The Discovery Channel Store Introduces Gross Science Week to Spark Children's Interest in Science

The Discovery Channel Store Introduces Gross Science Week to Spark Children's Interest in Science

The Gross Out Begins February 19th

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "gross" as inspiring disgust or distaste, but the Discovery Channel Store believes the "gross factor" is just what's needed to inspire children to explore the world of science.

From February 19th through 25th the Discovery Channel Store will launch its first annual Gross Science Week. From mucus membranes to exploding volcanoes, Gross Science Week will showcase products designed to spark a child's interest in science by tapping into the "gross factor." During Gross Science Week, Discovery Channel Stores will highlight educational science products to let kids create a host of gross oddities including the amazing exploding zit, a mound of make-believe mucus or a mushy gelatin brain; and show how easy, fun and educational it is to get grossed out at home.

Discovery believes that "gross science" activities will appeal to children's inherent interest in gross things, and, hopefully, translate this interest into a love of science. According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Educational Assessment Process, the only ongoing national indicator of American students' knowledge in major academic subjects, only 29 percent of fourth-graders performed at or above proficiency levels in science. By twelfth grade, only 18 percent of students performed at or above proficiency levels. These numbers are virtually unchanged since the previous test in 1996.

"We believe that a healthy dose of gross can make science really fun for many children," said Scott Eichler, VP, Product Development for the Discovery Channel Store. "Our Gross Science Week will tap into kids' natural affinity for all things gross and get them excited about science and the world around them."

The Discovery Channel Store's Gross Science line up is sure to turn a boring afternoon into a fun-filled science experiment. It includes:

* Discovery Kids Gross Science Lab: A "mad scientist" lab that comes with
enough supplies for eight experiments, like creating a gelatin brain or
growing real bacteria.

* Discovery Kids Pop Bottle Science: 79 easy, hands-on experiments,
including exploding volcanoes, twirling tornadoes and quicksand, all
which fit neatly inside a bottle.

* Discovery Kids Human Anatomy Kit: A hands-on, build-it-yourself model
of the human body. Anatomically correct parts include the skeletal,
circulatory, central nervous system and more.

* "Oh Yuck" Book: The encyclopedia of everything nasty, vile and
repulsive. It engages children while imparting some very important
information.

* The Gross Song Book: A CD with 28 of the world's most beloved
disgusting songs like "Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts" and "Road Kill Stew."
The song book also comes with jokes, riddles, games, activities,
recipes pranks and skits.

These products can be purchased online at http://www.discoverystore.com/ or at Discovery Channel Stores locations nationwide.

Discovery Retail includes a nation-wide chain of more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores, a robust e-commerce site, Discoverystore.com, and a seasonal Discovery Channel Store catalog. Discovery Retail offers a high-quality assortment of products inspired by Discovery's network brands, including an award-winning line of Discovery-designed children's products sold under the Discovery Kids, Ready Set Learn! and Discovery Grow Toys brands; state-of-the- art consumer electronics; health and wellness products; cycling gear inspired by the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, and an array of fan-focused merchandise from Monster Garage, Miami Ink and American Chopper.

Source: Discovery Channel Stores

CONTACT: Kristan Brooks of CRT\tanaka, +1-646-218-6020, or
kbrooks@crt-tanaka.com, for Discovery Channel Stores

Web site: http://www.discoverystore.com/

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