Local Science Engagement Network Community

There's something about a good science documentary that pulls you in. It makes big ideas easier to understand and connects science to real people, places, and stories in a way that sticks with you.

That's exactly how I felt this weekend when I watched Pole to Pole with Will Smith from National Geographic. I planned to watch an episode or two and ended up binge watching all six. I didn't expect to learn as much as I did, or to enjoy it as much as I did.

The series follows Will as he travels across different regions of the world, using each place as a starting point to explore bigger questions about our planet and human experience. What I appreciated most was how science was woven into real environments and lived experiences rather than feeling abstract or overly technical. I learned so much along the way, from Antarctica being a desert, to how poisonous venom is being used in medicine, to insights about happiness, how water tells the story of our planet, and the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.

If you're looking for something thoughtful and engaging, I'd recommend checking it out if you have the chance. It's available on Hulu and Disney+.

I'd love to hear what others are watching. What science documentaries have you enjoyed or would recommend?

My favorite science documentary is Picture a Scientist. It struck a deep chord with me, especially through Dr. Raychelle Burks' story, which mirrored many of my own experiences navigating scientific spaces. The film has stayed with me ever since.

I was fortunate to see it before its public release through AAAS, right as I began my volunteer service as an AAAS Women in STEM Community Superhero. That timing made its message even more powerful. The documentary affirmed not only the challenges many of us face, but also the importance of continuing to build more equitable, inclusive pathways in STEMM.

Synopsis: "PICTURE A SCIENTIST chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights. Along the way, from cramped laboratories to spectacular field stations, we encounter scientific luminaries - including social scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists - who provide new perspectives on how to make science itself more diverse, equitable, and open to all."

This documentary can now be viewed via PBS on-demand, of which their membership for streaming their programs is only $5.00 per month.

Site Link: Picture a Scientist

In conjunction with this, I also recommend reading this book, The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and The Fight for Women in Science. This added another element to my experience with the documentary, thus validating my feelings from past experiences even further. This is one of my favorite books of all time, due to its profound impact on my life's work and mission.

------------------------------
Endia J. Crabtree, PhD, FACE, FACHDM
Principal Clinical Product Risk Scientist, Boston Scientific Corp.
Past AAAS STEMM Multidisciplinary Working Group Member

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsanteecrabtree/
------------------------------