Fittex u tkixxef : a science TV mini-series

Abstract

Television has nowadays become a favourite pastime among people from all walks of life. Apart from offering entertainment, if appropriately used it can yield an excellent contribution to education. The positive characteristics of television are an excellent complement to science education, by providing viewers with a wealth of visuals that would otherwise be impossible. Sensing the need for improvement in the local science television broadcasting field, this dissertation sets out to present 'Fittex u Tkixxef, a science mini-series for viewers in the 8 to 13 year old age cohort. The script of six fifteen-minute programmes are included in this dissertation. The primary aim of this series is to try to create a healthy balance between education and entertainment using innovative pedagogies. This dissertation also includes a first compilation of the historical development of local science productions on Maltese television. Finally, enclosed is a pilot production on Beta/VHS format, filmed at PBS studios with the voluntary help of a professional production crew. This pilot programme gives viewers an insight of the pedagogical techniques promoted in the scripts and discussed in this dissertation.