The Great Planet Earth Debate
A Mission to Bridge the Gap Between Traditional Education...
and Entertainment
Did you struggle through school as a child, wondering if you were the only person out there that just didn’t have the ability to absorb information being thrown at you on a daily basis? I, for one, spent my entire youth lost and confused. I couldn’t remember facts and figures, was bored to death in the typical classroom setting and had no interest in doing the work to learn important details in science, history and math that I knew would be easily forgotten. I sure didn’t have a problem remembering the lyrics to the latest top 40 hit that would drown out all my problems I faced in school – because the songs played over and over again, forcing me to absorb the words as if they were a part of me. I repeatedly told myself (and others) that if only teachers would put the material to music, I’d never forget a thing! WOW, what a concept!
Now is the time. It’s happening. My dream is finally coming to fruition.
The TGPED concept has taken several years to develop due to its intricate production. Consisting of a 45-minute rock science show in surround sound, the idea stems from Ignacio’s original show entitled “Phono/Grafico.” Presented behind the band, multiple screens serve as a backdrop displaying visuals with information and bullet points that flow in sync with live music. TGPED uses the same premise as Phono/Grafico but instead of the images representing political figures and current economic events, the visuals tell the story of the relationship between humans and the planet they inhabit, and how our modern behaviors are starting to alter the balances that allow for the conditions of our comfortable existence. The visuals include images of scientific matter, quotes from scientists such as physicist Stephen Hawking, famed inventor and namesake of the electric vehicle, Nikola Tesla, news clips and questions posed to cause the kids to ponder the effect we as a human race have had on our great planet Earth. The goal is to induce thoughts and ideas in our youth and create a safe environment for DEBATE over the future of our planet. The show leaves the children filled with an undeniable hope that they can begin to take steps now that will cause greater change and a better outcome for the future of humankind.
These nationwide “concerts for education” are targeted to middle and high schools, and universities in an effort to capture the imagination of our youth and garner their interest in the sciences and humanity. With the current state of the environment and the latest happenings such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which affect not only the U.S. but the rest of the world as well, this project is a necessity and will become an indelible part of the educational system.
The first TGPED experience took place last week at the SeriouslyCreative Meeting Space in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Peña was a guest speaker. Fifty students from local alternative schools were given first glimpse at the audio-visual experience by viewing TGPED video footage. The group of kids was allowed to ask questions and provide Peña with feedback in order to make necessary tweaks to perfect his show so that children will get the most pertinent information. The event was a huge success, with the response to the show being positive and upbeat.
The goal for this concept is for it to become an educational experience in a classroom setting, taking education to a whole new level. In today’s day and age, where children’s attention-span is at an all-time low, with media and technology consuming their thoughts and actions, TGPED is a necessary tool in our educational system. The next concert in the series, which Peña is already developing, will focus on flight and space exploration.
THE GREAT PLANET EARTH DEBATE will be a great national effort to better educate our children regarding this amazing Planet Earth.
For more information:
Check out the trailer:
The Debate @ SeriouslyCreative (Puerto Rico):
See the video for “Mientras Espero del Fin del Mundo (2010)”:
SeriouslyCreative Blog (Puerto Rico):
The Great Planet Earth Debate/El Gran Debate del Planeta Tierra:
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