Evolution is grounded in the same rigorous science journalism that has made Nova the most-watched science program in the world and the number-one documentary series on PBS. "We begin with impeccable science investigation," says Paula Apsell, executive producer of Nova and executive-in-charge of its Science Unit productions. "But we also tell an engaging story." That means pushing the envelope with state-of-the-art production techniques. When the Science Unit teamed up with photographer Lennart Nilsson on the 1983 Miracle of Life, the result was the most popular program ever broadcast on Nova. This year, Nilsson's microimagery offered an even more stunning journey through human development in Life's Greatest Miracle. And visitors to Nova's Web site can watch the film in its entirety, explore the stem-cell debate, or learn how sex is determined.

Taking science to greater heights, WGBH's giant-screen film Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure premiered in February 2001. "Sir Ernest Shackleton's failed attempt to cross Antarctica in 1914 is one of the world's greatest adventure stories and lessons in endurance," says executive producer Susanne Simpson. "We re-enacted this tale of heroic survival, tracing Shackleton's 800-mile, open-boat journey and his trek for help through mountainous South Georgia Island." The Science Unit tells this remarkable story through three different media: a Nova Online Adventure, the IMAX film, and as part of Nova's spring 2002 television lineup.

Reaching audiences through a range of venues also is part of the fabric of American Experience. Visitors to the Web site for War Letters can share their own wartime memories or learn about the history of military mail censorship. Series executive producer Margaret Drain, who brought Andrew Carroll's New York Times best seller to television, explains, "We took individual stories that bring war, with all its pain and pathos, to life and then we offered viewers a multitude of additional resources through our Web site." Says Carroll, "As soon as I started collecting the letters, I felt they were worthy of not only a book but a bigger project. I knew that only PBS and American Experience would treat the subject with the respect it deserved."

With its first dual biography, Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, American Experience went further still, creating not just a Web site but an interactive DVD. "We want to maximize the educational impact and longevity of our work," explains Drain. "Supplementing the film with information that lets people follow their interests makes the most of our wealth of material." Lincoln broke new ground in another way: it is the first DVD to be fully accessible for people with hearing or vision loss. "This technology gives us an exciting opportunity to bring important history to more people in new ways."