Splash and Bubbles for Parents App: Station Study Report

This report, prepared for The Jim Henson Company, shares findings of a sub-study investigating the types of support parents and caregivers need when navigating and using the second-screen Splash and Bubbles for Parents app. This study originated from a prior field study finding indicating families would benefit from support around the app since it represents a new kind of digital tool. In partnership with local Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations, we provided parents and caregivers more detailed support around the features of the app. Based on survey and interview findings, parents and caregivers found the app helpful for supporting their children’s science learning, thus validating the field study findings. We also found that all sections of the app were used and could help promote conversations between parent/caregiver and child. Moreover, families expressed choosing to use a specific app section when they felt it was more relevant or developmentally appropriate for their child.