Curiosity Unleashed: A Q&A with the Minds Behind “Ada Twist, Scientist”

Join the Geena Davis Institute's Q&A event to explore the creative process behind Ada Twist, Scientist and its impact on young minds and STEM representation.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

On September 21, 2021, the Geena Davis Institute hosted an engaging and insightful virtual event titled "Curiosity Unleashed: A Q&A with the Minds Behind 'Ada Twist, Scientist.'" The event featured a lively discussion with the creative forces behind the beloved animated series, based on the best-selling picture book. Moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, the event provided attendees an exclusive look into the making of the show, its impact on young audiences and STEM representation.

Speakers and Panelists

Event Highlights

The event kicked off with an introduction to the show and its origins, highlighting its mission to inspire curiosity and a love for science in young viewers. Afterwards, Chris Nee and Kerri Grant shared their experiences adapting the beloved book series into an animated show. They also discussed the importance of storytelling, character development and STEM diversity.

Key Takeaways

  1. Inspiration Behind the Show: Chris Nee was drawn to adapt "Ada Twist, Scientist" due to its compelling storytelling and the opportunity to portray science as a fun and exploratory process.
  2. Engaging Audiences: Kerri Grant emphasized the importance of creating relatable characters and authentic narratives to captivate both children and parents.
  3. Representation in STEM: Both panelists highlighted the significance of showcasing diverse characters in STEM fields, aligning with the Geena Davis Institute’s motto, “If They Can See It, They Can Be It.”
  4. The adaptation process from book to screen.
  5. The role of authentic character creation in engaging young audiences.
  6. Insights into the collaboration between the production team and the original book's author and illustrator.

Actionable Insights

  1. Encouraging Curiosity: Parents and educators are encouraged to foster a sense of curiosity in children by providing them with opportunities to explore and ask questions, just like Ada Twist.
  2. Celebrating Failure: The show’s theme of celebrating failure as a part of the scientific process can be applied in educational settings to teach resilience and perseverance.
  3. Diverse Role Models: Highlighting diverse role models in STEM can inspire children from all backgrounds to pursue their interests in science and technology.

"Ada Twist, Scientist" combines creative storytelling with educational content in an entertaining manner to to inspire young minds to explore the world of science. This event underscored the power of media in shaping future generations and the importance of representation in STEM and all fields.


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Upcoming Events
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6pm - 9pm - The Ebell of Los Angeles
Speaker:
Geena Davis, Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute