"One of the things I like about the DVD series are the chapter stops which allow me to give the students a brief introduction to a topic relevant to the curriculum I am teaching. They work great as an interest grabber at the start of the period to help focus the students. I’ve found the DVDs to be easy to link to multiple aspects of the Massachusetts State Frameworks for both biology and chemistry, and they allow for the integration of current, relevant scientific research to the classroom."
Scott M. Gordon, Science Department Chair, Lynnfield High School, Secondary Science Coordinator, Salem State College Collaborative Project for Math, Science, and Interdisciplinary Education (SSC-CPMSIE)
"I liked the idea of having the kids plot the Keeling data themselves. For 9th graders this gives them experience with an important skill, and also slows them down enough to let them think---the pattern "develops" in their minds, almost like the 3-D Magic Eye things that were so popular a decade or so ago. In my Climate Change course, where I work with juniors and seniors, I think to save time I might give them an Excel file with the latest five years of data and ask them to draw conclusions. Matt and I are actually talking about doing this on the first day of class this year---get them right in touch with the Rosetta stone of Climate Change...I thought your choices of scientists to feature were great, and the clip you showed us was a great example of how an accomplished scientist can in fact connect with kids this age... The level of engagement and questioning on the part of the students was quite impressive...."
Tom Sando, Milton AcademySteven M. Bass, President & CEO, Oregon Public Broadcasting
"These videos not only communicate the essence of science, but also the passion of today's leading scientists. The Classroom Encounters team takes a straight-forward approach focusing on ideas in ways that young people can understand and appreciate. Rather than talking down to students through gimmicky effects, their honest approach to the subjects and simple yet high quality productions will help develop the next generation of scientifically literate citizens."'John Pickle, Program Manager for Global Systems Science, Boston Museum of Science
"More than wonderful learning is shown when talented and personable scientists share personal stories of their research and the processes of research with students. Students and scientists quickly develop a personal connection which allows a deeper sharing of perspectives on Earth processes and environmental change. These DVDs can spark interest in anyone who watches these exchanges. "Mary Liscombe, Associate Director of the Christa McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence at Framingham State College
"Whether you realize it or not, you've created a new and exciting way of learning about cutting edge science and we need to help get the word out about the Classroom Encounters DVDs. The mission of the Christa McAuliffe Center is to support teachers in their work. Classroom Encounters DVDs make first class science resources available in the classroom and inspire and model creative ways of learning. This is an incredible resource for Earth Science teachers to use in their classrooms."Linda Gradone, Audio-Visual Librarian, Newton Free Library
"I was very impressed with the DVDs produced by Classroom Encounters. The subjects are timely, the scientists do an excellent job of explaining the material to the students, and I really appreciated the graphics that were added to help the viewer understand the concepts being presented. Public libraries need good science titles for the non-specialist, and these are wonderful additions to a public library collection."Dr. Steve Rumsey, Wellesley High School Science Department Chair
“In 30+ years of teaching, I have rarely seen a presentation that captures such a fascinating and critical topic in science in a clearer and more succinct way. The interactions between Dr. Hoffman and the students are very personal... It would be equally valuable to a 6th grade science class or an Advanced Placement Environmental Studies class in grade 12. It may also have value in teacher preparation in order to give potential teachers insight into ways to inspire inquisitive 9th graders. I will personally use it in a variety of ways as both an introduction to new material and a jumping off point for class discussion.”
Judith Boroschek, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Wellesley Public Schools
"I was awe-struck by the DVDs, the quality of the "Snowball Earth" (updated as "Thin Ice - Earth in the Time of Climate Change") and "What Does Science Say about Climate Change." I am always skeptical about educational videos. The filming is professional and shot from angles and in settings that are aesthetically appealing. The scientists' explanations are clear, concise and easy to follow for a high school student audience. The diagrams, models and pictures that are interspersed within the scientists' explanations establish a concrete and memorable representation of complex ideas. The 1 to 3 minute "mini-chapters" of the scientist's responses to a student or teacher question is an ideal format for the classroom, allowing the teacher to show striking visuals to support a lab experiment, the point in a lecture, or to introduce a topic of study. The openness of the scientists about their own connections and personal experiences in science makes them appear to young people as interesting and attractive individuals. Their passion for science and sense of calm and openness draw students to them, to the topic and to the study of science."
Robert Rittner, Retired World History Teacher, Hastings-on-Hudson High School, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.
" Fascinating! It made me want to go back to school to become a scientist. Dr. Hoffman was charming and the students were obviously totally engaged. What I particularly love is that he acknowledges how much is yet to be learned. Rather than provide easy answers or glib responses, he identifies what is known, what is controversial, the nature of the evidence and the ongoing effort to gather and make sense of new evidence. His obvious enthusiasm and delight in the study itself communicates directly and intensely , and draws the viewer in.Although this is science, it seems to me applicable to the growing field of World History. World Historians seek to understand the interconnections of all humanity throughout history and so place stress on phenomena that link human history. Examples are migrations, epidemics, trade and the like. It seems to me that a global phenomenon such as climate change would interest them.
The British Zoologist Richard Dawkins is a thrilling writer and thinker, and some of what Dr. Hoffman says seemed to echo the sentiments of Dawkins. The whole thesis of his book "River out of Eden" is that science is inspirational and should be perceived as poetic in that sense. I think Dr. Hoffman clearly presents a picture of the scientist as inspired by his studies, as filled with awe as any seeker of spiritual truth.
...I think this (Snowball Earth) is an absolute goldmine for interdisciplinary
study, especially world history."
Clean Air Cool Planet, the New England Aquarium, and the University of Rhode
Island Invite Classroom Encounters to Present at a "Meet The Scientists" WorkshopClassroom Encounters' Premiere!
Rita Chang and Alan Fine unveiled media clips from their first two finished
DVDs at Clean Air Cool Planet's "Meet the Scientists" conference at the
University of Rhode Island, School of Oceanography on October 6, 2005. See
Reviews below!(Click here to see a pop-up window containing the flier and program.)
Sandwiched between scientists, they showed excerpts from Bill Moomaw’s "What Does Science Say about Climate Change" and Paul Hoffman’s "Snowball Earth (updated as "Thin Ice - Earth in the Time of Climate Change"). Excerpts included what’s happening in Greenland and Antarctica today, what causes Ice Ages, students asking questions about the Kyoto Protocol and whether we can ever “go back” to lower levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
They showed how they used compelling visuals to illustrate the scientists points – interweaving original art, illustrations, and diagrams with satellite images and charts on rising C02, maps, and photos from field stations.
Kate D.Also shown were excepts from all three sections of each Encounter – the science, the student interview, and teacher interview - as well as candid interviews with students on the experience of meeting a scientist and on making their own follow-up films. They also showed examples of animated charts and diagrams so they could be read at a glance, and the use of student music to transition between sections.
Here are what teachers, researchers, participants, and sponsors wrote, taken verbatim, from the comment cards and emails we received:
“We're honored that we were part of your world premiere... your work is wonderful, a really good resource for teachers, students and scientists, and your presentation was very well executed. The evaluations were all positive, and many folks mentioned you as the highlight of the day." Sukey (Susan) Padawer, New England Aquarium
“Go on the road! The two of you are wonderfully energized spokespeople. Conferences may be a good venue in addition to web distribution. We want a clip of Dr. Moomaw for our website with a link to yours.” Mary Lou Krambeer, New England Science Center Collaborative
“Your approach is very professional and original.” GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008
"I liked the very high level of professional competence, both in
reference to the science and the pedagogy, that you and Scott displayed in your presentation." GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008"I thought your choices of scientists to feature were
great, and the clip you showed us was a great example of how an
accomplished scientist can in fact connect with kids this age." GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008"The level of engagement and questioning on the part of the students was quite impressive." GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008
"I would use these materials to give kids a 'straight from the horse's mouth' version of things that cannot easily be accessed in the lab/field." GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008
"...footage of students interacting with the scientist extends student interest..." GNP Workshop Participant, July 2008
Thank you for presenting this great idea! I especially like the idea of using the clips to generate interest among students and plan to invite a scientist into the classroom!
One useful outcome is to generate interest among student to make their own videos, as you suggested, because that will draw in students who might not have been too interested in climate topics, but they will learn about climate as a by-product of the project.
Fabulous!
I love the entire idea of this presentation. It would be so helpful to bring it into my classroom. I totally connected to what Rita said about getting that fire started in students. This film series would certainly be a spark to get the fire going. I would love to buy a copy. You’re doing a fantastic job. Thank you and keep it going.
I liked the enthusiasm of Drs Hoffman and Moomaw. It caught my attention as well as my heart. The information was highly valuable. I especially liked what Hoffman said. Are there no female scientists?
I like the way students were incorporated into the films production, with music and artwork as well as involvement with the scientists.
This is a fantastic program! This is a great way to introduce current science into the classroom and to excite both students and scientists.
I think this is a great idea that should branch out to cover other topics in all areas of science.
I think this was a great project. I especially like the feedback section with the students and scientists
This is a fantastic project that you have undertaken. It is of great interest as I try to emphasize the “real” aspect of science with my students. I have been working with several scientists in a similar endeavor and feel very inspired by your work. I hope to stay in contact with you to follow your progress.
A thoughtful and timely idea. Integrating this will be the challenge. I want to stay aware of the development of the materials.
Great ideas! Hopefully an inspiration to continue to motivate students to be part of their learning. Think the one-on-one experience with the scientists will always be remembered and think the video would be an accessory learning tool.
Great job! I’m extremely impressed with the depth of learning that seemed to take place among the students. Keep going and best of luck with fundraising efforts.
Great idea and good luck. I hope this takes off. It’s a very educational tool and seems like it will benefit the students.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the students and scientist. A great tool to encourage the students to get involved.
- Excellent project. I love the way you’ve involved students from different disciplines and given then an opportunity to be creative ant to meet real scientists. Send both DVDs to me!
Howard Weishaus, Professor of History, Pace University, Westchester, NY, and Co-Author of Ecology, Man's Relationship to His Environment
"This video can serve as a focus for class discussions and assignments. If the goal is to spread the word of science and get more students interested, this program has reached it."
