Science education has emerged as a central goal of American education. Yet, research indicates that science literacy for U.S.students is deficient by both national and international standards. Drug abuse education in the schools suffers from many of the typical problems associated with science education incTuding excessive rote learning, textbook-centered lessons, and an emphasis on memorization at the expense of critical thought and exploration. Television has been identified as a promising medium for promoting science literacy and drug abuse education. By the time children in the U.S. enter middle school, they have typically spent more time viewing television than attending school. The proposed project aims to improve science literacy through the development of an innovative experiential television series designed to generate interest and increase knowledge in neuroanatomy, physiology~ an brain-behavior relationships. It will include specific programming designed to promote substance abuse education. The series will be commercially marketed and targeted to a national cable or network audience, primarily adolescents in grades seven through ten.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Cable television has brought into the mainstream entertaining and educational programmmg for older children and young teens. A feasibility study with eleven networks (primary markets) indicated that key networks, including Turner Broadcasting System and Disney were extremely interested in this type of educational project. Accompanying curriculum, interactive video and exhibits also have tremendous commercial potential and can be marketed to educational, health, science and technology organizations, middle schools, teen outreach programs, and community organizations.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
