About NewsDepth
NewsDepth, a weekly interactive digital series produced by Ideastream Public Media, breaks down the biggest news stories into teachable lessons for 4th to 6th-grade students.
The show provides cross-curricular and real-world learning opportunities that spark great class discussions. Beyond covering current events, NewsDepth features special segments on science, civics, Ohio history, and art that align with state learning standards.
I like how the content is unbiased and presented at a kid friendly age. It really helps my students experience the world. These experiences will help them activate prior knowledge and make connections when they are reading.Rosamaria Belmonte, teacher at Central Middle School
Each week NewsDepth asks students to engage with the show by writing letters and participating in an online poll. Student letters featured in the show reward great writing techniques – teaching students English Language Arts (ELA) and digital literacy skills in a fun way. The show also highlights students and classes doing creative and community work by sharing photos and videos in its A+ segment.
Now in its 52nd season, NewsDepth has become a trusted and loved free resource for hundreds of teachers across Ohio. The show has also been recognized by industry professionals, having received multiple regional Emmy awards and gold seals from the Parents’ Choice Awards.
It's refreshing to find news being done right – balanced, fair, interactive, and occasionally humorous. What's highly commendable is that NewsDepth will, hopefully, foster an interest in news, media — and above all, media literacy for young viewers.Ann Oldenburg, Georgetown University, Parents’ Choice Foundation
Full half-hour episodes of NewsDepth are broadcast on multiple PBS stations across Ohio and are available 24/7 on newsdepth.ideastream.org. Special segments, aligned with learning standards, can also be accessed on PBS Learning Media, YouTube, and newsdepth.ideastream.org.