SCINEMA AND EDUCATION
In 2022, we find ourselves in a time in which film is one of the most powerful and effective mediums used to share science learning. Whether it’s sparking curiosity, teaching a controversial concept, or engaging a student who’s a visual learner; film has a strong impact.
Film is a familiar medium which reflects how we are presented with information outside the classroom. Visual clues in film can provide scaffolding for less able students without reducing the challenge for competent students. Perhaps most importantly it provides a connection between classroom learning and the real world.
Films can provide visual access to situations or experiments that would otherwise be too dangerous or expensive for students to experience in person. They can be used to simplify complex ideas, using media-specific techniques such as animation, computer graphics or clay-mation. Films can reveal “hidden worlds” through techniques such as photomicrography, night photography and time-lapse photography.
Perhaps one of the greatest appeals of using film is that it provides a sense of ‘being there’. Students can ‘walk on the moon’, or ‘dive in coral reefs’ without ever leaving the classroom. Not only do films allow students to ‘travel’ to other destinations, but they also permit time travel!
The team at RiAus Education understand that not all video content is created equal. Add to that, the sheer volume of videos available, making it difficult to choose what’s relevant. We know your time is precious – so we’re here to help!
During the festival, the playlists and accompanying resource which contains a teacher toolkit (new ideas and customisable resources) is designed to inspire the use of film in increasingly creative and dynamic ways. It can also be used to aid the teaching of more controversial and challenging content.
In this resource, you will learn effective practices to engage students in scientific literacy, media literacy and digital literacy using SCINEMA films. The use of these films in classrooms will raise awareness of the impact of scientific understanding on society. They also highlighting the importance of STEM careers and disciplines.
