Vanderbilt’s Jeremi London Guides New PBS Kids Show on Weather

A new educational series aimed at young children debuted on September 8, 2023, on PBS Kids, with significant contributions from Jeremi London, associate provost for academic opportunity and associate professor of mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt University. The show, titled Weather Hunters, is designed to help children aged 5-8 understand the intricacies of weather, climate, and Earth science.

Produced by Al Roker Entertainment, the show features animated adventures that revolve around a character named Lily Hunter, who acts as a weather detective alongside her family. Each 22-minute episode explores relatable STEM-based themes, encouraging young viewers to engage with science through fun narratives and activities. Lily’s father, Al, who is also a beloved weathercaster, and her multitasking mother, Dot, contribute to the family dynamic as they navigate various weather phenomena. The show also includes Corky, Lily’s 11-year-old brother, who documents exciting weather events, and Benny, her artistic 5-year-old brother, who captures the essence of their adventures through drawing and painting.

London served as a curriculum advisor for Weather Hunters, offering insights on engineering topics and assisting in the development of stories that effectively convey STEM concepts. He expressed his enthusiasm for being involved in a project that helps children grasp scientific tools and ideas relevant to their everyday lives. “I was thrilled to have input in the development of a show that seeks to help children better understand the tools and gadgets that facilitate an understanding of science that’s happening in their own environment and in locations around the world,” London stated.

Promoting STEM Education through Entertainment

The show not only aims to educate but also to foster a sense of adventure and family bonding through STEM exploration. London emphasized that through a mix of adventure and comedy, the series encourages children to play outdoors while learning about their surroundings. His commitment to improving engineering education is evident in his research, which focuses on organizational change strategies aimed at promoting equity among aspiring engineers.

With over $11 million in grants backing his work, London has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and received numerous accolades, including best paper awards and keynote invitations. He also leads the flagship Posse Scholars Program and is the founding director of the Levy First View Program, which supports first-generation students at Vanderbilt.

“I’m proud to be part of an institution that has deep expertise both in engineering and science, as well as the methods for teaching these concepts effectively,” London remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the show.

As children engage with Weather Hunters, they are introduced to essential topics such as weather observation, tracking patterns, and understanding the relationship between humans and the environment. By combining education with entertainment, the series promises to make a lasting impact on young viewers’ knowledge and appreciation of science.