"Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," in actual fact, does not use the term "evolution" anywhere in the script. It does, however, present current scientific research about the history of the universe and the earth, and it posits the idea that perhaps life began at the deep sea vents.
I was responsible for the NSF-sponsored national formative evaluations of this film - and yes, we included in our focus groups the small percentage of the population who are not believers in evolution. However, these same folk enjoyed viewing the film, despite their disclaiming of evolutionary theory, and they came away having learned a lot about other science aspects in the film - they learned that life can survive in water hot enough to melt lead; they learned that life can survive in hydrogen sulfide and make nutrients from poisonous chemicals; they learned that there are volcanoes under the sea, constantly changing the geology and biology of the sea floor; they learned about research process; they learned that scientists are human - etc, etc. It is unfortunate that theater managers cannot focus on the many other aspects of science that are taught by the giant screen films they choose not to show - perhaps they are not asking enough questions of their viewing groups on which they base their decisions. In fact, almost every NSF giant screen film that I have evaluated in ten years has had evolution integrated into its science - those that presented earth sciences (e.g., Forces of Nature, Everest, Greatest Places, Journey into Amazing Caves) and those that presented biological sciences (e.g., Coral Reef Adventure, Dolphins, Island of the Sharks, Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees, Galapagos). And yes, national focus groups for each of these films had a consistent but small group of viewers who immediately complained of inclusion of evolutionary concepts. But these same folk again enjoyed the films and learned science from the films - and theaters are making money from most of these films, including those who have chosen not to show "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea." I have to ask how museums who do not show "Volcanoes" justify showing "Aliens of the Deep" when it includes the idea that hydrothermal vents may hold clues to the history of life on earth. Coverage of evolution is not the only thing that comes into play in making a decision not to show a film, but it has become an easy scapegoat and a popular story for the mass media to play off of.
--
Barbara N. Flagg, Ed.D.
Director, Multimedia Research
33 Browns Lane
Bellport, NY 11713
Ph/Fx: 631-286-8925
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