Session 1: Science education research

1.3 Edutainment: cartoons can help kids to learn science!
Sai Pathmanathan, Ignition* and Science Education Consultant, UK

Abstract
Creativity is increasingly needed in the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In this study, recall of scientifi c information was assessed following the viewing of an entertainment cartoon (Finding Nemo) and a live-action documentary (Deep Jungle) by 7-8 year olds (n=24) and 10-11 year olds (n=30), using preand post-viewing questionnaires and interviews. Results suggest that entertainment media can have an important role in developing young people’s scientific literacy and social learning.