Analyzing a media that addresses science and/or technology.
Select a recent example of media that addresses science and/or technology.
How is your understanding of the natural and applied sciences enhanced by the ways your chosen media example addresses science and technology?
Describe the feedback loop that exists between science and technology and your chosen media example. How do science and technology influence your media example? How might your media example affect science and technology?
Sample Solution
My chosen media example is the Netflix series “Bill Nye Saves The World”. In this show, Bill Nye utilizes his trademark wit and enthusiasm to explore many topics related to science and technology such as renewable energy sources, artificial intelligence, climate change and even alternate universes. For each episode he invites experts from various fields to discuss emerging issues thus providing audience with both entertaining yet educational content.
By watching episodes of this show I have been able to gain valuable insights pertaining to the natural and applied sciences that I would not have otherwise come across. For instance one episode focused on the potential dangers associated with gene-editing technology which helped me become more aware of how powerful these tools are when it comes altering an organism’s genetic structure (Rosenberg et al., 2018). Similarly other segments taught me about different forms of renewable energy like solar or wind power as well as their roles in helping reduce our reliance on fossil fuels thereby protecting our environment (International Renewable Energy Agency 2020).
Furthermore, by discussing matters that are often overlooked or underrepresented within mainstream media such as gender stereotypes regarding STEM careers (OECD 2019) , “Bill Nye Saves The World” helps remove much of the misunderstandings surrounding science by providing accurate information while also encouraging viewers towards caring more deeply for nature thus increasing general scientific literacy.
Overall, after watching a few episodes of this program it has become clear how important it is for us all stay informed about current advances in both natural and applied sciences since these will likely shape our future world in many ways. Through shows like Bill Nye’s we can easily access knowledge which may improve our understanding regarding any number of topics; thereby allowing us make wiser decisions concerning ourselves, others and ultimately planet itself.
