PBS Kids Design Squad Nation: Inspiring kids to dream big and change the world

Design Squad Nation co-hosts Judy Lee and Adam Vollmer (c Anthony Tieuli)

If kids have a dream, they can learn how to make it a reality with the help of the new PBS Kids program DESIGN SQUAD NATION, which premieres Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011.

Geared toward tweens and teens, DESIGN SQUAD NATION takes co-hosts and engineers Judy Lee and Adam Vollmer from coast-to-coast and around the world inspiring kids to dream big, and then build upon their ideas using creativity while incorporating all-important educational concepts using science, technology, engineering and math.

“Kids will see DESIGN SQUAD NATION and be absolutely amazed at all of the different ways that engineering can be part of their world,” says Vollmer.

A spin-off from the highly successful DESIGN SQUAD series, NATION helps kids create engineering feats that include such creations as: a pedal-powered bike organ; a human-powered flying machine; fashion designs; a skateboard park and more.

DESIGN SQUAD NATION also has a cool interactive website for having fun and encouraging additional dream-making inspiration.

Lee says, “We hope the show and website will get kids thinking about what sorts of problems and challenges they would like to solve, and to see engineering as a way to have fun while innovating for the future.”

The show’s Executive Producer Marisa Wolsky says, “More than a TV show and more than a website, DESIGN SQUAD NATION is a growing community built around the belief that with creative problem solving and engineering, any kid can make a difference.”

The video below gives you a glimpse of what’s in store during the 10-plus episodes of DESIGN SQUAD NATION. Be sure to check your local television listings for exact times and air dates on PBS.