27 April 2012 (BNS)

Youth science show "Rakett 69," which has run on ETV for two seasons, was named "best educational program" at the European Broadcasting Union's summit in Copenhagen this week.

The show, produced by Ylle Rajasaar and directed Indrek Simm, pits teams of upper secondary school students against one another in solving various science-related challenges, with only two students left standing the last episode. The main prize is a 10,000 euro scholarship.

This was probably one of the first television formats to merge entertainment with sciences - the outcome being "edutainment," enabling the viewers to see science as something fun and accessible, Simm said. According to Rajasaar, "Rakett 99" also received an invitation to participate at the Japan Prize contest for its conception of interactive media use. 

At the Eurovision TV Summit, the show was chosen from among 20 candidates submitted for the award, said Piret Suurväli, head of education, research and environment programming at ETV.