GREAT PROJECTS will be a six-part series of television programs on large scale engineering in society, co-produced by SCETV and Manifold Productions for national PBS distribution. The six one hour programs will examine civil engineering projects from the perspectives of the historical role of engineering, the risks and benefits of new projects, and engineering's role in meeting humanity's future needs. This series will be one of the few programs on public television which has examined civil engineering from a wide perspective, and will be the first to explicitly look at the benefits, costs and societal consequences of investment in large scale engineering and infrastructure projects. ln addition to informing and educating the public about the field of civil engineering, it will serve to illustrate engineering professions and to provide realistic role models for student career choices. GREAT PROJECTS will be sponsored by the National Academy of Engineering, which will convene a National Advisory Committee to insure balance, accuracy and objectivity in the series' content. Substantial use will be made of professional, academic, and governmental advisors and experts in preparation of its content. Support for the project will be raised from corporations, foundations and professional societies; the National Science Foundation is providing approximately l0% of the $3.8 million project total.
