The featured projects and resources highlight how different storytelling formats–from immersive VR (virtual reality) to large scale film experiences–can deepen public understanding of science, spark curiosity, and strengthen connections between researchers and communities.
Webinars
Storytelling Through Film and Media to Deepen Public Engagement with Science
This webinar was presented on June 18, 2026
How can storytelling help people connect more deeply with science and climate research? This session explores how immersive technologies and cinematic storytelling can engage audiences with polar science and climate change.
Panelists will discuss two NSF AISL-funded projects that explore complementary approaches to public engagement. Utilizing the Library System and Virtual Reality Learning Experiences To Engage Rural Communities in Polar Research uses bilingual virtual reality experiences developed with rural libraries to create interactive connections to Arctic and Antarctic research. Ice Worlds: A Giant Screen Film and Outreach Project uses giant screen film, youth media production, and educator professional development to bring polar science and climate stories to broad public audiences.
Together, these projects highlight how different storytelling formats, from immersive VR to large scale film experiences, can deepen public understanding of climate science, spark curiosity, and strengthen connections between researchers and communities.
Join us on June 18th to hear fresh ideas, insights, and lessons from the field!
Panelists:
- From the AISL project: Ice Worlds: A Giant Screen Film and Outreach Project
- Deborah Raksany, Vice President, Development and Partnerships at Giant Screen Films
- Dr. Patty Loew, Professor emerita at Medill and inaugural director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern (retired)
- From the AISL project: Utilizing the Library System and Virtual Reality Learning Experiences To Engage Rural Communities in Polar Research
- Dr. Kevin Ponto, Audrey Rothermel Bascom Professor and an associate professor of Design Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Dr. Monae Verbeke, Director of Evaluation / Senior Researcher, The Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI)
AISL Project Spotlight
Coming soon!
AISL Project Resources
Resources from the AISL project: Utilizing the Library System and Virtual Reality Learning Experiences To Engage Rural Communities in Polar Research
- Virtual Reality Antarctic Weather Station Repair for Informal STEM Learning
- Should we break the illusion? A study on non-diegetic audio in immersive informal learning
- Waddle: Developing Empathy for Adélie Penguins By Direct Embodiment in Virtual Reality
- On the Ice: Hatched
- On The Ice: Weather Station
- Waddle: A Penguin’s Tale
- Exploring the Universe from Antarctica
Resources from the AISL project: Ice Worlds: A Giant Screen Film and Outreach Project