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I agree.
Might I suggest starting with either a) ASTC if we hope they will
facilitate and/or b) emailing the author of the Op-Ed at
[log in to unmask] She is one of the producers of the film.
Matt White
On Nov 27, 2006, at 1:02 PM, Eric Siegel wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
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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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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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