Taking Science Fun to the iPad People

Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to write a script for a kids' "appisode" - a web-based story and game combo for iTunes and the iPad. It was exciting to be part of a team working in what was a new format for all involved. The challenge - to bring science ideas to a new audience in an exciting and interactive way.

The results, I'm thrilled to say, are now available for download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dr.-greenies-mad-lab/id565671925?mt=8. I'd be thrilled if you would check it out and try some of the games. And laugh at some of the groaner jokes I wrote for it too!

Special feature!!! Here's a sneak peek at the "Achievements" page for the games. Notice howyou get special points for  being rude and for offering a  bean-powered fart boost...

Science Plus Kids TV Equals Fun!

Written by Helaine Becker

For the last three years, alongside my other writing projects, I've been the staff writer for a science- and environment-themed television show for children called Planet Echo (You can see it on APTN, or watch it on line.). The segment I write is called Dr. Greenie's Mad Lab. It mixes serious, science-y information with an abundance of fart jokes. Hey, what's not to like?



Dr. Greenie mixing up something gross  - and educational! - in his lab.

The Mad Lab segment has indeed proven so popular with viewers that we are spinning it off into a stand-alone show. Some sample footage from the new show was submitted recently to the Juried competition at MIP Junior, the preeminent international trade show for children's television.
And guess what! Dr. Greenie's Mad Lab has been selected as a finalist!

The awards will be given out at a chi-chi red carpet gala in Cannes on October 7. Alas, a plane ticket to attend the event is not in my pay package; I will have to get the news of the winner via a tweet from producer Chris Greaves.

In the meantime, I'm adding tweaks to the all-new webisode for the show, an exciting project that includes both a fun plot and three interactive games kids can play on their tablet or phone.

Watch this space for news of the award winners, and wish us luck!