Snakes climb aboard 'Homework Express'

Print Story

Email to Friend

Discuss this story

Local classroom teachers serve as the program's homework helpers.

YOUNGSTOWN — Hollywood has "Snakes On a Plane," and "Homework Express," the live, Mahoning Valley-based Emmy-nominated television show, will have "snakes in the studio" as it begins its second season at 4:30 p.m. today.

The program, designed to help pupils with homework questions, will offer a special feature to kick off the season.

Katie Dean, a Lake Milton State Park officer, will be part of a segment involving snakes and other reptiles.

"What I'm going to be doing is a reptile program, where I bring in some exotic species. I'm going to talk about some of the myths, along with facts about snakes and reptiles," Dean said. "A lot of it will be about snake history and trade."

About the program

"Homework Express" is an educational show that tries to make math and science fun through interactive television. The program targets the sixth through eighth grades, and pupils may call the show at (330) 941-2030 or (866) 941-2030 and receive help with assignments live, on-air from local classroom teachers who serve as homework helpers.

The idea is to show the callers how to work through a homework problem, not just give them the answer.

Children are encouraged to experiment and understand how answers are derived, according to Dr. Fred Owens, professor of communication and theater at YSU.

Callers receive prizes for their efforts and may also participate with the show through additional contests, such as Express Extra questions and submitting their own feature segments.

New this season

"There's going to be some new things this season. We're really excited about it. There's going be some cool stuff, cool people," executive producer Jim Stipetich said. "Everyone is just going to have to watch to see what we have planned."

In addition to the live studio show Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., the "Homework Express" crew creates segments by visiting local schools and attractions to illustrate math and science in everyday life.

Students in YSU's Telecommunications department comprise the crew of the show, which originates from YSU's Bliss Hall.

The program may be viewed on Youngstown Time Warner's cable channel 9, Mahoning County's Armstrong Cable channel 20 and in Trumbull County on Time Warner's local access Channel 16. For more information, visit www.homeworkexpress.org.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006