FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS NORTH CAROLINA LAUNCHES ‘MINI FAB SCIENCE LAB,’ A NEW SERIES FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

In the series, 12-year-old Ava N. Simmons and friends explore STEAM concepts through hands-on experiments in the lab.

Watch trailer. >

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/14/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces Mini Fab Science Lab, a new series that celebrates the wonders of science. Premiering Saturday, August 2, on YouTube and Rootle PBS KIDS, Mini Fab Science Lab follows 12-year-old Ava N. Simmons and friends as they explore the world around them through hands-on experiments. The show is designed to encourage a love of learning as well as critical thinking skills and resilience. 

The cast of Mini Fab Science Lab is led by Ava N. Simmons, also known as Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess, a science, technology, engineering and math ambassador, entrepreneur, toy designer and author. Diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, Ava uses STEM and entrepreneurial activities to help overcome academic challenges and build confidence. 

“Mini Fab Science Lab offers a unique opportunity for our youngest learners to see their peers engaging in authentic interactions and using proven learning strategies,” said Lauren McDowell Pyle, PBS North Carolina’s Director of Children’s Media and Education Engagement. “The series reinforces the empowering message: ‘We can ask big questions. We can figure it out.’ It’s this confidence—the willingness to ask questions—that unlocks each learner’s imagination and leads them into the Mini Fab Science Lab, where they take ownership of their learning journey.” 

PBS North Carolina developed Mini Fab Science Lab with partners across North Carolina, including educational advisors at UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and its STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center (STEMIE). The series, which was written by Emmy-nominated screenwriter Rodney Stringfellow, features experts from NC State University, NC Central University, NC A&T State University and Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. 

Mini Fab Science Lab is made possible with support from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Division of Child Development and Early Education. 

“Through our long-standing partnership with PBS North Carolina, we support parents and families in preparing their young children for kindergarten and provide robust professional development opportunities for North Carolina’s early childhood educators,” said Candace Witherspoon, Director of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. “Mini Fab Science Lab promotes healthy brain development in young children, laying a foundation for future STEM learning, and we are thrilled to sponsor it.” 

Episode Schedule 

A new episode premieres every Saturday in August on YouTube and Rootle, PBS North Carolina’s 24/7 PBS KIDS channel. Each episode is 8 to 10 minutes long. 

Episode 1: Stretch, Squish & Bounce 
Premieres Saturday, August 2 
When Cathal loses a prized bouncy ball, Ava jumps into action to help make a new one from scratch. Together, they explore the stretchy world of polymers, create slime and learn what makes things bounce. Plus, a scientist at North Carolina Central University helps them discover that science is everywhere, even in their shoes. 

Episode 2: The Rotten Banana 
Premieres Saturday, August 9 
When Elijah discovers Ava’s delicious bread is made from old bananas, they investigate why decomposition reactions can be a good thing. In the lab, they mix up foamy “elephant toothpaste” and learn how molecules break apart and change form. Then, experts at the North Carolina Zoo reveal how decomposition plays a big role in caring for plants and animals. 

Episode 3: Lemon Power 
Premieres Saturday, August 16 
When Ava’s robot loses power, she and friend Brooke turn lemons into batteries. Their experiment sparks questions about how electricity works, leading them to the lab and a virtual visit with an electrical engineer at NC A&T. Along the way, they discover how different energy sources power our world and that teamwork can turn any challenge into a bright idea. 

Episode 4: In a Pickle 
Premieres Saturday, August 23 
Ava and friend Carter turn lunch into a science adventure. When Carter says she’s never had a pickle, Ava reveals how cucumbers become pickles using acid. In the lab, they experiment with an acid-base reaction using baking soda and vinegar. Then, experts at Sarah P. Duke Gardens show them how acids affect soil and can even change the color of flowers. 

Episode 5: Mix It Up 
Premieres Saturday, August 30 
A simple snack turns into a science mystery as Ava and friend Eleanor explore the invisible force of surface tension. By dropping cereal into milk and swirling colors in milk and soap, they see how everyday things are filled with wonder. Then, they chat with Dr. Tova Williams, a scientist from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles, who shares how color is added to fabric. 

About Rootle PBS KIDS 

Rootle, PBS North Carolina’s 24/7 PBS KIDS channel, is a trusted educational partner to families, caregivers and educators across the state providing wholesome, educational and entertaining content for children ages two to eight. Learn more at pbsnc.org/rootle. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC-

Media Contact 
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications 
PBS North Carolina 
press@pbsnc.org