Film
Festival - The Andromeda Strain
Thursday
- March 2, 2005
MAC Playhouse - 3:30 pm
- 6:15 PM
College Now Course - Science
Hosted by: Dr. Robert Singer, Professor of English
College Now English Course Coordinator
Dr. Mary Ortiz, College Now Science Course Coordinator
About
the Movie: The
Andromeda Strain
Director, Robert Wise - Rating G
After an Army satellite
lands in New Mexico, it becomes clear that it has brought back something from
space: a deadly virus! A team of scientists is assembled in a high-tech, underground
facility to identify and defeat the "enemy" before it is too late.
About the Presenter: Dr.
Mary Theresa Ortiz
Dr. Mary Ortiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences
at Kingsborough Community College. Interested in space since childhood, she
has worked for NASA in the Space Life Sciences Training Program at The Kennedy
Space Center in Florida and as Faculty Research Fellow at The Stennis Space
Center in Mississippi.
Extra Credit Assignments
Sample ACT Essay
The
Andromeda Strain (1971) was produced in a time when the notion of bio-terrorism
was just a frightening idea that people thought of as science fiction. People
believed that a virus, like a bomb, could be "controlled" and "contained"
by progressive science, technology, and/or the government/military. Recent
events in our history have demonstrated that many forms of terrorism are possible
and that destructive biological creations, whether made in a laboratory, found
in the environment or even in outer space--such as the viral strain portrayed
in the film--are not necessarily fictional. Since 1971, many things have changed
in society, and many new areas of research and development in college science
classes have been created. These classes in biological and chemical research
prepare the way for future scientists to create new science and technology,
but they could also create new weapons and possibly lead to developing new,
perhaps dangerous life forms. Many people are concerned about issues of responsibility
and matters of ethics that involve these changes in scientific education.
After all, a scientist could create a cure for a dreadful disease but also
create that disease as well!
You have been asked to write a letter to your local congressperson in which
you will express your views concerning the issue of funding college classes
that freely teach and prepare students for research in "advanced bio-technology."
The problem involves funding these classes, since they are very expensive
for local colleges to maintain and require extensive research and advanced
computer facilities. The principle funding sources for these classes and the
use of laboratory equipment and advanced technologies would be from major
corporations that develop and sponsor military weaponry and technology. Should
industry be involved in what students learn and how they are funded? Who will
"own" any discoveries or research that students' develop? Should
this research be used as a form of weaponry? Who controls this situation?
Should this be solely the college's decision, the public's decision, or something
else?
Fully discuss your view; you may refer to past or recent historical events
as presented in any form of media coverage, other opinions, or even the film,
The Andromeda Strain.
Mini-Research Project
(NOTE: This
is NOT a research paper - it is a research-oriented, library experience
in which students gather and categorize information. They can prepare outlines,
note-cards, bibliography, cite references, or practice any combination of
these skills associated with preparing a research paper. The use of the Internet
is also encouraged.)
Prepare an investigative project that focuses on any one of the following
topics associated with or suggested by the film, The Andromeda Strain.
a) virus and bacteria: essential facts
b) genetic engineering: "....in ten years"
c) women scientists: 1970 - 2005
d) experimenting with animals: pro and con
e) epilepsy: facts and fictions
Standard College Essay
Many
issues arise from the analysis and discussion of the film, The Andromeda
Strain. Some of these issues involve the role of science and technology
and its potential abuse by the government, weaponry and terrorism, sexism
in the sciences, the danger of the unknown (the virus), and other important
topics for discussion. In fact, the film even concludes with the questions,
"what do we do"?
In a full-length essay (approximately 400-500 words), later to be revised
for content and correctness, discuss any of the issues raised in the film
The Andromeda Strain that you consider to be of special interest either
for yourself or for society. Explain why and how these issues are significant
not only in the film but also in relationship to your own life, society, or
even both. You may refer to this film or any other, past or recent historical
events as presented in any form of media coverage, and other people's opinions.
Event Photos The Andromeda Strain - March 2, 2005
Drs. Robert Singer, Film
Festival Host, and Mary Ortiz, Science Coordinator,
welcomed College Now students and faculty to the film and conducted a discussion
of why
The Andromeda Strain was selected and the relevance of the science
in the movie to today's world.
Film Festival Host, Robert Singer, takes questions from
the audience after the film.
Science Faculty attended the screening.
Mr. Christakos (Fort Hamilton HS) & Ms. Fanning (Leon M. Goldstein HS)