Frankenweenie - A Mixed-Up Science Message

We finally got around to Netflixing Tim Burton’s animated film, Frankenweenie. The original Frankenstein is a cautionary tale with a definite message about science: be careful what you create! As an homage to vintage horror films, perhaps Frankenweenie doesn’t need to espouse a particular view on science, but it does, in a sewn-together-from-various-parts sort of way.

As you may recall, one of the things I cover in this blog is portrayal of the scientific process in popular culture aimed at kids. I understand that in a fantasy or sci-fi movie, nature works differently. I have no problem with stories about impossible things, such as the re-animation of a dead dog. I’m happy to suspend disbelief to enjoy a ripping yarn. My concern is with the way scientific investigation is portrayed; in particular how Hollywood tends to spread certain misconceptions. Frankenweenie starts to get it right, but disappoints as well. So here we go…

Natural Wonders in The City of Ember

I’m very interested in the good and bad ways science is depicted in children’s media. This is important stuff for parents and educators to be aware of if we hope to draw more kids into exploring the STEM subjects! With that in mind I plan to write occasional reviews, with a focus on attitudes toward science. 

This month I’m helping fourth graders at Sangre Ridge here in Stillwater write songs based on the sci-fi book City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. Since I’ve read, outlined, and thoroughly discussed the book with the kids, I thought I’d take the opportunity to post my first book review. Don’t worry, I won’t include any spoilers.