Yeah bitch, science!
If you’ve been paying attention to education in this country, you probably know that U.S. students aren’t stacking up so great against students around the world. They’re currently ranked 25th globally in what educators have taken to calling STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In an attempt to get more students to pursue careers in science and technology (other than meth manufacturing), the U.S. Air Force teamed up with agency GSD&M to create a project called the Air Force Collaboratory, described as “an online educational platform that pairs students with Air Force experts to tackle three unclassified military projects.” The projects include a prototype technology to rescue people trapped in collapsed structures, determining where to launch the newest GPS satellite, and designing the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
GSD&M partnered with interactive design consultancy Welikesmall to create video content from three Air Force bases, including Air Force Space Command — one of the most restricted-access areas in the country. Using video, including shots captured by crawling through debris in simulated earthquake conditions, GSD&M and Welikesmall created an informative and engaging video. They make science and technology seem kind of cool, not always an easy feat. The video was lacking one crucial piece though: Bill Nye.
Welikesmall also created a social media network that allows the Air Force to constantly update the site with new content, projects and notifications. They even turn the project into something of a game, with users able to see how their ideas rank against their peers. It will be interesting to see what new ideas emerge from this endeavor. Credits after the jump.
Client: U.S. Air Force
Agency: GSD&M
Production: Welikesmall
Country: United States of America
Director: Michael Kern
Executive Creative Director: Jay Russell
Group Creative Director: Tom Gilmore
Creative Director/ art director: Ryan Carroll
Creative Director/ writer: Scott Brewer
Agency Producer: Paul Gallardo
AGENCY
Associate Creative Director/AD: Cheyenne Gallion
Line Producer: Peter Atherton
Account Service: Norah Rudyk, Elissa Pate
Experience & Insights: Elizabeth Thompson
PRODUCTION COMPANY (VIDEO and WEBSITE):
Agency: Welikesmall
Director: Michael Kern
Producer: Corey Hankey
Editor: Ryan Gas
Graphics: Friends of Mine
Director of Photography: Matt Sheridan
Website: Michael Kern, Tyler Kealey, Trista Yard, Geof Crowl, Russell Tabet
Development: Topher Wilson, Jake Kirshner, Paul Solomon
ADDITIONAL VIDEO POST PRODUCTION:
Agency: BEAST
Editor: Ariel Quintans
Assistant Editor: Jon Saltzman
Executive Producer: Ron Rendon