KLRN is PBS, public television, for South Central Texas.
We air NOVA, the most-watched prime-time science series, and Nature, bringing the beauty and wonder of the natural world to homes across America for more than 40 years. The environment is one of PBS’s five programming pillars. KLRN is doubling down on topics like climate change and conservation in 2023, kicking off a phenomenal range of Earth Month shows that engage and entertain, while informing audiences about the world around us.
On the local side, KLRN produced and broadcast a series for several years called SciTech Now that highlighted innovations in science and technology. It’s available now online. We continue to work with environmentally-conscious organizations, policymakers and subject-matter experts to cover the environmental issues impacting our community.
We started our involvement with the planning of Earth2Hot2Handle more than a year ago and helped to connect these talented students with the people and organizations who were eager to help. Based on our mission and education focus, we are uniquely positioned to support TEDx in building alliances and raising awareness about this important educational event.
Throughout our 60-year history, our many wonderful kids’ programs have educated and ignited the imagination of generations of children, including Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, and Sid the Science Kid. The KLRN Education department has been leveraging these and other educational programs to teach about and engage kids in STEAM activities for more than two decades.
We’ve delivered numerous teacher trainings on the environment and climate change, along with a wide array of other subjects. Lessons are TEKS-aligned and free to attend. Educators for all grade levels are invited and can earn continuing education credits when participating live.
KLRN/PBS also offers PBS LearningMedia, a searchable treasure trove of 30,000 vetted resources that teachers, parents, and anyone can use to learn about and deliver grade-appropriate lessons on countless topics. Among the many resources are those on Watt Watchers and Cyberchase.
Watt Watchers of Texas is a state-sponsored STEM program to help boost energy literacy for K-12 students and help schools save money by saving energy. Through the program, students, teachers, and families have access to energy-saving tips, activities, and lessons. Launched in 1985, Watt Watchers of Texas today offers updated resources that build upon the original, beloved program and provide a modern look at energy, sustainability, and conservation.
Cyberchase is the Emmy-winning animated series full of math and environmental adventures. It features three diverse kids, known as The CyberSquad, who use brain power and problem-solving skills to outwit and outsmart the villain Hacker in their quest to save Cyberspace. Along the way, the CyberSquad perseveres over challenges to show how math is everywhere and everyone can be good at it!
This collection features numerous resources designed to spark curiosity in STEM concepts and boost problem-solving skills of elementary-level learners. Along with segments from the animated portion of the show, resources also include live-action Cyberchase: For Real segments, in which host Bianca and Harry explore math concepts in everyday life that can be replicated at home and in the community.
You can learn more about KLRN’s environment-focused initiatives at KLRN.org.
