, such as flying and teleporting, while exploring science on the move. The launch series will provide children between the ages of 4 and 7 with important tools to help them solve problems by encouraging them to think and act like scientists, igniting their natural curiosity. Elemental hero It also shows character and socio-emotional concepts such as kindness, empathy and a commitment to work together to solve problems.

"With its unique, fun and informative curriculum on STEM, literacy and social and emotional learning, Elemental hero it is sure to be a heroic hit with children, parents and teachers, "said Linda Simensky, director of PBS KIDS Content.

The stories in Elemental hero focus on a diverse group of super students, led by their eccentric 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 turn to their other powers, the superpowers of science, to help them investigate, observe, predict and find a solution.

"Sparks' Crew" includes Lucita Sky, a natural leader empathetic with the power to fly and the fear of heights; AJ Gadgets, a superhero who is passionate about all things "super" and has the ability to project thoughts and create super gadgets, and who is also on the autism spectrum; Sara Snap, who is small, but powerful, 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 function as force fields and more. Both Mr. Sparks and Lucita are native Spanish speakers. Rounding out the crew is Fur Blur, the classy hamster with an epic appetite and super speed.

"Elemental hero It has the right formula to help kids make a difference in their backyards and beyond by actively doing science, ”said series co-creator Carol-Lynn Parente, who was previously an executive producer. Sesame Street, where he met Elemental hero co-creator Christine Ferraro. "The series combines the excitement of superheroes and the power of science to help show children that they can be superheroes and save the day."

The scientific curriculum in Elemental hero It addresses crucial components of children's learning (the ability to develop and evaluate ideas, ask questions, predict and observe) known skills that contribute to learning in other content areas, such as literacy, language development and critical thinking. Each episode will include two 11-minute animated stories with accompanying 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 the PBS KIDS digital platforms.

Together with the television series, the Elemental hero universe will include a collection of interactive digital components to integrate and expand the world of television, enhance learning and encourage interactive play for children around the world. The games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games app, along with clips and full episodes streamed via PBS KIDS video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS video app. A collection of resources for parents and educators will be available at PBS KIDS for parents and PBS LearningMedia, respectively.

Elemental hero is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the United States Department of Education. United States of America The Ready to Learn Initiative is a federal program that supports the development of innovative educational programs for television and digital media for preschool and elementary age children and their families.