The this project seeks to improve the appeal and approachability of science to college students by preparing materials to be used with science fiction films to teach science and its relationships to technology and society. Among the principal outcomes will be a student textbook, Learning Science Through Science Fiction Films, suitable for use as the primary or secondary textbook for an introductory level physics, physical science, biology or technology course for non-science majors, and including an accompanying instructor's manual. Both volumes will be published by the American Institute of Physics. Prior NSF support has demonstrated that using science fiction films to teach science has a very positive effect on students' attitudes towards science, knowledge of science as a discovery process, and cognitive development. The project materials will be tested with classes of college students, and faculty will be trained to use the materials.The institutional support for this project exceeds the award.
