Educational Media Reviews Online

As a documentary, this film has a beautiful look to it. Set in the context of a raft trip in the Grand Canyon sponsored by the National Center for Science Education, it features the scientists who are the leaders of the trip and those who are participating, mostly teachers, discussing the geology of the Grand Canyon and the claims of creationists.

Interesting conversations in the film could form the basis for discussions among viewers of the film, such as: Can a science teacher who does not accept evolution as true be a science teacher, and can both evolution and creationism be taught by a serious science teacher?

A side story takes viewers to New York, with a long section on an adjunct professor who would not teach evolution to his biology students, who are also science teachers in New York City public schools. Other scenes, at a National Science Teachers Association conference and at an “Answers in Genesis” presentation, add to the issue.

With teachers and future teachers as the prime audience, this film is sure to spark discussion. The overriding concern that people need to be more knowledgeable in science, and that science teachers are on the front lines to save the next generation from science illiteracy, is stressed. Teachers and future teachers may take this as a call to arms, an inspiration, and a pat on the back that what they are doing is important.

Beautiful shots of the Grand Canyon, especially the rocks, rock layers, and water, combine with the music which meshes beautifully with the natural setting to make this film a pleasure to watch. The interviews with teachers and scientists bring the discussion into real life and what is happening today. This would be especially valuable for college students in Education programs, especially those students who hope to teach science, and for teachers who are already in the schools teaching science. Academic and public libraries may want to consider purchase of this film because of its timely importance and controversy.

A DVD extra entitled “Why Study Science?” is included. Clips from a 1955 black and white educational film about the importance of studying science is interspersed with some of the same people from the main film talking about the importance of being science-literate.