Overview
This episode features Sonya Epstein, Curator of Science and Technology at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY, discussing the intersection of science and film, the Sloan Science & Film program, and resources available for educators.
Sonya Epstein’s Role and Background
- Sonya curates science-related film programs and resources at the Museum of the Moving Image.
- She manages Science & Screen, bringing together scientists, filmmakers, and curated film discussions.
- Epstein’s background combines psychology, art history, neuroscience, and museum work.
- She previously worked with Nobel laureate Eric Kandel and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Sloan Science and Film Initiatives
- Runs the Sloan Student Prizes awarding $20,000 grants to graduate students for science-integrated fiction screenplays.
- Winners are mentored by both writing and science advisors and chosen by a jury of scientists and film professionals.
- Student short films, supported by the Sloan Foundation, are available for free streaming on scienceandfilm.org.
Scienceandfilm.org Resources
- The website hosts around 170+ short films on a range of scientific topics.
- Films come with downloadable teacher guides, aligned with national standards, and are sorted by subject and suggested age group.
- Guides include film summaries, relevant standards, and discussion questions.
- Most films are suitable for middle school and up, with some appropriate for elementary students.
- Short films are intended as useful classroom tools—quick to watch, easy to prompt discussion.
Funding, Rights, and Access
- All short films available come from student filmmakers funded by Sloan Foundation grants.
- Filmmakers agree to provide streaming rights (not exclusive) after festival runs.
- The site provides a platform for educational use and broader public access to short films.
Popular and New Films
- "Semmelweis" (about handwashing in medicine) and "Nose Hair" (about anosmia) are especially popular, particularly during the pandemic.
- New films include "Code for Family" (multi-generational coding), "The Chef" (human vs. android cooking), "A-hole" (satirical look at billionaires), and "Sweet Potatoes" (birth control pill discovery).
Museum Experience and Exhibits
- The Museum features hands-on exhibits on film technology (light, sound, cameras) and early cinema history.
- The permanent collection includes notable artifacts (e.g., cameras, animatronics, Jim Henson’s Muppets).
- Special exhibits and screenings often connect science and media, including student and experimental films.
- The Museum is suitable for all ages, with interactive features and educational tours for school groups.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Curator — A person who organizes and manages collections, programs, or exhibitions in a museum.
- Sloan Foundation — An organization that funds projects promoting public understanding of science.
- Scienceandfilm.org — An educational website offering free, science-themed short films and teacher guides.
- Anosmia — The loss or absence of the sense of smell.
- Time-lapse cinematography — A filming technique where frames are taken at intervals to show slow processes quickly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Educators: Explore scienceandfilm.org for classroom-appropriate films and download teacher guides.
- Look for the updated teacher guide coming soon with new films and expanded resources.
- Consider booking a museum visit or educational tour for hands-on learning experiences.