ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Thank you, Heather, for proposing this.  I agree, although, the National 
Assoc. of Earth Science Teachers may beat ASTC to the DVDs as its 
current director mentioned this same thing for NAEST members in another 
email I received this a.m.  Her name is Roberta Johnson and she is also 
the director of Education and Outreach at the National Center for 
Atmospheric Research where I work.  Perhaps ASTC could join forces with 
NAEST?

Teri Eastburn

Matthew White wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
> institutions.
> ***************************************************************************** 
>
>
> 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.
>> ***************************************************************************** 
>>
>>
>> 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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>>
>>
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