"DREAM BIG 3D: Engineering Our World" Hopes to Inspire the Hearts and Minds of the Next Generation of Engineers Opens at the California Science Center on February 17, 2017

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From the Great Wall of China and the world's tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, DREAM BIG 3D: Engineering Our World showcases engineering marvels big and small.  With its inspiring human stories—including a young woman engineer building bridges in undeveloped countries and an underprivileged high school robotics team that succeeds against all odds—DREAM BIG 3D reveals the compassion and creativity that drive engineers to create better lives for people and a more sustainable future for us all. Narrated by Academy Award ® winner Jeff Bridges, DREAM BIG 3D celebrates human ingenuity and innovation while offering an exciting new perspective on what it means to be an engineer. DREAM BIG 3D arrives at the California Science Center on February 17, as a kick-off to national Engineers Week 2017.

DREAM BIG 3D, from MacGillivray Freeman Films, in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers and Bechtel Corporation, is the first giant screen project of its kind to promote the educational STEM movement (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

"Parents and teachers are looking for ways to turn kids on to science and engineering," shares director Greg MacGillivray, a two-time Academy Award ® nominee and chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films.  "With DREAM BIG 3D, we wanted to bring something new to that effort with an entertaining, visually spectacular film full of stirring human stories that reveal the impact engineers have on our society.  We hope it energizes kids of all ages, especially girls, to think about engineering as a meaningful way to help others and leave a positive mark on the world."

"I am a believer in encouraging our youth to make a difference in the world, and DREAM BIG 3D encourages young people to do just that," says narrator Jeff Bridges. 

"We are excited to give our guests the opportunity to see STEM concepts at work in the real world," said California Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph. "DREAM BIG 3D supports our mission to inspire science learning in everyone. Engineering is a focus in many of our youth programs and professional learning efforts."

DREAM BIG 3D arrives in theaters at an exciting time for science education. For the first time, engineering will now be built into the standard California K-12 science curriculum as part of the shift to the Next Generation Science Standards. These next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aim to update and improve K-12 science learning to help prepare students for advanced STEM study and careers. NGSS focus on content, scientific and engineering practices, and interdisciplinary concepts that apply to the real world.

DREAM BIG 3D will receive support from 15 engineering organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and many others. They will serve as partners, role models and experts in local communities across the country. 

"DREAM BIG 3D is more than a film; it's part of a larger campaign that aims to give everyone, children and adults, hands-on engineering experiences," says Shaun MacGillivray, the film's producer and president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. "All of the educational programming surrounding this film is designed to give kids of all ages and backgrounds the inspiration to dream big and bold for our future."

MacGillivray Freeman Films and its partners at ASCE and Bechtel have produced educational materials to go with the film, including 50 hands-on engineering activities, educational videos, lesson plans for grades K-12 and other engineering-themed events.  These educational components are hosted on the educational website www.DiscoverE.org/dreambig.

DREAM BIG is family friendly and has a running time of 42 minutes.
www.dreambigfilm.com

About MacGillivray Freeman Films

MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world's foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 40 films for IMAX theatres to its credit. Throughout the company's 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award^® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman's films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one billion dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.

About the American Society of Civil Engineers

As a production partner, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has been planning, coordinating and promoting Dream Big and its outreach programs since inception.  With 150,000 members in 177 countries, ASCE members engineer the built environment while protecting and restoring the natural environment. 

About Bechtel Corporation

Bechtel Corporation is among the most respected engineering, construction and project management companies in the world.  Together with their customers, they deliver landmark projects that foster sustainable progress and economic growth.  Since 1898, they have completed more than 25,000 extraordinary projects across 160 countries on all seven continents.

About the California Science Center

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe- inspiring films.

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.25 to $8.50. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $12 per car, and $30 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Proceeds from the IMAX Theater support California Science Center exhibit and education programs.

Media contacts:
Ari Swan | [email protected] 
Risa Chapnick | [email protected] 
(818) 305-6053
Kristina Kurasz | [email protected] 
(213) 744-7446

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation