PARENT SESSION
Oral Session # 18: Ecology Education I: K - 12.
Presiding: J Hanowski
Tuesday, August 5. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, SITCC Meeting Room 104.

What are your kids watching? Developing evaluation criteria for nature and science films and videos.

Perkins, Alison^*,1, Brewer, Carol¹, Twiggs, John¹, ¹ University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

ABSTRACT- Television provides an unparalleled opportunity for the public to learn about science in a non-school environment. Recently cable channels have expanded into niche markets in nature and science programs, once only available on public television. Moreover, a considerable secondary market exists for nature and science videos via general distribution and direct sales. Although a large audience obtains science and nature "educational content" via these media, no consistent and credible system exists to evaluate the ecological content and educational value. Therefore, we developed criteria to assess the educational value of science and nature films and videos using the Guidelines for Excellence (NAAEE 1996) for environmental education materials, and in consultation with educators and scientists familiar with the constraints of film and television production. Criteria included: scientific context, factual correctness and freedom from misconceptions, unbiased interpretations, exploration/presentation of nature of science "issues," presentation of scientists, and structure for interpretation breaks. We tested the system at an annual wildlife film festival held in Missoula, Montana, which assigns awards in categories including scientific content, educational value, presentation of animal behavior, and conservation message. Approximately 25% of the 200 films entered are presented to the public as award winners; therefore we were able to evaluate productions that were specifically targeted as viewer-chosen education opportunities. A panel of ecologist judges rated festival films using our criteria to assess merit. Ratings, along with explanations, were translated into the A, B, C, D, and F grading system to be easily recognized by educators. Because producers operate in a market-driven system, we designed the final rating summary to offer educational strategies for films or videos with poor presentation of concepts but exceptionally well produced. We anticipate this system can be used to promote collaboration between producers and ecologists to ensure productions with both excellent science and aesthetic appeal.

Key words: nature films, evaluation, educational television, rating system