The project focuses on re-structuring the laboratories in Field Natural History, a sophomore-level course for both majors and non-majors, around the production of natural history videos. Using high-quality 8mm camcorders, pairs of students will tape footage on a topic of their choice (e.g., spider web architecture or acorn foraging by squirrels and jays). In addition to standard filming in the field, they will have the ability to incorporate videomicroscopy, time lapse, and slow motion footage. The students will do the library research necessary to produce a tight outline and intelligent script. They will then use a professional editing system to turn their raw footage into a narrated documentary of 10-20 minutes length. The course will end with a film festival, open to the College community.This project will reinforce young women's excitement about science, and build confidence in their ability to work independently, think originally, and value their own observations.
