The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

44 The Educational Screen NEWS AND NOTES CONDUCTED BY THE STAFF Some Figures on the Use of Motion Pictures in Schools We are indebted to the Industrial and Educational Section of the Motion Picture Division, Department of Commerce, for information pertaining to the relative frequency in the use of motion pictures as a teaching'aid in connection with ciirricular and extra-curricular activities in 517 representative public school units in the United States. Their survey revealed that out of a total number of 44,186 showings in primary and secondary schools, the subject in which films played the largest part was Social Science, 40% of the showings being made in connection with this field. The second most popular subject was Natural Science, represented by 26%. The fact that 66% of the showings was in these two subjects reflects the greater abundance of motion picture films that are available in these fields. Other percentages were : Physical Education, 7.22 ; Manual and Industrial Arts, 4.87; Home Economics, 4.52; English, 4.13; Commercial, 3.89; General, 2.30; Entertainment, 2.15; Agriculture, 1.72; Professional, .63; Mathematics, .52; News Reels, .25; Language, .16; Clubs, .08; Safety, .02; Thrift, .00. It is interesting to note that only a little more than 2% of the subjects shown were entertainment films. The percentage of showings in connection with curricular and extra curricular activities was respectively 72) and 27. Of the curricular showings, 33% was in connection with Social Sciences and 20% with Natural Sciences. On the other hand, films in Natural Sciences enjoyed the greatest popularity for extra curricular purposes, with Social Sciences running a close second. Of the total showings, 40.6% was in elementary schools, 27.2% in junior high schools, and 32.1% in senior high schools. The most popular film subjects in elementary and junior high schools were those relating to Social Sciences ; in senior high schools the titles that invoked the most use were those relating to Natural Sciences . Motion Pictures Receive Attention at Dental Convention A three-day program of clinical demonstrations, scientific papers, technical motion pictures, and lectures was held January 29, 30, 31 in the clinic building of the College of Dentistry of the University of Southern California under the auspices of the S. C. dental alumni association. A technical motion picture film entitled "The Relation of Nutrition to Dental Health" was shown for the first time during the conclave. This film has been prepared by five of the outstanding dentists in the United States and is of great scientific value, according to Dr. Fred B. Olds, president of the association and convention chairman. Conference on Screen Advertising Postponed Owing to important developments in the field of commercial motion pictures and an enlarging of the Screen Advertisers Association membership, the conference that was announced for January 28th, 29th and 30th at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York has been temporarily postponed. Due announcement will be made of the new date. With an enlargement of the Association a broader and more comprehensive program will be prepared for .the Conference. W. Johnson, President of the Screen Advertisers Association, foresees rapid developments in this important medium of advertising during the coming year. He states that the Association will be very active in these developments. George Washington Bicentennial Beginning on February 22, 1932, and continuing until Thanksgiving Day of the same year, there will be observed throughout the United States a commemoration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington. The celebration is sponsored by the United States Government, and Congress has created a commission charged with the responsibility of formulating and putting into operation plans for the event. The Federal Commission is, of course, responsible for the formulation of plans for the proper observance of the Bicentennial of George Washington's birth. However, the aid of each State and territory has been solicited and it is expected that the Governors and legislative bodies of these units will appoint state bicentennial commissions to outline the work in their respective commonwealths. The school children of America will have an important part in the celebration according to the program now being effected. It is planned to more thoroughly familiarize these boys and girls with the life and character of George Washington. For this reason a great deal of information is now being gathered and