Breakthrough: The Changing Face of Science in America
"If I knew about half the information Breakthrough has pulled together, I
would have been much more prepared, and getting to MIT would have been far
less stressful. At least now, I can help make my little brother's trip to
college a lot easier." -- Anthony DeWayne Stewart, MIT senior and Big
Brother/Little Brother mentor
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The Television Series
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Imagine a scientist. What comes to mind? Is it a man in a white coat,
working in a laboratory? Is it a female astrophysicist who is discovering
the latest knowledge about dying stars? Is it a person working alone in a
room full of tubes and bubbling fluids? Could a scientist be someone like you?
Breakthrough: The Changing Face of Science in America is a new
television series that profiles twenty contemporary African American,
Latino, and Native American scientists who represent a broad spectrum of
experience, scientific pursuits, and future goals. They have one thing in
common: None of them matches the stereotype of who a scientist is or what a
scientist does. From a coral reef off Puerto Rico to the desert of New
Mexico, from distant starts to blue laser beams, these individuals bring a
sense of wonder, excitement, and dedication to science that will inspire
parents, teachers, and students alike.
Premiering April 8, 1996 from 9pm to 11pm ET, and continuing April 15 and
April 22 on PBS (check local listing)
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On the Phone
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Beginning March 11, 1996, when students, teachers, and
parents call 1-800-BIG BREAK, they will receive, by mail or fax, six pages
of local science education resources in English and Spanish (selected areas).
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On the Radio
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The Hispanic Radio Network and the Self Reliance
Foundation, in partnership with Blackside, are producing a sixteen-part
radio series featuring personal interviews, in Spanish, with Breakthrough'S
Latino scientists. The series airs nationally and throughout Puerto Rico,
beginning April 1, 1996 (check local listings).
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In the Community
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Public television stations, churches,
community-based organizations, universities, school systems, libraries, and
science museums have formed Breakthrough coalitions to strengthen local
science education efforts. Premiere events and other dissemination
activities are being developed in each city.
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After the Broadcast
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classroom with a science Career Exploration Kit for middle school students
and teachers, and a comprehensive CD-ROM featuring scientists from the
series, financial aid information, college profiles, and a basic dictionary
of science terms.
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Contact Information
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For more information, connect to
www.blackside.com, or contact
Jass Stewart (jass@blackside.com)
Joseph Gerena (joeg@blackside.com)
Blackside, Inc.
486 Shawmut Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
617-536-6900
617-536-1732 Fax
Produced by Blackside, Inc.
National and local information on science education programs and resources
at 1-800-BIG BREAK
Major funding provided by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Additional funding provided by National Science Foundation and Intel
Foundation
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