This session introduced a wide variety of science programs from around the world that were Japan Prize entrants this year or in previous years. Prof. Nakayama said that, from the point of view of usability in class, programs should encourage children to think themselves instead of just presenting facts. Mr. Clarke says that in Britain the emphasis is on presenting accurate scientific information without losing the entertainment value. Among the this year’s competition entrants, he likes the approach that incorporates technological elements.

The panel discussed shows from Japan, the United States and Britain that follow a recent trend in science programming: using large-scale gimmicks or experiments. The panelists pointed out that increased competition for viewers is pushing producers to find more entertaining ways to present difficult scientific theories.

In Japan, one of the most talked-about science programs this year was a documentary with the first ever footage of a deep-sea giant squid. Prof. Nakayama said one of the program’s accomplishments was it allowed viewers to share in the scientists’ struggle and excitement as they pursued the elusive creature. Mr. Clarke said this program could only have been made by NHK and its international partnership, which has been leading the world in the development of camera technology, and that it must have taken a lot of effort. He said the show, produced in partnership with the Discovery Channel, was an ideal science program and would find many viewers around the world.

Finally, the panel showed recent examples of programs in which scientists explain topics to children that are difficult even for adults, such as elementary particles and black holes, as well as a program that confronts the question “what is science in the first place?”

Prof. Nakayama said Japanese science programs have introduced experiments that children can try for themselves after watching the shows, which is a distinctive feature of Japanese educational programs. Mr. Clarke said the BBC’s style is the opposite: to show things that that are much too big or complicated for children to do themselves. He expressed interest, though, in trying a show that encourages children to try experiments of their own.