Meeting Abstract
An extensive body of literature concludes that utilizing story structure for teaching and learning improves recall and understanding of new information. Placing facts into a storyline aids retention in the context of a broader narrative. The Science & Entertainment Exchange (The Exchange), an outreach program of The National Academy of Sciences, aims to inspire better science in Hollywood by introducing entertainment professionals to great science communicators through consultations and events. The goal of this effort is to inspire more and better science in narrative mainstream media, as well as positive portrayals of STEM professionals, in order to disseminate accurate information to the general public. Since its launch in 2008, The Exchange has completed more than 2,000 consults on films such as AVENGERS, STAR TREK: INTO THE DARKNESS, BLACK PANTHER, and BIG HERO 6. Additionally the program has produced more than 250 live events, primarily in New York and Los Angeles. Over the course of the program’s eight years, it has built a guest list of 6,000 entertainment professionals and scientists and created a database of more than 2,700 science communicators. The Exchange’s ongoing work, as well as those of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals who take additional time to work as film and media consultants, improves STEM depictions and brings more science to the public in the form of narrative. Mainstream fiction can play a critical role in inspiring interest and public sentiment. It can also provide “teachable moments” about science and convey important facts that are better retained than when they are conventionally taught. We describe the mission and activity of The Exchange as a model for science engagement with the public, and discuss the future potential impact of popular media on science literacy and perception.
