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National Geographic Channel taps into kids' curiosity with Science Mein Twist

Science Mein Twist is a child-friendly series targeted at school kids. The 10-part series will go on-air on NGC on February 08

National Geographic Channel (NGC) is rolling out a 10-part series titled Science Mein Twist, targeted at kids. Beginning February 08, the series will be aired in the existing dedicated time band for kids, Nat Geo Junior, at 4:30 pm.

For the programming initiative, the channel has partnered with the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.

National Geographic Channel taps into kids' curiosity with Science Mein Twist
Science Mein Twist will cover varied topics, such as sound, space, genetics and geo-science. The programming and an outreach -out programme are aimed at encouraging kids to take up a career in science and technology.

"The partnership with NGC has been struck to create awareness about science and technology amongst kids, to further encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry in them," says Prithviraj Chavan, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.

Both NGC and various departments of the Ministry have worked together for the last two years on the series, which will also bring into focus the achievements of Indian scientists and the path-breaking work being done by researchers at national laboratories across India.

The series will be presented in a format that is bound to interest kids. Each episode will be hosted by a 13-year-old boy, Aavik and a 16-year-old girl, Khyati. The two youngsters explore various aspects of science by playing science-based pranks, visiting laboratories-factories and going on treks. Each 30-minute episode will showcase interesting experiments to highlight the universal nature of science.

In addition to the Science Mein Twist series, the channel is also coming out with a documentary film, Cutting Carbon.

Rajesh Sheshadri, senior vice-president, content and communication, National Geographic Channel, shares, "The series is aimed at cultivating curiosity and generating awareness and knowledge about the planet, by offering smart and reliable factual entertainment, featuring science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture."

He adds, "While Science Mein Twist is a fun way to approach science that will resonate with children all over, Cutting Carbon takes up the serious issue of global warming and attempts to encourage individuals to do their bit to save our planet."

Science Mein Twist and Cutting Carbon will be available on Nat Geo in English and Hindi feed. Additionally, they will also be aired on Doordarshan in as many as five languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Kannada.

The new offerings are being extensively promoted on NGC, as well as Fox History and Entertainment. To further promote the content, NGC has created an interactive microsite on www.natgeotv.co.in.

NGC is also taking the initiative on-ground through a nation-wide school outreach programme. As part of this, it will distribute DVDs of the programme in 1,000 schools across the country. It is also looking at forming science clubs in about 400 schools.

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