Skeptoid Media Encourages Public Science Literacy and Critical Thinking
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Skeptoid Media encourages public science literacy and critical thinking worldwide by producing free, STEM-focused educational and entertainment content. Skeptoid Media is a member-supported 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit. EIN 26-3788260 National Science Foundation Organization ID 6250023210 PHOTO BY GREG RAKOZY ON UNSPLASH ON RAKOZY GREG BY PHOTO Skeptoid Media is dedicated to furthering knowledge and critical thinking. Since 2006, Skeptoid has been revealing the true science behind popular misinformation, pseudosciences, and urban legends through videos, films, educational materials, and award-winning weekly podcasts. Message from Board Chair Our Programs In today’s culture, the media tends to influence our views Skeptoid Podcast with sensationalism rather than science-based facts. Too Skeptoid has been a leading science podcast for more than a much ‘information’ is exaggerated, influenced by ideologies, or decade, consistently appearing on the front page of the iTunes endorsed by celebrities with no expertise. Instant gratification science section. With more than 150,000 downloads per week, leads many people to accept easier- each short-format, single-topic episode tackles a pop-culture to-comprehend, yet inaccurate belief that has fascinating science behind the legend. Since assumptions rather than making October 2006, the 625 (and counting) episodes cover urban the effort to digest fact-based legends, paranormal claims, conspiracy Critical Thinking is evidence. theories, and false alternative medicine schemes. Podcasts are clean-tagged and especially important to Beneath every suitable for general audiences. young college students. I pseudoscience, there’s real science waiting Teachers Toolkit have been recommending to be revealed; and Offered free to qualifying educators. Provides unlimited access Skeptoid to them for years. we believe, properly for educational purposes along with additional resources. presented, a scientific Rational and logical. analysis is always Science Friction Thanks for the great more interesting than Science Friction is fighting for integrity in an embellished fable. communication. The feature-length film sets a n podcasts. li Through our work, we are out to expose faux science television films, o ar C giving all ages the tools to print media, or any area science is distorted th or N ll, think critically and determine or misrepresented that sacrifices scientific sse Ru Dean for themselves what is real—and journalistic integrity and scientific facts in exchange for ratings what is not—leading to improved and sensationalism. Directed by Emery Emery. Release date is decision-making and ultimately a more set for 2019–2020. educated citizenry. Feeding Tube What we know is less important than how we know it, and if This video series exposes popular food myths one of the we can develop a love for the learning process, eventually most pervasive pseudosciences today. The internet and media we’ll all end up with a more accurate (and outlets are saturated with unscientific food useful) understanding of our world. claims – certain foods are toxic and others are miraculous cure-alls. Yet, there is no sound Our quest is to maintain scientific skepticism and critical science to substantiate the findings. The thinking as an essential and meaningful component of the Feeding Tube has been in active production search for truth. since 2015. Your support is key to allowing our materials to remain free to InFact all, encouraging our world to stay curious and stay teachable. These short videos distributed on YouTube offer real facts to combat Jeff Wagg, Chairman pop pseudoscience. More than 40 Curator, College of Curiosity episodes have been produced. Used in classrooms by educators throughout the world. As a scientist, I believe I have a critical mind Skeptoid Media Board of Directors and yet Skeptoid has challenged my Rachel Dunlop, PhD Jarius Durnett preconceptions time and time again. Treasurer Mindy Magee Skeptoid is a weekly reminder I will Attorney Richard J. Sagall, MD never be too old to learn. Mandatory Needy Meds K Jeff Wagg U , Chairman listening for scientists and non- s c i College of Curiosity t a scientists alike! rm fo Advisory Board In y er Rachel Bloom rn ov Comedian, Actress, Writer oo sc H Di van g Steve Cuno illem Dru W ist, Marketing Consultant, Author cient S Barry Diamond Governance Consultant Robert Miller Attorney Natalia Reagan Primatologist Audience Tamara Robertson Actress, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer Richard Saunders Skeptical Investigator Joe Schwarcz, PhD 4. Professor of Chemistry 1. Kavin Senapathy B 9. Author, Science Activist C % Reichart Von Wolfsheild Prolific Publishing, Inc. 1.4 NZ 1.3 Staff 1.2 Brian Dunning D 1.1 Executive Director Z 1% Lisa Dunning L .9 Secretary Stacia Burton Sponsor Liaison James H. Marsden Producer Linda Orcelletto Special Gifts Officer About Brian Dunning Science writer Brian Dunning is executive d director of Skeptoid Media, and the host lan UNSPLASH ON C. LEGARRETA DE FRANCISCO BY PHOTO , Eng ork and producer of the Skeptoid podcast. s, Y ee a L He’s also the writer and presenter of hu os the documentary films Here Be Dragons, J It is fantastic to Principles of Curiosity, and Science finally find a good, solid, Friction (in production). The author of seven books on scientific skepticism and logical, skeptical podcast that conspiracy theories including the newly uses as much real science as released Conspiracies Declassified from Simon & Schuster, Dunning is a member possible to explain the myths, of the National Association of Science pseudoscience, and conspiracies Writers. He lives in Central Oregon with his family. that plague our world. Finances Income Sources, FY 2017 250000 PROAM P COWDD 2 200000 INCOME 150000 100000 DDL DOO 3 50000 COOATE 0 DW 17% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Corporate Underwriting Audible Great Courses Plus MVMT Blue Apron Harry’s Parcast Bombfell Indochino ZipRecruiter Casper Mattresses Mack Weldon Your organization PHOTO BY IHOR MALYTSKYI ON UNSPLASH Skeptoid Media Needs Your Help Under every pseudoscience lies real science waiting to be revealed. Skeptoid Media makes the world a better place by teaching the rewards of science literacy and critical thinking skills through high quality content including weekly podcasts, videos, documentary films, and TV shows. Through your financial gift, you can be a part of impacting society by allowing Skeptoid to continue producing no-cost educational materials and media— dispelling myths and fallacies — improving our global community through a higher quality of education. Their approach is fun, compelling and scalable. I believe For more information about financial investment opportunities and recognition, please contact that Skeptoid web content and their Linda Orcelletto, Special Gifts Officer film projects will increasingly be a 541-419-3492 | [email protected] valuable resource for educators to model healthy, cheerful, e c n ie Contact info: skeptical thinking. c S y t ls i a rs ri e e v 740 NE Third Street | Suite 3-220 | Bend | OR | 97701 at i D n h f M U , P o ll Brian Dunning, Executive Director | 949-510-9681 | [email protected] ko or e oc ss rn L. B fe Co eter Pro g, P nct in Adju eer gin & En.