Penn State Public Broadcasting aims to address two problems with their "Real Scientists" initiative: a lack of understanding of scientists among the public and declining interest in science careers among students. The initiative will produce video profiles and digital learning objects featuring real scientists to showcase science as an exciting career and increase understanding of scientists as real people doing meaningful work. Penn State's large reach through its websites and partnerships with other organizations means the "Real Scientists" content can potentially reach millions and help promote science.

1. Penn State Public Broadcasting sees
TWO PROBLEMS
facing university scientists

2. PEOPLE
don’t understand scientists

3. STUDENTS
are not choosing to study science

4. OTHERS
see the problem too

5. “Scientists and engineers are almost
always portrayed as unattractive,
reclusive, socially inept white men or
foreigners working in dull,
unglamorous careers.”
- National Science Foundation

6. “U.S. companies face
a severe shortfall of
scientists and
engineers to develop
the next generation of
breakthroughs”
-Bill Gates, 2009

7. WE
at Penn State Public Broadcasting
think we can help

8. we know that
STORIES
move people

9. and we know that people
CONNECT
to stories about people

10. in 2010 we told a story
about a woman from
Central Pennsylania

11. and engaged
6 MILLION
in the fight against domestic violence

12. we want to take the skills that we have
AND APPLY THEM
to the problems we see

13. to elevate public
understanding
&
we want to promote science
by telling the story of the
PEOPLE
behind the science
inspire students
to choose science

14. STORIES
ABOUT
Real People

15. STORIES
ABOUT
Real Work

16. STORIES
ABOUT
Real Impact

17. we call the stories
Real Scientists

18. VIDEO PROFILES
showing the public that scientists are real people,
doing real work that has a real impact on our lives
and inspiring students to think about science
as an exciting, difference-making career

19. DIGITAL LEARNING OBJECTS
paired with each profile, engaging students in the science

20. TOGETHER
video profiles and learning objects will inform the public and inspire students

21. PENN STATE has the
REACH
to deliver Real scientists
to millions of people

22. PENN STATE
will help channel our stories
into the general public
Real Scientists can be featured:
• PSU homepage - 1.1 million monthly visitors
• Penn Stater Magazine - 136,000 subscribers
• PSU facebook - 268,000 followers
• PSU twitter - 19,000 followers

23. PUBLIC that connect us
has partnerships
MEDIA
to students
Discovery Education and PBS Learning Media deliver
our learning objects to more than 20 million students

24. SOCIALsites help spread
STEM outreach
MEDIA
quality content
• Big Black Glasses
• STEM Education Coalition
• CHANGE THE EQUATION
• Bridge to Science
• The STEM School Blog
• STEMAhead
• AND HUNDREDS MORE...