Learning through television

The students in Eric Tally's thirdgrade class at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills learned about the solar system recently and taped a television show that demonstrated their knowledge.

The 22 students broke up into "pods" of twos and threes, each with a different planet to explore. All of this was staged, videotaped and edited for broadcast on TimeWarner Cable's Public Access Channel 25.

The 17-minute adventure titled "Mr. Tally's Magic Classroom" aired yesterday and will air again Wed., June 18 at 9:30 a.m. "The kids loved it. They had the opportunity to learn about the solar system as well as the creative process," said Carol Martino, Sumac principal.

The program was produced with the help of local web designer Jason Sikes of Village Green Studios. Sikes is the father of Sumac student Cosmo VarahSikes.

"We've been doing a video now for several years," Tally said. "Each year it just keeps getting better and better. Everyone is really excited to see it on TV for the first time."

The class also includes Kimberl y Propster, Nadya Bayliss, Guy Levinger, Miranda Schwartz, Matan Michael,WesleySt arks, AllanTran,Ju ngHul l, Michelle Florey, Chelsea Graffious, Yesenia Yerves, Michela De Falco, Alec Rizor, Edward Schiff, Rory Rosen, Michael Leese, Tyler Thomas, Preston Costin and Nathaniel Hai.