Graphic narratives—also known as comics—are increasingly being used to unpack complex concepts and experiences. Despite the stigma of being thought of as juvenile reading matter (and not ‘real reading’ at that), comics actually have a long history of addressing complex topics. When serious graphic novels began appearing in the 1980s, they were met with great critical acclaim by both popular media and academia. A significant cohort of comics tackling scientific topics now exists.
Continue reading “A Picture is Worth 1000 Words—Teaching Science With Comics”
Those who practice science know that research is full of wrong turns, cul-de-sacs, mistaken identities, false findings, errors of fact and judgement, and only the occasional success. Firestein, the author of the highly praised Ignorance, argues that the view that science is infallible originates in an education system that teaches nothing but facts and is proliferated by media who report on discoveries but almost never on process. Continue reading “Failure: Why Science is So Successful”
From “Memento” to “The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” amnesia is a common trope in movies—a powerful launching point to explore issues such as identity and emotion. This year’s Festival includes three films, “Embers,” “Open Tables,” and “Other Madnesses,” which portray characters with faulty memories. Continue reading “Refresh My Memory”
Aaron Freeman is a renaissance man: a comedian, science enthusiast, and neuroscience instructor. For years he has combined his skills as a comedian with his passion for teaching the world about science. At C2ST Speakeasy he will talk about comedy as a tool for teaching, and how educators can learn a thing or two from comics. C2ST’s own “Comedian-In-Residence” will wax comic about his sci-curious observations on his three favorite subjects. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Sex, Science and Jokes” with Aaron Freeman”
“Science on Screen” will explore the ways that filmmakers and scientists can work together to maximize their creative, communicative, and commercial aims. Covering both documentary film and narrative drama, the workshop will examine how filmmakers can be inspired by real scientific research, and in turn, how working scientists can collaborate with artists to ensure their science is represented responsibly on screen.
Continue reading “LAKE FX: SCIENCE ON SCREEN workshop”
When you imagine someone working in the music field, what do you see? A composer? A musician? A conductor? Would you ever picture a scientist or an engineer? The areas of science and music appear to some to be diametrically opposed to one another, but nothing could be farther from the truth in today’s music industry.
Continue reading “Music — There’s a Science to That”
