What are the best ways that libraries can excite young learners about science and math? How can leaders facilitate informal learning through libraries and entertainment? Join the “Coding in Tomorrowland: Inspiring Girls in STEM” session at the 2016 American Library Association Annual Conference, featuring an astronaut from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Disney television executives and producers as they discuss the creation of Disney Junior's acclaimed animated series “Miles from Tomorrowland,” which weaves science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts geared towards kids ages 2-7 into its storylines.
Session speakers include series consultant and NASA astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle; Sascha Paladino, creator and executive producer of “Miles from Tomorrowland”; and Disney Junior executive Diane Ikemiyashiro. The panelists will discuss the relationship between science and entertainment and detail the ways that the show imparts scientific concepts and principles to young viewers, particularly girls. The session will be moderated by Christopher Harris, fellow of the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy’s Youth & Technology Program.
“Miles from Tomorrowland” charts the outer space missions of young adventurer Miles Callisto and his family as they work together to help connect the galaxy on behalf of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Space, science and technology experts from NASA and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Space Tourism Society and Google serve as consultants on the series, which is designed to inspire young kids' interest in the exhilarating world of space exploration, science and technology.
Paladino is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer whose writing credits include “Blue's Clues,” “Doc McStuffins,” and “Sid the Science Kid.” Dr. Cagle's extensive career boasts many accomplishments in the space, science and technology fields. Selected by NASA in 1996, Cagle reported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist and was initially assigned to support the Space Shuttle Program and International Space Station. Ikemiyashiro is director of Original Programming for Disney Junior, overseeing production and creative development on "Miles from Tomorrowland." Prior to joining Disney in 2014, Ikemiyashiro worked in production and creative development for DreamWorks Animation and served as a staff writer in the White House Office of Correspondence from 1995-1999.
WHO:
- Dr. Yvonne Cagle, series consultant and astronaut, NASA
- Diane Ikemiyashiro, “Miles from Tomorrowland” series executive, Disney Junior
- Sascha Paladino, “Miles from Tomorrowland” creator and executive producer, Disney Junior
- Moderator: Christopher Harris, fellow, Youth & Technology Program, Office for Information Technology Policy, ALA
WHEN: Sunday, June 26, 2016, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Room: OCCC W303
REGISTER: To attend the conference session as a reporter, email Jazzy Wright, press officer, American Library Association’s Washington Office, at
jwright@alawash.org or call 202-408-8208.
