Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington                       Nov. 7, 2001
(Phone: 202/358-1761)

Kimberly W. Land
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
(Phone: 757/864-9885)

RELEASE: 01-217

NASA "WHY?" FILES TV SERIES WINS FIRST EMMY

     An innovative NASA educational television series that 
reaches millions of elementary students around the world was 
recognized by the National Academy of the Television Arts and 
Sciences with an Emmy for "Best Children's Series." 

The regional Emmy bestowed by the academy's Philadelphia 
Regional Chapter was presented Nov. 2, 2001, to the NASA 
"Why?" Files series, which is produced by the Office of 
Education at NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.

This is the first Emmy award for the science-focused 
educational television series that debuted in October 2000. 
The Emmy was based on the four programs produced during the 
show's 2000-2001 season: "The Case of the Unknown Stink," 
"The Case of the Barking Dogs," "The Case of the Electrical 
Mystery" and "The Case of the Challenging Flight."

The NASA "Why?" Files introduces students in grades 3 through 
5 to NASA; integrates mathematics, science, and technology 
through the use of problem-based learning, scientific inquiry 
and the scientific method; and seeks to motivate students to 
become critical thinkers and active problem solvers.

"With a great cast of kids, great content and great support 
from the Langley researchers," said Lauren Yee, the show's 
senior producer, "we knew we had the right combination to 
make this a winning series." Yee also defined both the close 
connection with teachers in the Hampton City, Va., School 
District and the partnership with Busch Gardens in 
Williamsburg, Va. "Recognition also goes to the local 
teachers who helped to develop the content and the story line 
for each program."

Each program includes hands-on classroom and home activities, 
virtual field trips, research experts and Dr. "D," the tree-
house detectives' next-door neighbor and mentor. The tree-
house detectives are six ethnically diverse, inquisitive 
schoolchildren who investigate and solve a variety of 
everyday problems.

Other recent honors for the series include the Awards for 
Publication Excellence, the International Film Festival Award 
and the Golden Web awards for the NASA "Why?" Files web site.

The NASA "Why?" Files show has reached over 3.7 million 
students worldwide and about 167,000 registered educators and 
parents. The NASA "Why?" Files can be seen on PBS-member 
stations across the United States and NASA TV, down-linked 
via Ku- and C-band satellite, and accessed via the Internet 
at:

            http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov

                             -end-
NASA Quest note: See also: http://quest.nasa.gov/events/why