Ocean 180 Video Challenge Announces Finalists, Students Prepare to Pick Winners!
Over 42,000 middle school students from around the world will judge scientists’ ability to share their discoveries through video; top three films to win $6,000 in prizes.
MELBOURNE, FL- Scientists are constantly exploring, conducting exciting and groundbreaking research that addresses many of world’s greatest challenges. Yet, often the importance and implications of their discoveries are never shared with the public.
Recognizing the need for scientists to communicate more effectively with the general public, the inaugural Ocean 180 Video Challenge asked ocean scientists to explain their research to middle school students. Sound easy? How about in 180 seconds or less?
Sponsored by the Florida Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE Florida) and funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the Ocean 180 Video Challenge was designed to inspire scientists to communicate the meaning and significance of scientific research with a broader audience. “This competition came at just the right time. The growth of online video is tremendous. Its reach is global and its potential for scientific outreach is huge,” said Ocean 180 finalist Dr. Joseph Pawlik, professor of biology and marine biology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. His film, based on research of sponges on Caribbean coral reefs, is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Scientists from across the country took on the challenge, sharing their recently published research in 3 minute videos. The top 10 submissions were selected by a panel of science and communication experts. Now the finalists will be evaluated by middle school students, arguably one of the most critical audiences. Over 42,000 students in 6-8th grade from all 50 US states and 13 countries will ultimately select the winners. Of the 480 teachers who have registered their classrooms as student judges, many are looking for a way to inspire students to view science as a potential career, not just a subject in school. One teacher participating in Ocean 180 explained that "anytime students are exposed to real world science it broadens their minds and opens possible doors to future science careers."
Throughout January, over 1,800 middle school classrooms will be screening the videos and evaluating the communication skills of ocean scientists. These students are responsible for not only selecting the winners, but providing feedback and comments to the scientist. The opinions of the student judging team are taken very seriously, with winners of the Ocean 180 Video Challenge receiving up to $6,000 in cash prizes. “Ocean scientists who submitted films will ultimately have tens of thousands of students, some potential scientists, learning about their research,” said Mallory Watson, COSEE Florida Scientist and member of the organizing committee for Ocean 180. “Just as important, evaluations from students will be used to help scientists be better equipped to engage the general public in ocean science research.”
