With each film we produce, we seek funding to support a “Scientist-on-Tour” program.  The scientists in our films are the “stars” of our movies, and they have a lot to teach kids of all ages.  For both Coral Reef Adventure and Greece: Secrets of the Past, we sent a film scientist to as many as ten U.S. cities. In each case, due to the generous support of the U.S. National Science Foundation, our scientists met with underserved student audiences at the theatres where the film was playing, to tell them about what they do and why they love being scientists. 

Here are examples of what happened when Coral Reef Adventure film scientist Richard Pyle went on his U.S. tour...

	600 students from Charlotte’s low-income schools came to see the film and hear Dr. Pyle.  A teacher commented:  “Our students need more programs and presenters like this.”
	San Diego invited Native American community groups and African American children participating in an after-school science program.
	Cincinnati hosted 638 low income and African American students.
	Fifty-four percent of the low income and minority Boys and Girls Club members from Ft. Lauderdale who attended said Dr. Pyle’s presentation caused them to want to be oceanographers.  Adults at the event added:  “He made it easy to understand science.”
	Pittsburgh’s Theatre Director stated:  “This is one of the best educational resources you offer.  Richard Pyle was great!”

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Dr. Pyle was equally enthusiastic about his experience:  “I’ve given presentations and lectures to school kids before, but usually in the context of groups who have already expressed a specific interest in marine biology, or at least science in general.  I was confident that the kids would be suitably impressed by the IMAX® film – but how would a bunch of kids, many or most of whom have never even seen the ocean, respond to my efforts to excite them about science?  Luckily, I quickly (and consistently) discovered that my concerns were completely unwarranted.  Not only did the children give me their undivided attention throughout my presentation, I was completely floored by the quantity, caliber and enthusiastic delivery of questions that they challenged me with.”