is an elementary to middle school age family television show that explores science, health, and social issues through the eyes of today's youth.
[3] The show's concept originated from Duquesne University biology professor John A. Pollock, with the goal of improving science literacy among school students[4] ages 8 to 13 years old.
Her younger brother (played by actors Joseph Serafini and Justin Bees) joins along as Cassie researches and finds leads at her local library and then visits different museums, hospitals, and institutions to conduct interviews with real-life specialists.
[1][4][8] Production of “Sticks and Stones” and “Are You Sleeping?” involved the efforts of many groups and individuals, including the Regenerative Medicine Partnership in Education, where Pollock serves as Principal Investigator, and the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPA).
Included are interviews with doctors, scientists, and researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the National Aviary, and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
[5] In the episode, the lead character Cassie fails a math test that she stayed up all night studying for, prompting her to embark on a quest to learn about the science of sleep in order to help her sleep-deprived family and classmates.