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Shaping Up Planet Earth

The International Geophysical Year (1957-1958) and Communicating Science Through Print and Film Media

National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences played a major role in preparing for the International Geophysical Year (IGY). The IGY organizers realized the importance of selling U.S. participation in international science and thus began a public relations effort by the mid-1950s that included the production of classroom materials and a film series, called Planet Earth, designed for television. This is the story of their efforts to bring the earth, atmospheric, and oceanic sciences into the classrooms and living rooms of the lay public and attract more students into scientific careers. The lessons they learned still apply today as researchers attempt to sell their science using new media and technologies.

Key Words: educational film • science education • science communication • cold war science • public understanding of science • International Geophysical Year • educational • television • public television

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