How to Turn Movie Science Into Good Teaching
In 2013, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson amused and enraged movie fans along with his “Mysteries of #Gravity” posts on Twitter. Neil Tyson said he enjoyed the movie “very much” however listed many scientific errors that perplexed and entertained him, as well as the properties of orbiting satellites.
How Neil deGrasse Tyson’s movie fact-checking will serve science lecturers
His Tweets were each beloved and reviled by moviegoers, and that they highlight a unique chance for educators: examining science in movies and inspiring students to use what they’ve learned to determine whether a film’s scientific ideas are sound — or strictly fictional.
Using movies, tv shows, or video clips to show students into scientific fact-checkers will affirm their book-learning during a way no examination or report would. Students enjoy the method of hunting out inconsistencies or contradictions with their learning.
Applying science learning to pop culture may be an excellent student engagement tool.
Tyson’s “Gravity” Tweets, for instance, point out each good and dangerous uses of science within the movie. From the Kessler Syndrome to the means a person’s hair moves in zero gravity, there are ample opportunities for students to discuss what they’ve learned and the way it’d apply to the movies they watch, either to contradict or support what they’re seeing.
Watching clips from “Gravity” and “Interstellar” and comparing and contrasting the science they see with real-world ideas engages students in lively problem-solving that cement what they learn in science class. By exploring deGrasse Tyson’s comments on each movie for more in-depth insight, students could develop an attentiveness to the science they see within the world.
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s movie statement isn’t restricted to “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” In interviews, he’s additionally shared problems along with his favorite movie, “The Matrix,” and love of the science within the 1998 film “Deep Impact.” Seeing that their science learning are a few things that scientists apply in each space of their lives makes it clear to students that science information will be applied in immensely interesting ways.
More movie science exploration: Blick on Flicks from the National Science lecturers of America
Neil deGrasse Tyson isn’t the sole movie fan in on the action: critiquing the science of fantasy, maybe a beloved pastime of many. The National Science lecturers of America (NSTA) hosts the movie blog Blick on Flicks, where Jacob Clark Blickenstaff, Ph.D., helps to “sort the good science from the dangerous.”
Blickenstaff’s blog is geared toward middle and highschool lecturers and covers science problems from the icy fractals of “Frozen” to the helicarrier in “The Avengers.” He finds teachable moments in films’ properly (or improperly) exhibited principles of chemistry, physics, and biology. The movie review format helps lecturers integrate movies with lesson plans that cover relevant material, once again marrying popular culture with content and critical thinking.
Students learn that science is exciting.
In the end, movies are meant to be enjoyed; that is why they’re an excellent means for students, especially of girls’ schools in India, to interact with the science content they’re learning. Whereas writing lesson plans or coming up with class entertainment, consider integrating science-themed movies and tv shows while encouraging students to apply their science as they watch.
Ecole Globale, is one such boarding schools in Dehradun that explores new learning methods for students as well as for the faculty members. That’s why they also encourage students to watch science fiction movies to explore every avenue of science and technology.
Cammi Pham, Markham Heid, Larry Kim, sailor mercury, Aytekin Tank, Elle Kaplan, Tiago Forte, Theresa Smith, Tim Maughan, Timothy Kreider
