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Excellent idea!

Eric Siegel
New York Hall of Science
[log in to unmask]
(718) 699-0005 x 317



On Nov 27, 2006, at 12:35 PM, Heather Gibbons wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> *******
>
> Hello Fellow Science Leaders
> It says that there are thousands of DVDs sitting in a warehouse. Why
> don't we, ASTC and science centers, see if we can get them and
> distribute them? We are also leading advocates for balanced science in
> this country. We should discuss the position of the NSTA as a leading
> science education organization, but we should also take action as
> another leading science education group. This is one way for us to
> remain relevant and important resources for our communities. What  
> do you
> think?
>
> Heather Gibbons
> Education Enrichment Manager
>
> Pacific Science Center
> 200 Second Ave N| Seattle, WA 98109
> Phone: 206/443-3636 | Fax: 206/443-6600
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Informal Science Education Network
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matthew White
> Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 7:05 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Op Ed in Today's WaPost
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> **
> *****
>
> There was an interesting piece in the Outlook section of the
> Washington Post this morning that I thought I would bring to the
> attention of hte group for discussion.
>
> The article was written by Laurie David,  one of the producers of Al
> Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth."
>
> The article can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/
> content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400789.html
>
> A brief synopsis:
>
> Apparently the makers of the movie wanted to give thousands of copies
> away to schools. They contacted the NSTA and offered them 50,000
> copies for distribution. The NSTA declined the offer. Here is the
> pertinent paragraph with their reply:
>
> "In their e-mail rejection, they expressed concern that other
> "special interests" might ask to distribute materials, too; they said
> they didn't want to offer "political" endorsement of the film; and
> they saw "little, if any, benefit to NSTA or its members" in
> accepting the free DVDs."
>
> The article then goes on to compare that position with the NSTA's
> cooperation, some would say complicity, in helping the oil industry
> deliver their curriculum materials. They also point out that many of
> the programs that the NSTA has developed in past years have been paid
> for by companies like Texaco and Exxon/Mobil.
>
> The issue is more complicated than the author makes it appear, but
> she does have a point.
>
>
> The points I thought worthy of discussion here:
>
> 1. Is this typical NSTA behavior? I am not familiar with NSTA as I
> don't work much directly with Science Teachers.  Are the Petroleum
> Industry sponsored curriculum materials as pro-energy usage and pro-
> petroleum industry as the author suggests? I recall the Reddy
> Kilowatt character from my youth and he certainly was.
>
> 2. We all need money to produce our programs Many (most) of us apply,
> compete for , and sometimes even win grants from eleemosynary arms of
> large corporate entities that have  vested interests in specific
> public policies and even candidates.  The problems in censorship,
> external, internal and self, has been chewed over ad nauseam in the
> museum and popular press.  But as a Director of a small center that
> takes corporate funding that is part of a larger entity that takes
> corporate funding, that is part of an even larger institution that
> takes corporate funding I find the NSTA decision odd. When you accept
> this type of money you have to be MORE careful not to appear biased.
> This move seems tailored made for controversy.
>
> Anyway, I have rambled on. Sorry.
>
> Discuss among yourselves.
>
>
>
>
>
> Matthew White
> Director, Hands On Science Center
> National Museum of American History
> Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
> 202/633-3698
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
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