The California Academy of Sciences produces a science news radio feature "EARTHNEWS" which has aired daily on twelve radio stations in California for nine years. "EARTHNEWS" is a background to regular news and provides in-depth interpretation of science and environmental events to assist the public in understanding what they hear or read. In response to a very large volume of mail from listeners, a quarterly newsletter was created four years ago to announce program schedules, enhance the information presented on the radio, and offer scientists and teachers a written forum for sharing ideas. Positive response from the listening audience suggests that this feature has tremendous potential for reaching a broad national audience. The Columbia Broadcasting System has agreed to air three 60-second "EARTHNEWS" features each week and to distribute these features nationwide via satellite. A total of 156 features will be produced annually, each reaching an estimated national audience of twelve to fifteen million people. The California Academy of Sciences is requesting funding for program research and production to develop this national radio program and to continue production of the newsletter.
Public Television station WQED/Pittsburgh, in partnership with five medical research and clinical centers, proposes to develop, test and distribute a national biomedical video education program based on "The Universe Within," a planned PBS series. The project is intended to bring scientists and clinicians into closer contact with pre-college students to study human body systems and increase career interest in the life sciences. Designed to improve science education and literacy, the project will also enhance overall appreciation of achievements in biomedicine. Using advanced television, photographic and animation techniques, the project will create a collection of educational tools for use by science and health teachers as well as by scientific investigators and clinicians. These modules will demonstrate how most of the body's primary systems function and how they can be kept healthy. The approach will combine visual and print curriculum materials with the personal presence of medical scientists, thus providing an opportunity for students to develop interest, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This flexible educational package can be updated as important new changes occur in medical science, thus extending the life of costly materials. In addition, through multiple narration tracks, the video elements can be customized for various levels of age and grade instruction.