About Janet's Planet
Janet’s Planet is a fun, educational universe where kids explore science through videos, activities, and space-inspired adventures. Created by educator Janet Ivey-Duensing, it’s designed for families, classrooms, and curious minds ready to discover how amazing our world, and beyond, really is.
Meet the Creator
Janet Ivey-Duensing, CEO & Creator of Janet’s Planet
Janet Ivey-Duensing is the creator and CEO of Janet's Planet Inc., a leading voice in space and STEAM education. For more than 27 years, she has inspired curiosity in young minds through award-winning television, live performances, digital programming, and unforgettable hands-on learning experiences.
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With 12 Regional Emmy Awards, five Gracie Awards, and two TEDx Talks, Janet blends science, storytelling, and showmanship into a powerful force of inspiration. Her honors include the 2024 World Space Week Association STEM & Space Educators for Climate Change Award, the 2024 Women's Space Award for Education & Outreach, and the 2022 American Astronautical Society's Sally K. Ride Excellence in Education Award.
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Janet is also the creator of several touring educational shows, including Janet's Planet: Tour of the Solar System; Unsung Genius, CTRL-ALT-PB&J: Rebooting Our Relationship with Code; AI, Robots, and Each Other; and Astronaut/Aquanaut (co-created with Jennifer Swanson).
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Her work brings science to life through performance, interactivity, and a distinctly human touch. A passionate advocate for students, Janet serves on the Board of Governors for the Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and is a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador. She is also the author of the Unsung Genius book series, which highlights overlooked heriones of science. Equally at home on stage, in the classroom, or behind the microphone, Janet is an actress, voice-over artist, speaker, and mentor dedicated to empowering the next generation of explorers, innovators, and change makers to see themselves in the future of space.
Mission Statement
The mission of Janet and Janet’s Planet is to encourage young people to stand in their magnificence and to inspire future generations to use their innate intelligence and creativity to create a better future via STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).
BENEFITS
Quantifiable
Janet inspires curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning. Through engaging presentations that support multiple learning styles and intelligences, she helps create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Her interactive, cooperative approach encourages students to participate fully, leading to greater motivation, deeper understanding, and more meaningful engagement.
Qualitative
Janet’s Planet is built on research-based teaching methods that emphasize engaging, interactive instruction to strengthen student achievement. Each program aligns with national and state standards, offering clear, measurable learning objectives that support classroom instruction rather than replace it. Through multimedia storytelling and hands-on engagement, Janet introduces key concepts while allowing teachers to focus on assessment, real-time feedback, and guided learning. Supported by educational research, this approach, combining visuals, verbal explanations, and effective questioning, enhances comprehension, retention, and overall student success.
