This program looks at the wide range of climates in North America and around the world, and examines how factors such as the sun, wind, temperature, precipitation and position of Earth determine the weather for a particular region. Live footage, vivid graphics and a hands-on experiment help to clearly illustrate these concepts. One of six volumes in the Weather Fundamentals DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Earth and Space Science -- structure of Earth's system, Earth's history and Earth in the solar system. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online that features additional information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and lists of recommended books and Internet resources. 23 minutes. Grades 4 to 7.
Comparative Anatomy: Dissection uses systematics and anatomy to illustrate the similarities and differences of systems in different organisms. Students learn how advances in medicine have come from the careful study of organs and have an opportunity to discuss the ethical codes of scientists. Through a lab investigation, students become comfortable with the scientific tools and habits of mind used in the fields of gross anatomy and histology. Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
Cutting and pasting DNA fragments together are among the first techniques learned in the molecular biology lab, and are fundamental to all recombinant DNA work. In DNA Transformation, viewers will become familiar with sterile technique in the lab and learn about the basic tools used by molecular biologists. They will observe how genes are isolated by using gel electrophoresis. Students conduct an investigation in which they insert recombinant DNA into living bacteria, transforming them into organisms that glow in the dark! Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
In Earthquakes, students discover how the underground movement of rocks, along with stresses on Earth's crust, produce surface-level tremors. Learn how scientists determine where the hypocenter and epicenter of a quake occur while exploring the destructive power of seismic waves. Investigate some of the most destructive earthquakes of the 20th century, and learn how seismologists predict where they will occur. A visit to the University of California at Berkeley showcases the use of a "shaker table" by engineers designing buildings, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how students can build a simple model of a seismograph and put it through a simulated earthquake. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
For thousands of years, humans dreamed of flying -- but it isn't as easy as birds make it look. Students will learn about lift, gravity, thrust and drag -- the forces that are used to get tons of steel off the ground and carry people thousands of miles before landing safely. They will also discover the role atoms and air pressure play in this amazing task as well as in other forms of flight. An interesting hands-on activity is included along with fun, real-life demonstrations to further illustrate these concepts. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Physical Science -- properties and changes in properties of matter, motions and forces and transfer of energy. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago as part of a natural process in which the remains of dead plants and animals were buried and placed under extreme pressure and heat. Coal, oil and natural gas are the most important fossil fuels. But what are they used for, how do we find them and what can we do to preserve our limited supplies? Students will find the answers to these questions and more in Fossil Fuels as they explore these nonrenewable resources of Earth. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates a creative alternative to using fossil fuels in the creation of plastic and a visit to an oil platform showcases how this valuable fossil fuel is pumped up from the bottom of the ocean. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Fossils are historic blueprints -- remnants of plant and animal life that preceded us. In Fossils, students will examine molds, casts and imprints of various living things, and discover how scientists place the age of these ancient remains and the methods they use to preserve them for future generations. Find out how paleontologists discover fossils and what these discoveries tell us about the past. Take a trip to the Petrified Forest, and examine tree trunks that were turned to stone millions of years ago. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates for students how they can create four different simulated environments in order to test each for its ability to preserve remains. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
The geological history of Earth covers billions of years! In Geological History, students will examine a time line of Earth, tracking its violent beginnings and ever-changing face. Discover the four major segments of geologic time (the Precambrian and the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras), and learn about the plant and animal life that developed during each era. A journey under the sea shows how geologists study the layers of rock that lie deep under the ocean floor, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how geologists can "read" unusual formations in rock layers. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
The geological history of Earth covers billions of years! In Geological History, students will examine a time line of Earth, tracking its violent beginnings and ever-changing face. Discover the four major segments of geologic time (the Precambrian and the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras), and learn about the plant and animal life that developed during each era. A journey under the sea shows how geologists study the layers of rock that lie deep under the ocean floor, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how geologists can "read" unusual formations in rock layers. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
In Health & Nutrition, students learn that what we eat is critical to our overall health, from our cells to our senses to how we feel. Cells need nutrients to function properly, and we get them from the foods we eat. Viewers will be treated to a complete rundown of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. The concept of a balanced diet is stressed, along with a full presentation of the Food Guide Pyramid and a segment on the importance of exercise for maintaining good health. Includes an interview with a nutrition expert and a fun hands-on activity in which kids actually measure and compare the amount of energy stored in different foods. One of ten volumes in the Human Body in Action DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title is based on the concepts outlined in the National Science Education Standards for Life Science: structure & function in living systems, reproduction & heredity, regulation & behavior, and diversity & adaptations of organisms. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Body systems interact to make the human body the most complex machine ever built. With all the amazing, intricate facets of the body, how do all of the systems work together? Students will learn about how the nervous, reproductive, digestive, excretory, circulatory, respiratory, muscular, immune and skeletal systems work together to allow humans to successfully perform all of their daily activities. Vivid graphics and images illustrate the interrelationship of the body systems. One of ten volumes in the Human Body in Action DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Life Science: structure & function in living systems, reproduction & heredity, regulation & behavior, populations & ecosystems, and diversity & adaptations of organisms. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Earth is filled with a variety of land formations -- from mountains to valleys, canyons to plains. But what's the difference between a folded and a block mountain? A mesa and a butte? A bay and a peninsula? In Land Formations, students learn the answers to these and other questions as they examine how forces such as weathering and continental drift have impacted the rise and fall of land on Earth. A fun, hands-on demonstration showcases the effects of the seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges and sinking in deep trenches, while a visit to the dramatic Devil's Postpile illustrates how the forces of nature can shape and define the land. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
In The Laws of Motion: Hovercrafts, students will learn how to make and use models to investigate the principles behind the laws of motion. As they test and refine their project, students -- and viewers -- are encouraged to make predictions based on experimental evidence as they learn to calculate the effect of forces on the motion of objects. The concepts of Newtonian mechanics are investigated by using clear demonstrations and graphics, and students discover how technological advancements are built on scientific knowledge. Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
Did you ever wonder how weather forecasters predict the weather? This program looks at how meteorologists gather and interpret current weather data. Students will be introduced to everything from weather maps, weather stations and satellites to airplanes, weather ships and weather balloons. Students will also learn how to read a meteorological weather map and see the office of the National Weather Service. One of six volumes in the Weather Fundamentals DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Earth and Space Science -- structure of Earth's system, Earth's history and Earth in the solar system. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online that features additional information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and lists of recommended books and Internet resources. 23 minutes. Grades 4 to 7.
Ninety percent of Earth is made of minerals, natural materials that form the building blocks of the solid structures on our planet. In Minerals, students will examine the makeup of a mineral as they review such properties as hardness, luster, cleavage, streak, color and density. Learn where minerals can be found, and see the many different uses of these natural wonders, which include powder, tools, jewelry and medicine. A visit to an old silver mine shows how miners removed valuable silver ore over 100 years ago, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates the crystalline structure of minerals. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Ninety percent of Earth is made of minerals, natural materials that form the building blocks of the solid structures on our planet. In Minerals, students will examine the makeup of a mineral as they review such properties as hardness, luster, cleavage, streak, color and density. Learn where minerals can be found, and see the many different uses of these natural wonders, which include powder, tools, jewelry and medicine. A visit to an old silver mine shows how miners removed valuable silver ore over 100 years ago, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates the crystalline structure of minerals. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Natural resources are created by Earth's processes and used as a source of energy for all life on Earth. While some are created over the course of millions of years, others are continually generated each and every day. In Natural Resources, students will examine both renewable and nonrenewable resources, touching on their sources and many uses. Discover the best methods of conserving nonrenewable resources, including how they are recycled and cleaned. A fun, hands-on investigation illustrates how students can observe the many different kinds of particles that can be found in the air, while a geothermal plant provides the setting for a look at how people can turn volcanic heat into electricity. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
In Properties of Gases, students are introduced to kinetic molecular theory and learn about the physical relationships that exist between temperature, pressure, volume and density in gases. Students will see how the gas laws apply to living systems by developing an experimental design to measure the production and consumption of oxygen and carbon dioxide during cellular respiration. Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
In this program, concise explanations of the various types of precipitation provide students with insight into how rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog and mist form, as well as how the water cycle -- evaporation, condensation and precipitation -- constantly "recycles" water around the world. Students will also learn how the density of water changes in different states. See typical weather patterns across North America, and watch how a ski resort keeps slopes looking white. One of six volumes in the Weather Fundamentals DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Earth and Space Science -- structure of Earth's system, Earth's history and Earth in the solar system. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online that features additional information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and lists of recommended books & Internet resources. 23 minutes. Grades 4 to 7.
In this program, concise explanations of the various types of precipitation provide students with insight into how rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog and mist form, as well as how the water cycle -- evaporation, condensation and precipitation -- constantly "recycles" water around the world. Students will also learn how the density of water changes in different states. See typical weather patterns across North America, and watch how a ski resort keeps slopes looking white. One of six volumes in the Weather Fundamentals DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Earth and Space Science -- structure of Earth's system, Earth's history and Earth in the solar system. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online that features additional information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and lists of recommended books & Internet resources. 23 minutes. Grades 4 to 7.
The study of rocks is an essential part of studying the age and evolution of Earth. In Rocks, students will examine the characteristics of each of the major types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. From stalactites and stalagmites to intrusive and extrusive rocks, students will examine how rocks are formed in this exciting program. A visit to Mammoth Mountain in California showcases the interesting rock formation known as the Obsidian Dome, while a fun, hands-on demonstration illustrates how different sized-particles of sediment settle out of water at different rates. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
In Skeletal & Muscular Systems, students learn that bones and muscles work together to protect our bodies and enable them to move. They'll discover that, in addition to providing support for our bodies and protecting vital organs, bones are where blood is manufactured! Viewers also learn that bones are classified by shape -- long, short, flat and irregular -- and that there are three types of muscles -- skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Vivid examples and colorful graphics illustrate how joints work with the help of connective tissues like cartilage, ligaments and tendons. An orthopedic surgeon explains how bones heal, and a fun, hands-on experiment shows how calcium is essential for strong, healthy bones. One of ten volumes in the Human Body in Action DVD Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Life Science: structure & function in living systems, reproduction & heredity, regulation & behavior, populations & ecosystems, and diversity & adaptations of organisms. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Discover how scientists are able to learn about the world around us by studying how light interacts with matter. Spectrophotometry gives students an understanding of the principles of spectral analysis and explains the relationship between absorbance and transmittance. Students then go inside the lab to put this information into action as they perform serial dilutions, develop a standard curve and determine the concentration of aspirin in two unknown solutions using a spectrophotometer. In the process, they use proper scientific procedures and come to understand that measurement errors may affect calculations. Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
Titration allows students to apply scientific concepts to discover what a titration is, how it is performed and how to determine when it is complete. Students see how this technique is applied in a number of real-world settings and become actively engaged in an experiment by using a scientific approach to determine the amount of vitamin C in a number of foods. Viewers learn about proper safety procedures as they watch a group of high school students gather, organize and present their data. Part of the multivolume Science Lab Investigations! DVD Series. Includes a Teacher's Guide.
From the highest mountains to the deepest chasms, Earth's terrain is comprised of varying levels and unique features. In Topography, students will learn how the features of Earth's surface are arranged while exploring the art and science of re-creating these terrains on maps. See how forces like earthquakes, volcanoes, water and wind have changed Earth's surface over countless centuries, and learn why studying these changes is important to learning about our planet's past and future. See how cartographers map the floor of the oceans, while an informative demonstration shows students how they can make a simple topographic map of their own. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Volcanoes are one of Earth's most fascinating and destructive forces. In Volcanoes, students will get an up-close look at these fiery formations, discovering how they form and what causes them to erupt. Learn the difference between magma and lava, and discover the characteristics that enable volcanologists to classify a volcano as cinder cone, shield or composite. Examine the anatomy of an active volcano, and learn about historical eruptions that have left a mark on our planet. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how a tilt meter is used to predict when a volcano might erupt by charting changes in the slope of the surrounding ground, while a visit to Horseshoe Lake at Mammoth Mountain, California, highlights an invisible sign of volcanic activity -- poisonous carbon dioxide fumes. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A teacher's guide is available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Water is vital to all life on Earth and covers nearly three-fourths of our planet's surface. Where does it come from? Will we use it up eventually? In The Water Cycle, students learn that Earth has the same water supply today as it did millions of years ago. Examine the amazing process by which water is continually recycled and transported from place to place through evaporation, condensation and precipitation. Also find out how energy from the sun drives the water cycle and how the atmosphere prevents water from slipping away from Earth. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how an artesian well works, while a visit to a desalination plant showcases how salt water is purified. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.