Front Page Talking Points

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 22, 2015

‘Jurassic World:’ Hit film feeds interest in dinosaurs, but be careful what you believe

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1.gifGet real: Read about true-life research, innovation or progress in science, medicine or technology. Share a gee-whiz sentence.

2.gifNow look for coverage of a college or school where students prepare for careers in science, tech or filmmaking. Summarize why it's in the news.

3.gifFind news about another summer movie or other event that appeals to you. Tell why.

"Jurassic World" is a smash with moviegoers, and even appeals to some scientists despite inaccuracies. "It's a fun summer monster movie, and on that level it really works," says Kenneth Lacovara, a professor of paleontology (study of fossils) at Drexel University in Philadelphia. "Could they have done better getting the science right? Sure." Another specialist, Mivchael Habib at the University of Southern California, comments: "This is about as scientifically accurate as your average science-fiction flick, which is to say not particularly, but there are some things to like about it even from a science perspective."

The PG-13 dinosaur film is the fourth in a series that began in 1993 with "Jurassic Park," and it comes after a 14-year gap since the last installment. Viewers this time see Hollywood's version of baby Triceratops, armored ankylosaurus and long-necked sauropods, and a genetically engineered hybrid named Indominus rex that’s terrifying.

The blockbuster, which cost $150 million to create, set opening weekend records for ticket sales. "It doesn't claim to be scientifically accurate, and it's not," notes Mathew Wedel at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif. He and others say the flaws -- such as size errors, missing feathers and anatomy exaggerations -- are less important than the fact that a movie about history and science fills theaters during summer. "It's certainly not going to hurt people's interests in dinosaurs," comments Matt Lamanna, an assistant curator at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. "And any movie that might inspire someone to care about science is good in my book."

Scientist says: "A whole new generation will be wowed by the awesomeness of dinosaurs, the same way I was inspired in 1993 when a 9-year-old version of myself begged my parents to take me to see 'Jurassic Park.'" -- Steve Brusatte, paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland

Studio executive says: "It is extraordinary. The film has resonated with audiences around the world." -- Nick Carpou of Universal Pictures

Museum director says: "There was a wonderful explosion in interest after that first movie. “It's partially responsible for giving me a career." -- Matthew Mossbrucker of the Morrison Natural History Museum in Colorado

Front Page Talking Points is written by Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024

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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.