Science in Hollywood: Hits and Misses

Earlier this week I was a guest on Breakfast Television Vancouver to discuss the portrayal of science in some recent blockbusters. The recent surge in science content in films and TV is something that I find genuinely encouraging. Public interest in subjects from immunology to forensics and even physics is expanding in part due to increased visibility in popular media (see this interesting piece from the Guardian on the subject). However, in my opinion Hollywood has an important responsibility to get the science right. It’s no longer good enough to depict science in a flippant way, as a write off to the more ‘important’ aspects of the story (as one recent film does). More and more, directors are consulting closely with scientific experts in order to depict the subject matter appropriately – which is fantastic news for the movement to popularize subjects with ‘taboo’ status.

I’m looking forward to the spring lineup of films from both the mainstream and film festival circuits – there should be plenty to discuss when it comes to the portrayal of science. Stay tuned!

You can watch my interview HERE.

Submissions for the CyberScreen Science Film FEstival are Now Open!!

I’m thrilled to announce the second annual ‘Cyberscreen Science Film Festival’, to take place during the infamous Science Online conference January 19 – 21, 2012.  We’re building on the resounding success of the inaugural event last year with an increased submission period, a larger venue and some serious swag for our talented film-makers!

Here’s how it works:

*Science Film Category:

Send links to your science-themed films and videos along with a short introduction to yourself and your work.  Works from all fields of science and engineering are eligible.

Films must be under 5 minutes in length.  Submissions longer than 5 minutes will not be considered for the festival.

Films can be focused on any facet of science, they can be scripted or not.  We’re looking for diversity and creativity when it comes to communicating your scientific message.

*Maya Science Animation Catetory:

This year I’m so pleased to announce our partnership with the folks at Autodesk, developers of Maya software, who have generously sponsored our event.  We’re introducing an animated graphics category to our festival this year, open to science films (2-5 minutes) with content that has been created using Maya software.

Are you a student or teacher and want to give Maya a whirl?

Autodesk will provide a FREE Maya license to educators and students** who would like to create a film for Cyberscreen Science that uses the software for its animations or graphics. You can also use the Molecular Maya toolkit (created by Gaël McGill & Campbell Strong – Harvard  Medical School/Digizyme) to import, build, and animate molecular structures within Maya. The same rules apply (all fields of science/medicine/engineering are eligible, submissions must be under 5 minutes in length).

*ALL submissions in both categories will be carefully considered, and we will make our final selections for the film festival in early January. Deadline to submit is January 10th!  If you are selected for the film festival, we will contact you with further details for hard-copy submission.

** For download instructions please contact us directly at psivid@gmail.com

PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES!

Our grand prize winner in the Science Film Category will receive an iPad (16GB wifi model).  The winning film will also receive a full story here on my Scientific American film blog PsiVid, and will be featured as ‘Video of the Week’ on the Scientific American main blogs page.

Runner up in the Science Film Category will receive an original painting by Michelle Banks and a featured spot on PsiVid.

Third prize in the Science Film Category will receive an original piece by tile artist Jeff Zelnio and a featured spot on PsiVid.

Our winner in the Maya Animation Category will receive an iPad (16GB wifi model), a spot as ‘Video of the Week’ on the Scientific American main blogs page.

In addition to being showcased during the hottest event in online science commmunication, all films selected for the festival will be generously rewarded for their great work.  Our prize selection includes swag from the National Center for Science Education, VIVO, Kahootz 3-D software donated by Brendan O’Brien, original artwork by Nathaniel Gold, t-shirts designed by Amoeba Mike, temporary tatoos by Colin Purrington and more!

Here’s your chance to get your work seen by many of the most influential science communicators out there!  I look forward to receiving your video links, send them to psivid@gmail.com.

Environmental Education in the Digital Age – This Week’s Cool Biology Job

The Environmental Studies Department at Antioch University New England seeks an adjunct instructor to teach their spring semester Master’s level course, “Environmental Education in the Digital Age.” Candidates must have a MS in environmental studies or a related field. A specialization in environmental education or environmental communications is preferred. Professional experience with social media and computer technology is required, preferably in communication with a variety of environmental audiences. Sample social media include blogs and microblogs (e.g., Twitter), wikis, podcasts, social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+), photography, video, content communities (e.g., YouTube), among others. Ideal candidates have teaching experience in higher education, including strong skills in designing curricula and teaching through creative, experiential approaches. Capacity to actively engage students and facilitate their effective use of technology tools and processes to create relevant course products is required. Theoretical and practical experience with dilemmas associated with environmental communications, social media, computer technology and social marketing for environmental behavior change is highly preferred. Understanding of relevant current trends in environmental education/communication/studies, as well as access to professional networks and organizations is also desired. Ability to work with others and communicate effectively is essential. Additional qualifications include flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, capacity to work independently, and ability to network and seek out resources.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for three references to Rachel Thiet, Director of the Master of Science Program in Environmental Studies, at rthiet@antioch.edu, with “EE in the Digital Age” in the subject line. Application deadline is December 2, 2011.

Course Description:  Environmental Education in the Digital Age
How can digital and social media be used to educate, advocate, bridge social divides, and change environmental policies and behaviors? Are such technologies even suitable to these purposes? How can we be inclusive in our use of online communication when the majority of the world’s population has limited or no access to computers? What are appropriate technologies for various instructional needs in an era of globalization? This course covers current issues in educational technology and practical applications of 21st century technological skills essential for environmental leaders and educators in the digital age. Participants will explore theories, research, and innovative approaches to the use of technology in Environmental Education and Environmental Communications. Students will become familiar with strategies to use technology effectively in various environmental studies contexts.

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For more info, contact:

Rachel K. Thiet, Ph.D.
Director, Master’s Program in Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Department
Antioch University New England
40 Avon St.
Keene NH 03431
Phone:   603-283-2337
E-mai