15. The Art of Turning Science Into Edu-tainment

Shopsteward: Pál Sipos
Time & Date: 15:00,  10 May 2010
Room: Red Room

Session Description
All of us know that we can’t do without science. For a public service  broadcaster, educational programmes about science are a must. Every aspect of our life is somehow connected to biology, physics,  chemistry, mathematics, and of course computer sciences.
But science has gone much further than any of us suspected – even in  the last decade. Most of us have lost track somewhere, and by now the  majority of our audience do not understand the physical world around us.
Would you want to return to school to pick up the lost thread?

Broadcasters and scientists have teamed up to show the audience that  there is hope, television can help them in understanding at least the  basics of science. Blackboards and books are replaced by experiments  (action), demonstration (visuals), comparison (competition), personal  participation (excitement) and engaging hosts are turning education  into entertainment.
But can you show the speed of sound for example? Can a scientist be  turned into a television star without losing his/her professional  credibility?
Or do programme makers just ruin the sacred sanctuary of science and  knowledge? Can we really stop half way between education and  entertainment?

Keywords: Difficult topics, Economics of remit, Education, Wide  audience, Social awareness, Credibility