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Learning at Home | Week of 1/11 – 1/15

Take advantage of this week’s Learning at Home broadcast schedule – great for students engaged in hybrid or distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together!

After watching these fascinating programs, explore the PBS LearningMedia and web resources to learn more.

Highlight of the Week

NOVA: Prediction by the Numbers
Tuesday, January 12, 1 PM

Predictions underlie nearly every aspect of our lives, from sports, politics, and medical decisions to the morning commute. With the explosion of digital technology, the internet, and “big data,” the science of forecasting is flourishing. But why do some predictions succeed spectacularly while others fail abysmally? And how can we find meaningful patterns amidst chaos and uncertainty?

Learning at Home
Week of 1/11 – 1/15

Monday, January 11

12:30 PM: Rediscovering the Light: Restoring New York’s Capitol

After twelve years of restoration projects, the Capitol is once again the shining jewel of the Empire State. Witness the results of hundreds of skilled workers and artisans to illuminate areas that had been cloaked in darkness for over half a century.

1 PM: Let’s Learn – How Many Syllables are in Family?

“Let’s Learn” helps children ages 3-8 with at-home learning. Discover a secret hidden number, read “The Proudest Blue,” explore why families are important, learn about compound words, take a belly breath.

2 PM: Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare

The first woman appointed to a U.S. Presidential cabinet, Frances Perkins created the social safety net that continues to shape the lives of Americans today. In her 12 years as Labor Secretary under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Perkins created the Social Security program, a federal minimum wage, the 40-hour work week and unemployment compensation, and ended the legal use of child labor. Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare tells the story of Perkins’ life through rare archival recordings of her voice, and interviews with Nancy Pelosi, George Mitchell, David Brooks, Lawrence O’Donnell and Amy Klobuchar.

Tuesday, January 12

12 PM: Let’s Learn – Can You Hear the Long “u” in Unity?

“Let’s Learn” helps children ages 3-8 with at-home learning. Take a taste test, make and play instruments, read “Stella Brings the Family,” learn about long “u.”

1 PM: NOVA: Prediction by the Numbers

Predictions underlie nearly every aspect of our lives, from sports, politics, and medical decisions to the morning commute. With the explosion of digital technology, the internet, and “big data,” the science of forecasting is flourishing. But why do some predictions succeed spectacularly while others fail abysmally? And how can we find meaningful patterns amidst chaos and uncertainty?

2 PM: NOVA: Inside Einstein’s Mind

On November 25th, 1915, Einstein published his greatest work: general relativity. The theory transformed our understanding of nature’s laws and the entire history of the cosmos, reaching back to the origin of time itself. NOVA tells the inside story of Einstein’s masterpiece. The story begins with the intuitive thought experiments that set Einstein off on his quest.

Wednesday, January 13

12 PM: Let’s Learn – A is for Ant!

“Let’s Learn” helps children ages 3-8 with at-home learning. Make a flying star and paper from scraps, meet a porcupine, watch marching ants and sing about them, read “Don’t Touch My Hair,” learn about feelings and short “a.”

1 PM: NATURE: A Squirrel’s Guide to Success

The squirrel family – from tiny chipmunks to big prairie dogs – is one of the most widespread on Earth. There are almost 300 species of squirrels that can glide through the air, outwit rattlesnakes, and survive the coldest temperatures of any mammal. Discover the secrets to their success.

2 PM: NOVA: Eagle Power

Eagles dominate the skies. But what makes these predators so special? Researchers study one special bird—and stunning up-close footage reveals her exceptional strength, eyesight, and flying skills. With intimate access to a new bald eagle family, NOVA takes you into the nest to witness the drama of chicks struggling to survive.

Thursday, January 14

12 PM: Let’s Learn – Can you Hear the Short “o” in Bog?

“Let’s Learn” helps children ages 3-8 with at-home learning. Listen to author Katrina Moore read “One Hug,” sing “Rattlin’ Bog,” have fun with counting, try partner juggling, learn about short “o” and sorting feelings.

1 PM: American Experience: The Codebreaker

Based on the book “The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies,” The Codebreaker reveals the fascinating story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, the groundbreaking cryptanalyst whose painstaking work to decode thousands of messages for the U.S. government would send infamous gangsters to prison in the 1920s and bring down a massive, near-invisible Nazi spy ring in WWII. Together with her husband, the legendary cryptologist William Friedman, Elizebeth helped develop the methods that led to the creation of the powerful new science of cryptology and laid the foundation for modern codebreaking today

2 PM: Dayton Codebreakers

Throughout 1942, German U-boats were sinking hundreds of American ships in the Atlantic Ocean, effectively cutting the supply line to embattled ally England. In desperation, the United States Navy turned to the National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, to design and build code-breaking machines. The high-priority and highly classified project involved hundreds of civilians, Naval officers and one engineer of German descent whose insight and technical ability helped break the complex Enigma code. Dayton Codebreakers uncovers Joseph Desch’s role in helping end World War II, through interviews with eminent historians, scientists and honored war veterans.

Friday, January 15

12 PM: Let’s Learn – What Sound Does “ng” Make in Sing?

“Let’s Learn” helps children ages 3-8 with at-home learning. Join a Neighborhood Sing-Along, meet an opossum, dance to “Route 66,” make and play instruments, learn about “ng” and “nk.”

1 PM: Articulate | Under Pressure, Moe Brooker, The Nature of Art

Performance anxiety is common even among the most accomplished professionals. Moe Brooker is rightly regarded as one of the greats of American abstract painting. By melding art and science, Brandon Ballengée promotes awareness of endangered species.

1:30 PM: Poetry in America: Fast Break

Edward Hirsch’s poem, “Fast Break,” captures a single slow-motion play on a basketball court. Join Hirsch, host Elisa New, NBA players Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, and Shane Battier, and a group of pick-up basketball players as they use basketball to understand poetry—and poetry to better understand the game of basketball.

2 PM: Great Performances | Now Hear This “The Schubert Generation”

Franz Schubert composed 1,500 works, but his genius wasn’t recognized until after his tragic death at 31. The Vienna native never found success in his hometown, then the world’s musical capital. Host Scott Yoo goes to today’s musical capitals to meet tomorrow’s most promising artists—all of them Schubert’s age during his career—to understand Schubert’s life through some of his greatest music and learn what it takes for a young classical artist to make it in the 21st century.