Scientists, Educators, and Hollywood Types to Share Ideas at Summit Learning Process

Scientists, Educators, and Hollywood Types to Share Ideas at Summit

Written on January 16, 2011 – 8:44 am | by Justin Fraser

I’m not sure I’ll be able to convince my editors to send me, but Beverly Hills is the site for an upcoming summit on using entertainment to promote science learning. The Feb. 4 event, hosted by the National Academy of Sciences, will bring together the masters of make-believe with scientists, engineers, and educators, according to a press release from the NAS. (Apparently, some actual students are invited, too!)

The idea is to explore how movies, television programs, and video and computer games can be used to help young people learn about science and technology.

The summit is being organized by the National Academy of Sciences’ Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program launched in 2008 that seeks to connect professionals in the entertainment industry with top scientists to “create a synergy between realistic science and engaging entertainment,” the press release says. It will include writers, directors, and producers from the movie and television world. No word yet on whether any of the major bigwigs of Hollywood will make an appearance. Maybe Steven Spielberg? George Lucas? You never know.

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