Science on Screen is a unique film and discussion series that brings together cinema and science for an engaging, thought-provoking experience. Through carefully selected films and expert-led conversations, the series explores the science behind the stories we love—making complex ideas accessible, entertaining, and relevant to everyday life.
Presented in partnership with leading organizations and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Science on Screen events pair classic and contemporary films with insightful commentary from scientists, authors, and industry experts. Each screening invites audiences to see familiar stories in a new light while sparking curiosity and conversation.
Whether you’re a film lover, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a different kind of night out, Science on Screen offers something for everyone.
Part one: Tarzan - the science of animal behavior
Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM
The Science on Screen series begins with a family-friendly adventure that explores the fascinating world of animal behavior through Disney’s beloved classic, Tarzan.
Before the film, children and families are invited to participate in hands-on educational activities led by Bucknell University Animal Behavior students. From interactive games to engaging demonstrations, these activities introduce young explorers to the amazing adaptations, behaviors, and habitats of the animals featured in the film while encouraging curiosity about the natural world.
Following the screening, Bucknell University Animal Behavior professors will host an interactive question-and-answer session, separating science fact from Hollywood fiction. Together, they’ll discuss how real primates communicate, form social groups, learn new behaviors, and survive in the wild, while exploring the scientific concepts that inspired many of the animals and environments seen in Tarzan.
This fun and educational event is designed for audiences of all ages, making it the perfect opportunity for families to experience the magic of the movies while learning about wildlife, conservation, and the science behind animal behavior.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan, an aspiring young scientist, or simply looking for an afternoon of family fun, Tarzan is the perfect way to kick off this year’s Science on Screen series.
Part two: imagining the future
Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 PM
Kick off the series with Imagining the Future, an evening centered around one of the most influential science fiction films ever made—2001: A Space Odyssey.
This special event features a screening of Stanley Kubrick’s visionary masterpiece, followed by an engaging discussion with special guest Alan Lightman, an acclaimed physicist, author, and educator known for bridging the gap between science and the humanities.
Together, the film and discussion will explore how science fiction shapes our understanding of technology, space exploration, and the future of humanity. From artificial intelligence to the vast unknowns of the universe, this event invites audiences to reflect on how imagination and science work hand in hand to define what comes next.
Join us for an unforgettable evening that challenges the way we think about the future—and our place in it.
Part three: unseen and underestimated
Saturday, May 2 at 7:00 PM
The Science on Screen series continues with Unseen and Underestimated: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Identity in STEM, an inspiring and timely evening that highlights the untold stories behind some of history’s most important scientific achievements.
The event features a screening of Hidden Figures, the critically acclaimed film that tells the true story of three brilliant African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—whose work at NASA was instrumental in the success of early space missions. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era, the film shines a light on both their extraordinary contributions and the barriers they overcame in a field—and a society—that often overlooked them.
Following the film, guests will have the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion with special speakers JiaJia Dong and Adam Mair, who will explore the broader themes presented in the film. This conversation will dive deeper into the ongoing challenges and progress surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM fields, while also celebrating the voices and achievements that have too often gone unrecognized.
This event is more than just a movie screening—it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage with important conversations about representation in science and technology. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how identity shapes opportunity, innovation, and the future of STEM.
Join us for an evening that honors the past, challenges the present, and inspires the future.
Part Four: H Is for Hawk – The Art and Science of Falconry
Sunday, June 28 at 5:00 PM
The Science on Screen series concludes with a captivating exploration of the relationship between humans and birds of prey through a special screening of the acclaimed film H Is for Hawk.
Based on Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, H Is for Hawk is a moving story of grief, healing, and self-discovery through the ancient practice of falconry. As the film follows one woman’s emotional journey with a goshawk, audiences are invited to witness the extraordinary intelligence, beauty, and power of one of nature’s most remarkable predators.
Following the screening, guests will enjoy a live presentation and interactive Q&A titled “G Is for Goshawk: A Lifetime Pursuing North America’s Most Mysterious Hawk” with renowned master falconer Mike Dupuy. Drawing on decades of experience working with birds of prey, Mike will share fascinating stories, explain the history and science of falconry, and discuss the unique behaviors that make goshawks among the most elusive and respected raptors in North America.
Adding to the experience, Mike will be joined by several of his live feathered companions, giving audiences a rare opportunity to see these incredible birds up close while learning about their biology, hunting instincts, conservation, and the deep partnership between falconer and hawk.
This unforgettable evening blends powerful storytelling with real-world science, offering a unique perspective on wildlife, human-animal relationships, and the dedication required to understand and protect these magnificent birds.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, bird lover, or simply curious about one of humanity’s oldest partnerships with the natural world, this Science on Screen event promises an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.
