Forces of Nature
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Giant-Screen Film Forces of Nature Collaborates with Educators, Museums, and Girls Scouts of the USA
Forces of Nature, a giant-screen film made possible in part by the NSF’s ISE Program, showcases some of the most dramatic geological and meteorological events on Earth—earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms. Viewers follow scientists on their groundbreaking quests to predict these natural disasters and to mitigate their destructive effects.
Viewed by an estimated 4.8 million people around the world between 2004 and 2005, the film’s impact was extended by an array of educational materials and opportunities, aimed at students grades 6–12, families, and museum-goers. An online community site continues to allow educators to subscribe to the EarthCurrent News Digest and access curriculum resources.
To further extend the film’s impact, National Geographic teamed with the Girl Scouts of the USA to bring Forces of Nature to girls ages 11–17. After viewing the film, girls learned about the earth and the scientists who study it by participating in activities that helped them earn age-level awards, such as a weather-related badge.
In addition, evaluation studies of seventh-grade students indicated that viewing Forces of Nature and participating in related activities in museums led to increased knowledge of natural disasters as well as understanding of how scientists track and measure them. In a survey, nearly 80% of students indicated that the scientists featured in the film were good role models for people their age. One student commented that the film “showed you how much fun it can be being a scientist.”
Forces of Nature was produced by National Geographic Television and Film in collaboration with Graphic Films.
NSF DRL-0205992