Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Announces Earth Optimism Drive-In Theater Event

The free screening will showcase videos made by Fort Worth teens as a part of the Teens Dream Changemaker Challenge.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our physical and social environments. What can we learn from these changes, and how can we turn problems into solutions? Join the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History for a free drive-in theater showcasing teen visions for building a more sustainable future through our everyday actions. These short video designs by five local teens were created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution for the Teens Dream Changemaker Challenge by the Global CoLab Network.

This outdoor event will include a screening of the teens’ videos and a brief awards ceremony in the Museum’s North Parking Lot on Friday, March 5 at 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

“Our teen participants have designed creative, practical approaches to solving global and pandemic-related issues,” said Dr. Debbie Cockerham, Director of the Museum’s Research and Learning Center. “The project required them to combine creativity and critical thinking skills, and the videos reflect their optimism and perseverance. I am honored to recognize their vision and leadership for a stronger future.”

The video topics are varied and focus on many aspects of life including school choice, mental health, coral reefs, socioemotional needs, the impact of disinfectant wipes on our environment, and more. The videos will be available to view on the Museum’s website following the event.

Students reported being excited to work on topics that were important to them, describing the process as eye-opening and informative. According to one teen involved in the program, “doing research about mental health and sleep for my video helped me to realize how important it is to get at least 9 hours of sleep and what the consequences are if you don’t.” Another teen reported that she “really enjoyed getting to create this video because it gave me a chance to learn about the coral reefs and how to create and edit a video.”

Parents, too, recognized the positive impact the program had on their children. "This opportunity gave her [the teen] something else to think about during our time at home this past year,” reported one parent whose teen was involved in the program. “It was so nice to see her think outside of herself and what is familiar to realize there is so much going on in this world and yes, we do have some control over it, even if it is only a small act of kindness."

This project is supported by the Smithsonian Institution, in collaboration with the Smithsonian's Earth Optimism initiative. The Earth Optimism initiative seeks to illuminate and magnify the positive, hopeful ways that individuals and communities are addressing the climate crisis. "Teens are uniquely positioned to be leaders in environmental action given the threats to their future and their fearless and optimistic approach to problem-solving,” said Jennifer Brundage and Brian Coyle, co-directors of the Earth Optimism Teen Videos Project. "The Smithsonian is excited to be collaborating with its Affiliate partners like the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to support youth ideas for community solutions. We are deeply invested in their success."

This event is part of the Museum’s new hybrid programming model which combines in-person learning opportunities and special events with digital community-based experiences. To learn more about the Museum’s upcoming schedule of programs, visit the Museum's upcoming events page: fwmuseum.org/explore/upcoming-events.