How 2

How 2 is an engaging and entertaining educational television series that aired from 1990 to 2006. Produced by Scottish Television for the independent television network ITV, How 2 serves as a reboot of the show "How," which aired from 1966 to 1981. The show aims to answer fascinating, curiosity-piquing questions in an engaging, educational, and often humorous way to make learning fun for both children and adults alike.

The series was presented by Carol Vorderman, Fred Dinenage, and Gareth Jones, each of whom brought a unique perspective and charm to the program. Carol Vorderman, gaining fame as a co-host of Channel 4's game show Countdown, is the only presenter on the show with a mathematical background. With an Oxford University degree in Engineering, Vorderman was uniquely equipped to answer technical questions and conduct experiments.

Fred Dinenage, a veteran journalist and television presenter, originally appeared in the original "How,” and his return provides a continuity link between the new show and its predecessor. His captivating storytelling style and effortless rapport with young viewers added an element of warmth and familiarity to the series.

Gareth "Gaz" Jones, previously known to viewers from the children’s program "Get Fresh," brought an energetic and playful presence to the show, becoming famous for his loud, colourful shirts. He often acted as the comic relief during episodes, balancing the serious answers to questions by indulging in knockabout slapstick and wordplay.

Each episode of How 2 usually tackles different questions, with the presenters empowered to answer these questions through a range of methodologies. These may include conducting live laboratory experiments, exploring scientific concepts, interviewing experts, or presenting informative pieces to camera.

Rather than trivial facts or unnecessary pieces of information, the questions addressed in the program usually involve the inner workings of the world around us. Such topics could range from "How do airplanes fly?" and "How does the heart work?" to "How is glass made?" and "How do fish breathe underwater?". In essence, the show covers a broad range of topics, from physics and biology to history and geography - all presented in a light-hearted and engaging way.

But it's not all about answering big scientific questions. The show also offers handy tips and life hacks to its audience on subjects such as gardening, cooking, and DIY projects. These easily applicable and practical segments help viewers feel more connected to the show.

Visually, the show maintains a clever balance between entertainment and education - offering a vibrant palette, excellent graphics, and some playful comic-book elements. The experiments conducted in the show are visually stimulating to ensure they catch and retain viewers’ interest.

The appeal of How 2 lies in its ability to make learning exciting, accessible and engaging. Its underlying philosophy - that there is no such thing as a stupid question - encourages young viewers to be inquisitive, to question how things work, and to pursue a greater understanding of the world around them. Each episode of the show provides educational content in a light-hearted and engaging format, making it a fantastic resource for learners of all ages.

Overall, How 2 is a revolutionary program in the way it approaches education, blending curiosity, humour and practical knowledge delivered in an energetic way by its charismatic presenters. The combination of serious learning, light-hearted entertainment, and audience interaction made How 2 a huge success. With this carefully crafted mix, the program continues to inspire and educate, remaining a beloved memory in the minds of those who tuned in during its broadcast run from 1990 to 2006.