I’m right in the middle of reading Kim Stanley Robinson’s excellent Mars Trilogy, a series of books that delves deep into the science and sociology of colonizing the red planet. These novels remind me of the importance of science in much of the literature I love. If we want the next generation of SF fans to grow up with more than just an appreciation for the large franchises (Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, Terminator, blah, blah, infinite blah) we should ensure they have an appreciation for science as well.
Playing with Time at the Witte Museum
The new exhibit at San Antonio’s WITTE MUSEUM, PLAYING WITH TIME, helps to bring kids a sense of the wonder and power of serious science with some serious fun! Playing with Time is full of example of how use technology to speed and slow time to observe the world around us in different ways. Children (and their adults) get to play with high-speed cameras and strobe lights to analyze the way machines and living things move. They can explore interactive maps that illustrate how the Earth will change in the coming years along with displays that work to explain the aging process. This exhibit is hands-on and was clearly captivating for everyone attending.
PLAYING WITH TIME is at the Witte from June 20 to September 27. The opening of the exhibit on Saturday was packed, with people of all ages attending. The Witte Museum is right in the heart of San Antonio, adjacent to Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio River. Expect to spend some serious time at this new exhibit, my kid had no intention of leaving and there was plenty to do!
So don’t forget to feed the little ones some science if you want them to know Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot as well as Will Smith’s version.
I recall reading some time last year that AMC was developing a TV series version of the Mars Trilogy. I wonder if it’s still in the works? Given their track record so far, with “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” I think it would be very cool to see a network of that ilk tackle some hardcore sci-fi. And based on the few bits and pieces that have been shown to the public so far, I’m actually (surprisingly) interested in seeing what they do with “The Prisoner” this fall.
Here’s a report from IO9. If they actually bring this to the screen along with George R.R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” on HBO, I’m gonna have to clear some space on the DVR. Thanks for the tip.
My son will love that exhibit – we’re going – thanks for the tip!
Exactly! We not only need to support community projects to get kids interested in real science. We need to support good science fiction in the media so their brains won’t turn to mush!
I really liked that series when I read it a few years back. Thanks for reminding me of it!
I also totally agree with the feeding of science to future scifi writers. I don’t know, but it seems the number of authors writing “scifi” today aren’t anywhere near to being in or knowing science.
As a side note, from kids I’ve known lately, and some not-so-young
there’s a growing number of people that can’t tell time on an analog clock.
Hi I’ve heard about the Mars series, and was thinking of reading it. I had just finished Pamela Sargent’s VENUS OF DREAMS, VENUS OF SHADOWS & CHILD OF VENUS – trilogy which has been comparable to Kim Stanley’s MARS series – regarding the Terraforming of Venus. I found myself completely drawn to Sargent’s Venus was left awe inspired at the end. Im actually sad now that i’ve finished it, and am looking for something to fill the void. maybe this Mars series will do it for me. thanks for the power of suggestion!