Science: The Wide Angle Film Series

AAAS DoSER, in collaboration with Fourth Line Films, has produced an exciting series of short films to spark discussion of forefront science topics. These films range in topics from evolution, neuroscience, biology, physics, history, and philosophy!

Awe & Wonder

Introducing the Film Series

Awe, Wonder, and Astronomy

Starry night sky above a lake
  • Video
  • 3:47

Awe & Wonder: Scientists Reflect on Their Vocations

In this inspiring short film, scientists describe how their fascination with the beauty and complexity of nature informs their vocations,…

Galaxy
  • Video
  • 9:16

Humans in a Vast Universe: Astronomy and Cosmic Significance

In this film, Drs. Guy Consolmagno, Jennifer Wiseman, and David Charbonneau explore humanity’s connection with the universe, the expanding nature…

What Are Exoplanets and How Do We Find Them? 3
  • Video
  • 2:25

What Are Exoplanets and How Do We Find Them?

In this short film, Dr. David Charbonneau explores what exoplanets are and describes how scientists determine the qualities of these…

Frontiers of Neuroscience

Psychology, Neuroscience, and the Mind

Frontiers of Neuroscience: Charting the Complexities of Our Brains
  • Video
  • 4:23

Frontiers of Neuroscience: Charting the Complexities of Our Brains

Scientists expand upon new discoveries by exploring identity, the complexity of treating neurological diseases, and the need for a comprehensive…

Four panels featuring different brain images and a person wearing a cap to measure brain activity
  • Video
  • 2:19

Caring for the Health of Your Brain

In this compelling short film, Dr. Huda Zoghbi discusses how brain exercises, avoiding mental stress and trauma, and maintaining a…

Synthetic Brains and Identity 2
  • Video
  • 2:20

Synthetic Brains and Identity

What if you replaced all the neurons in your brain with artificial neurons? How would this change you? In this…

Is the Human Mind Predisposed to Religious Thought?
  • Video
  • 3:32

Is the Human Mind Predisposed to Religious Thought?

Across cultures, the tenets of various religious beliefs reveal similarities and recurrent patterns. Why does this happen? In this film,…

Biological Evolution

Evolution, Biology, and Humanity

Biological Evolution and the Kinship of All Life
  • Video
  • 8:24

Biological Evolution and the Kinship of All Life

In this film, Drs. Sean Carroll, Jeff Hardin, and Neil Shubin explore key ideas about the process of natural selection…

Math equations
  • Video
  • 2:29

What Makes Evolution a Theory?

In this intriguing short film, Dr. Jeff Hardin discusses key ideas relating to the definition of scientific theory and what…

Tiktaalik: Evidence of Evolutionary Change
  • Video
  • 3:18

Tiktaalik: Evidence of Evolutionary Change

In this intriguing film, Dr. Neil Shubin discusses the discovery of a fossil that seems to bring together life in…

Awe & Wonder: Scientists Reflect on Their Vocations 2
  • Video
  • 9:08

To Be Human: Genetics, Origins, and Identity

What does it mean to be human? In this film, Drs. Georgia M. Dunston, Frans De Waal, and Rick Potts…

History & Philosophy

The Draper-White Conflict Thesis

History, Philosophy, and Science

Science and Religion: The Draper-White Conflict Thesis
  • Video
  • 4:59

Science and Religion: The Draper-White Conflict Thesis

In this short film, historians of science Dr. Lawrence Principe and Dr. Edward Davis examine the roots and social context…

The Workings of Science
  • Video
  • 8:09

The Workings of Science

In this film, Drs. James Gates, Michael Ruse, and Melinda Baldwin offer insight into the misconceptions surrounding scientific results, the…

Is the Human Mind Predisposed to Religious Thought?
  • Video
  • 3:32

Is the Human Mind Predisposed to Religious Thought?

Across cultures, the tenets of various religious beliefs reveal similarities and recurrent patterns. Why does this happen? In this film,…