Curiosity Quest Goes Green

Gr 1–6—In this episode, a California teacher and her elementary grade students had the idea to get their school district to recycle Styrofoam lunch trays. Viewers follow host Joel Greene as he talks with the students at the school and interviews workers at the recycling center. While the foam recycling process is interesting, and the overall message that recycling is good for our planet is important, the program is flawed. Greene is enthusiastic, but becomes annoying as he tries, but fails, to be funny and connect with the kids. Unsubstantial "Fun Facts" and candid interviews with random people in a playground will bore viewers. Those interviewed reply to questions with their best guesses, not facts, which could be very misleading for young viewers. While the premise of the film is interesting, the program just doesn't deliver.—Jenny Ventling, Dayton Metro Library, OH