NESTA challenges kids to go all Spielberg on science
27/04/2007
"This is exactly the kind of initiative that helps science become less about text book learning and more about nurturing an appetite for discovery."
'Planet SciCast' is designed to increase both science engagement and creativity in and out of the classroom, and judges will be looking for self-made movies that depict interesting scientific facts or problems in a unique way. Examples so far include 'Wild West Fizz Out', a demonstration in the style of western shoot out, of how tapping a shaken drinks can causes bubbles to rise, join together and render themselves harmless; and the 'elephant's toothpaste' chemical reaction, filmed as a silent movie.
The competition is open to anyone with an interest in science, with a particular focus on teams of young people from secondary and primary schools, science teachers, and science and engineering professionals.
All the competition entries, accompanied by a written description, will be available at www.planet-scicast.com, which is intended to become a useful resource for teachers and provide engaging material for young people - a YouTube of the science world.
Talking about the competition, Jonathan Kestenbaum, CEO of NESTA, commented:
"If the UK is to continue to thrive economically, it's essential we equip future generations with the spirit of enquiry and creativity that innovation requires. As part of this, we want to create new and exciting ways for people to engage with science. The movie-making challenge will encourage them to see scientific processes in a creative light while learning new skills."
To mark the launch, the NESTA team will spend the day at Swinton Community School in South Yorkshire, where local MP John Healey will take a starring role in two mini movies made by the students. John will try his hand at kitchen table-style experiments involving ice water and matchsticks!
John Healey, MP, added:
"This is exactly the kind of initiative that helps science become less about text book learning and more about nurturing an appetite for discovery. I'm pleased to be involved in the launch of such a worthwhile project by NESTA and look forward to seeing the results".
Films should be no more than two minutes and thirty seconds in length and will be judged by a panel of experts including Dr Alice Roberts and one of Channel 4's 'Men in White,' Basil Singer. The winning team will receive a 'Planet-SciCastie' Award. The closing date for entries will be 4 January 2008.
To give entrants an idea of the mix of science and film-making creativity NESTA is looking for, Jonathan Sanderson, the freelance TV producer who came up with the idea, has been working with school children and the staff at science centres to help create some examples, which can be found on the site: www.planet-scicast.com
Commenting on the process so far, Jonathan said:
"Planet SciCast is a fantastic way of getting people - especially children - excited about how science actually works. It's designed to educate by entertaining. We're hoping the competition won't just unleash people's inner Spielberg but will also encourage a new generation who can bridge the perceived gap between the creative and the scientific".
"SciCast Physics is a real opportunity to highlight to young people how imagination and creativity are important elements of physics and I'm looking forward to seeing the entries," said Dr Robert Kirby-Harris, chief executive of the Institute of Physics. The Institute of Physics is the overall sponsor of the physics category which has the added challenge of entrants having to explain the physics featured in their films.
The Institute of Biology and the Earth Science Education Unit will also contribute with expertise and ideas, and with help writing up the demonstrations.
NESTA spokespeople are available for comment and interview. Please contact our press office on 020 7438 2608.
NESTA
NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts. With endowed funds of over £300 million, our mission is to transform the UK's capacity for innovation. We do this in three main ways: by working to build a more pervasive culture of innovation in this country; by providing innovators with access to early stage capital; and by driving forward research into innovation, with a view to influencing policy.
Planet Science
NESTA's Planet Science is a free popular online resource and newsletter for school students of science and their parents and teachers. It's a mix of interactive features, games and teachers materials designed to engage and inspire, and a free weekly e-newsletter to keep in touch with its audience.
The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB)
The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) is a registered charity that seeks to promote the vital contribution that scientists, engineers and technologists make to prosperity and quality of life. The ETB works in partnership with business and industry, Government, education and the profession to improve the perception of science, engineering and technology in the UK. The driving force behind these partnerships is the desire to ensure a supply of appropriately skilled individuals to meet the present and future SET skill needs of UK plc. For more information about the ETB please visit www.etechb.co.uk
Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics is a scientific membership organisation devoted to increasing the understanding and application of physics. It has an extensive worldwide membership (currently over 35,000) and is a leading communicator of physics with all audiences from specialists through government to the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics.