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NOVA  Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors
7 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2009 (Part 1)
7 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2009 (Part 2)
7 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (Part 3)

NOVA presents a comprehensive three-part, three-hour special — investigating explosive new discoveries that are transforming the picture of how we became human. The first program explores fresh clues about our earliest ancestors in Africa, including the stunningly complete fossil nicknamed “Lucy’s Child.” These three-million-year-old bones from Ethiopia reveal humanity’s oldest and most telltale trait — upright walking, rather than a big brain. The second program tackles the mysteries of how our ancestors managed to survive in a savannah teeming with vicious predators, and when and why we first left our African cradle to colonize every corner of the earth. In the final program, NOVA probes a wave of dramatic new evidence, based partly on cutting-edge DNA analysis, that reveals new insights into how we became today’s creative and “behaviorally modern” humans and what really happened to the enigmatic Neanderthals who faded into extinction. Shot “in the trenches” as discoveries were unearthed throughout Africa and Europe, each hour of “Becoming Human” unfolds with a forensic investigation into the life and death of a specific hominid ancestor, such as Lucy’s Child. Dry bones spring back to vivid life with stunning animation, the product of a unique NOVA collaboration between

Reading Rainbow will no longer be provided by PBS to stations for broadcast starting on Aug. 28. No new episodes of the children’s program have been produced for several years and PBS removed the series from its daily lineup last fall to make room for new programs with reading and science/math content. After nearly a after a quarter century on public television, the series will no long be broadcast over the air. Producers of the series are working to continue the show online and DVDs of episodes will be available through Shop PBS.

Editor’s Note: Reading Rainbow has been an influential part of the learning expereince for many children.  Please share your story about the show’s impact by leaving a comment below.

This month the PBS KIDS GO! site, It’s My Life launched a blog for tweens at http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/blog/ The blog is the latest addition to this safe and engaging destination that tackles tough issues that adolescents face in school, at home and in popular media. The blog’s age-appropriate articles cover everyday issues facing tweens,such as online bullying and going green, as well as discuss pop culture news and book reviews.

The site includes an Educators section with lesson plans that focus on bullies, drug abuse, eating disorders, being home alone, making money, smoking, sports and participation. Also be sure to check out the School channel that addresses topics on time management, transitioning to middle school and high school, cheating, surviving embarrassing moments, relating to a teacher, and dealing with test stress.

“THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER” AND PBS ANNOUNCE MAJOR CHANGES

Enhanced Broadcast and Digital Content Will Offer More Options for Audiences Looking for Trusted News Source in Evolving Media Landscape

Changes Include New Name, Dual Anchor Format and Online Correspondent

New Format to Launch in September 2009

BALTIMORE, MD, May 12, 2009 — Recognizing that PBS and The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer have both an opportunity and an obligation to play a leadership role in the transformation of high-quality electronic journalism, Jim Lehrer, executive editor of The NewsHour, announced today that The NewsHour will make major changes in its broadcast and digital news product, effective mid-September 2009. (more…)