Scientastic!

Did You Know?

• The show received funding from UPMC Health Plan, the National Center for Research Resources of the National Institutes of Health, the US Department of Education, and The Pittsburgh Foundation.
• The 2015 Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Awards recognized "Are You Sleeping?" in the Children/Youth/Teen Program or Special and Music Composition/Arrangement categories.
• John A. Pollock serves as Principal Investigator for the Regenerative Medicine Partnership in Education.

Concept

The concept for Scientastic! was developed by Duquesne University biology professor John A. Pollock, aiming to improve science literacy among students aged 8 to 13. Pollock collaborated with Planet Earth Television to produce the pilot episode "Sticks and Stones" (2010) and the later episode "Are You Sleeping?" (2014). Both episodes were directed by Leo Eaton, an Emmy award-winning producer and director known for Zoboomafoo, and written by Mike Erskine-Kellie. The show follows a young girl who explores scientific topics out of curiosity and a desire to help others. In the pilot, the character is 12-year-old Leah (Lili Reinhart); in the second episode, she is 14-year-old Cassie (Gabrielle Phillips). Her younger brother accompanies her as she researches at a local library and visits museums, hospitals, and institutions to interview real-life specialists. The episodes include 2-D and 3-D animations of anatomy and biology, along with short interstitial music and dance segments. Production involved the Regenerative Medicine Partnership in Education and the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPA).

Pilot

The pilot episode, "Sticks and Stones," centers on bone biology, nutrition, healing, and stem cell use in bone repair. Leah's best friend Habiba (Habiba Hopson) breaks her arm during soccer practice after being bullied by opposing players. To help Habiba regain confidence, Leah investigates bones and healing, visiting Pittsburgh hospitals, museums, and research labs. Interviews are conducted at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the National Aviary, and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Leah's younger brother Axel (Joseph Serafini) films her work, and she later compiles the footage into a webcast for the show's website. The pilot was released in May 2010 and first aired September 2, 2010, on WQED-TV.