22 July 2010
Films by schools, families and professional scientists create world's most entertaining science resource.
Fifteen teams of budding young film makers with a passion for science have won the prestigious 'Planet SciCast' awards at London's Royal Institution on Friday (16 July).
The winners (listed below), were selected from over 160 entrants from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The films had to be short, original and depict fascinating scientific facts or demonstrations in a unique way.
Amongst the winners, the Best Biology Film was awarded to By Wrights, of Hereford's Blue Coat School, who created an animated version of a rat dissection as a less gruesome alternative to the real thing. Best Earth Science and Environment Film, went to The Radical Rappers, aged between 11 and 14 years old, who took a novel approach to explaining effects of warming by filming a 'Gettin' down wiv global warming' rap.
Planet SciCast is supported by NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), EngineeringUK and the Institute of Physics. The aim is to challenge young people to learn about film making, and to excite them about science. All the entrants have helped to create the world's most entertaining science resource by finding answers to questions such as 'why doesn't a boat sink?' and 'how do aeroplanes fly?'.
The films were judged by a celebrity panel and the awards ceremony was hosted by The One Show's technology reporter, Marty Jopson. Speaking about the films, Marty said "Some of the films this year are entirely crazy, but they make you laugh and they make you think. It's terrific to see teams of young people, families, teachers, technicians, and professional scientists engaging with science and engineering in this way. With video technology getting ever cheaper, more accessible, and higher-quality, this project is a brilliant example of how an audience can become its own broadcaster."
Benedict Arora NESTA Programme Director, Education, adds: "I'm delighted that this year even more of our young film-makers have answered the call to be creative as well as scientifically accurate. The serious challenges we face in the future will be tackled by the generation of scientists finding their inspiration right now. "
For further information and photography, please call Catherine Anderson on 020 7438 2609 or email catherine.anderson@nesta.org.uk
To view the winning entries, visit: www.planetscicast.com/films.cfm?&search_text=&startrow=61#
About NESTA www.nesta.org.uk
NESTA is the UK's foremost independent expert on how innovation can solve some of the country's major economic and social challenges. Its work is enabled by an endowment, funded by the National Lottery, and it operates at no cost to the government or taxpayer.
NESTA is a world leader in its field and carries out its work through a blend of experimental programmes, analytical research and investment in early-stage companies.
Planet SciCast www.planet-scicast.com
Planet SciCast has been supported by NESTA since its inception in 2005. The competition encourages children, young people, teachers, parents, science communicators and science/ engineering/ technology professionals to make and share short films about STEM subjects, encouraging young people in particular to experience science as a creative and practical endeavour.
The project has now amassed more than five hundred short films, available through its website as a free resource for educators, families, and individuals.
The IOP www.iop.org
The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding and application of physics. It has a worldwide membership of more than 36 000 and is a leading communicator of physics-related science to all audiences, from specialists through to government and the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics.
Jem Stansfield
You'll have seen Jem building contraptions on BBC 1's Bang Goes The Theory. He's also be seen on Scrapheap Challenge and Men in White on Channel 4, Science Shack on BBC2, and many more.
Dr Alice Roberts
Alice is a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Bristol, and presents series including Coast, The Incredible Human Journey, and Don't Die Young. Alice represents biology in the SciCast judging panel.
Dr Basil Singer
Baz, with a PhD in Quantum Mechanics, has been seen on BBC3 (Bullshit Detectives), Channel 4 (Men in White), and on PBS in America. Baz is the SciCast judging panel's physicist.
Louisa Bolch
Louisa was formerly the commissioner of science programmes for Channel 4 and is currently a board member of the British Antarctic Survey and a non-executive director of the Advertising Standards Authority. Louisa represents both 'proper' television, and non-scientists on the judging panel.
Dr Iain Stewart
Iain is a lecturer in Geodynamics at the School of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Science at Plymouth University. He's also been putting geosciences on the TV map with series like Journeys From The Centre of The Earth and Earth: The Power of the Planet. Iain represents geosciences on the SciCast judging panel.
Mark Miodownik
Mark represents chemistry on the panel, and is a lecturer in materials science at Kings College London, and an EPSRC Senior Media Fellow. He knows a bit about short films too: his Materials Library project was featured in short films commissioned by NESTA and The British Council.
Planet SciCast Awards 2010, held at the Royal Institution in London on 16 July 2010.
View the photo galleries of the event on on FlickR
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