Support UTD Geoscience Studio to create new science-communication videos

Geoscience Studio is seeking $1,000 to support UTD students to make a public video highlighting the brand-new UTD Meteorite Education and Research Lab.

Our Studio:

Geoscience Studio teaches students how to make short educational videos about a range of Earth science topics and then puts some of these students to work in our studio making more. To teach students how to do this, we offer an elective course where each student produces a video on a geoscience topic they choose. Our studio team is a collaboration of undergrad and graduate students working with faculty and experts. We have made over 180 videos since the studio’s launch in 2016, which are freely available on our YouTube channel. From fossil formation to far-flung lithium resources to volcanic mountains here in Texas, we explain geological phenomena around the globe in a brief and entertaining way. Not only do we teach and make science-based videos, we also research how effective they are in the classroom then apply what we find to future projects.

Our Goal:

Well-crafted, short videos help students and the public understand complicated scientific topics. Making these videos benefits science by attracting young, diverse talent while informing the public and shaping policy. Geoscience encompasses a wide range of vital topics including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, energy challenges and climate change. All of these are worthy of our time and attention. On average, it takes 50 hours of hard work for our students to research, write, storyboard, film, and edit one 5-minute video. We are trying to raise $1,000 to pay them to make a short video about UT Dallas Geosciences’ exciting new Meteorite Education and Research Lab. Any remaining funds will be used for our next video project.

Why a video about the UTD Meteorite and Education Lab?:

Our interest in meteorites isn’t just because UTD’s mascot is Temoc the comet. Because they are rocks from outer space that have made it to the Earth’s surface, meteorites provide insight on the formation of the early solar system and even glimpses of Mars and the Moon. They are also the oldest things we can hold with some dating back to 4.5 billion years ago! UTD students and the public are eager to learn about meteorites. The UTD Geoscience department is committed to teach and engage students in relevant research through a collection of space rocks housed in the new Meteorite Education and Research Lab, some of which were generously provided by NASA and the Perot Museum. With your support, our team of student video-makers will produce a public video that will inform UTD students and the wider community about the Meteorite Lab and its opportunities, which will be posted on our YouTube channel: UTD GEOSCIENCE STUDIO. We greatly appreciate any and all support!