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FYISE is an occasional update from the Informal Science Education (ISE) program designed to disseminate information about selected projects from our portfolio. This issue highlights three projects related to applied ISE research: a conference exploring the theory and practice of informal STEM learning; a web site that makes widely available ISE research papers and evaluation studies; and a book from a conference about public understanding of scientific research that includes results from evaluation studies. These awards illustrate three different approaches for sharing the results of ISE research with practitioners in science museums, media outlets, community-based organizations, and many other settings.

In this FYISE, we showcase the new IMAX film, "Forces of Nature," which was screened last month in Washington, DC.  The award-winning "Forces of Nature" is a scientific film that combines high educational impact with strong popular appeal. This giant-screen movie from National Geographic and Graphic Films follows scientists on quests to discover how natural disasters are triggered-without getting literally caught up in their work. 

The goals of the film are:
*To inform and educate the audience about certain geological and meteorological forces that greatly impact our planet: specifically earthquakes, volcanoes, and tornadoes.

*To educate viewers about scientific research being performed in an effort to understand and predict these forces, and mitigate their destructive manifestations.

*To provide scientific role models, both male and female, who will help motivate students to investigate the diverse disciplines and careers associated with these fields.

*To stimulate, among all audiences, greater appreciation and interest in the Earth sciences and to provide resources for individuals and students to pursue their new interests.

Since its opening May 28 at museums across the US and Canada, "Forces of Nature" has "erupted" with press coverage and favorable reviews, as well as received the Best Film of Festival Award from The Large Format Cinema Association.

Reviews: 

"'Forces' provides a powerful, educational look at nature" - Boston Globe

"Fleet's 'Forces of Nature' will blow you away" - Union Tribune (San Diego)

"'Forces' IMAX film erupts with thrilling footage" - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"You'll be quaking in your seats" - National Post (Canada)

"There are no timeouts when nature doesn't play nice" - St. Paul Pioneer Press

Press Coverage:

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: included "Forces of Nature" in its Summer Movie Preview Guide (April 30, 2004 issue).
http://www.ew.com

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: produced two segments which ran on May 21 and May 24, 2004, both of which plugged the film and featured b-roll footage of filmmaker Sean Casey and tornadoes and their own footage of meeting up with Sean in the field.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY: Freelancer wrote an article that included mention "Forces of Nature."  It will be featured in the August issue, which will be out in mid-July. The feature article focuses on science and nature films.

DIGITAL CINEMA REPORT: included a short piece on "Forces of Nature" in their June 1st issue.
http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/forcesofnature.html

USA TODAY: mention of Forces of Nature included in a cover story on "The Day After Tomorrow" film, which ran on Friday, May 28, just prior to the Memorial Day Weekend opening.
www.usatoday.com

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Washington bureau entertainment editor attended the Washington, DC screening and wrote a nice preview which ran on the wire on Friday, June 4.
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/ap/650294821.html?did=650294821&FMT=ABS&FMTS=FT&date=Jun+4%2C+2004&author=RANDOLPH+E.+SCHMID&desc=Tornado%2C+volcano+dominate+giant+screen+film

BIGMOVIEZONE.COM: included information about the film premiere and upcoming theaters on the website.  Also posted the Kevin Bacon as narrator announcement.
http://www.bigmoviezone.com/filmsearch/movies/index.html?uniq=219

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT: included mention of "Forces of Nature" and Boston launch in larger article on natural disasters in May 31, 2004 issue. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/archive/040531/20040531044546_brief.php

ESI-0205992; PI: Lisa Truitt, National Geographic Television