South Carolina ETV’s digital series "Curiosity Trek!" returns for season 3, exploring prehistoric wildlife and South Carolina aviation history

Curiosity Trek! logo with the Entelodont "Hell Pig"

South Carolina ETV's (SCETV) digital series Curiosity Trek! returns for season 3 on May 19. The six-episode season will release a new episode each Tuesday across SCETV’s digital platforms.

Curiosity Trek! takes viewers across the Palmetto State to uncover fascinating stories connected to South Carolina’s natural history, aviation milestones and remarkable individuals. Hosted by Andrew Davis, the series explores prehistoric creatures that once roamed South Carolina as well as important moments in aerospace and military history. In each episode, Davis speaks with experts and historians to reveal how these stories continue to shape the state’s legacy today.

New episodes will be available to stream on the SCETV Facebook page, YouTube channel and in the SCETV App each week. Following each episode’s release, episodes will also be available to stream on the SCETV website, the PBS app and KnowItAll.org. Viewers will also be able to watch broadcast episodes of Curiosity Trek! season 3 on ETV and the South Carolina Channel this fall.

Curiosity Trek! is produced and hosted by SCETV’s Andrew Davis. Davis currently serves as a Digital Content Specialist for SCETV.org and KnowItAll.org and has been part of SCETV’s team of creators since 2017. With a passion for history and his video production skills, Davis helps to create additional educational content such as Carolina Snaps and History in a Nutshell.

Below is a glimpse into each episode of Curiosity Trek! season 3:

  • Episode 1: “Pelagornis Ancient Seabird” – Look up! The "false-toothed" Pelagornis Sandersi, the largest bird capable of flight once graced the skies of Oligocene Epoch era South Carolina.
  • Episode 2: “The Hell Pig” – Learn more about a rather bizarre-looking ancient creature known as the Entelodont "Hell Pig". Despite its appearance, its closest modern relatives may surprise you!
  • Episode 3: “Xenorophid Whales” – Discover this ancient ancestor of modern dolphins! These whales which once inhabited South Carolina's oceans are among the first to have the ability to use echolocation. 
  • Episode 4: “Who was Major Rudolf Anderson?” – Andrew makes a trip to Greenville, SC to uncover the true story of Rudolf Anderson- the only combat casualty from the Cuban Missile Crisis. 
  • Episode 5: “South Carolina on the Moon” – The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia features some actual artifacts used by Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke while walking on the moon. 
  • Episode 6: “The 9/11 Helicopter” – The Celebrate Freedom Foundation in Columbia, SC has in its collection a helicopter with an incredible link to the attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The CFF prides itself on being an educational aerospace organization bringing STEM opportunities to students all over the Palmetto State.

As part of season 3, SCETV will also release two immersive virtual reality (VR) companion experiences through its original educational series Expedition VR. The 180-degree VR experiences will accompany the “Pelagornis Ancient Seabird” episode on May 19 and the “South Carolina on the Moon” episode on June 16. Designed for YouTube VR-compatible headsets, the experiences feature narrated guides that provide viewers with additional insight into each story and can also be viewed through YouTube on desktop or mobile devices.

Expedition VR is SCETV’s immersive virtual reality initiative created by Emmy award-winning Digital Multimedia Producer Charles Dymock. The series transports viewers to locations across South Carolina through interactive 180-degree experiences designed to blend education, exploration and digital storytelling.

More information about Curiosity Trek! and previous seasons are available to view on the SCETV website.


QUOTES 

“Curiosity Trek! continues to highlight the remarkable stories, discoveries and individuals that make South Carolina unique. Season 3 expands the series’ exploration of our state’s history by connecting viewers with prehistoric wildlife, aviation milestones and stories of courage and innovation that continue to inspire audiences across the Palmetto State. Through the addition of immersive Expedition VR experiences, SCETV continues to embrace innovative, cross-platform storytelling that allows audiences to engage with educational content in new and exciting ways.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“Curiosity Trek! continues to engage digital audiences by uncovering stories that are both educational and unexpected. This season blends science, history and aerospace exploration in a way that encourages viewers to see South Carolina through a new lens while showcasing the strength of SCETV’s digital storytelling.” –SCETV Director of Digital Tyora Moody

“Season 3 of Curiosity Trek! explores everything from giant prehistoric seabirds and ancient whales to moon missions and pivotal moments in American history. Each episode offers viewers the opportunity to discover incredible stories connected to South Carolina that many people may have never heard before.” –Curiosity Trek! Host and Producer Andrew Davis 


 FAST FACTS 

  • South Carolina ETV’s digital series Curiosity Trek! returns for season 3 on May 19.
  • The six-episode season explores South Carolina’s prehistoric wildlife, aviation history and remarkable individuals while expanding the experience through immersive Expedition VR companion content.
  • Curiosity Trek! is produced and hosted by SCETV’s Andrew Davis.
  • Curiosity Trek! will be available to stream on the SCETV Facebook page, YouTube channel and in the SCETV App.
  • Following each episode’s release, episodes will also be available to stream on the SCETV website, the PBS app and KnowItAll.org.
     

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.

Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org 
(803) 737-3337 

South Carolina ETV’s digital series “Curiosity Trek!” returns for season 3, exploring prehistoric wildlife and South Carolina aviation history (PDF)