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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The explosively dangerous eruptions of volcanoes are always a sight to behold. As visually dazzling as they can be, volcanoes also play a very important role in the creation of land formations around the world. In All About Volcanoes, children will learn the ins and outs of these lava-spewing mountains, examining their anatomy while learning about three major types: shield, cinder cone and composite volcanoes. A visit to Mammoth Mountain in California focuses on the signs that this dormant volcano may be coming to life, while an informative, hands-on activity demonstrates how a volcano erupts by building a useful model. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A teacher's guide is available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
Soil is the loose top layer of the Earth's surface, but what is it made of? How does it form? And why is it so important? In All About Soil, children will learn what components are needed to make the best soils for growing plants while discovering the important role that the forces of erosion play in the creation of this valuable resource. A visit to a grade school showcases a unique program that uses lunch leftovers and hungry earthworms to improve the soil in the school's garden, while an informative demonstration illustrates how sand is created from the continual erosion of rocks. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A teacher's guide is available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
Minerals are an important part of everything around us -- from the pencils we write with to the airplanes in the sky. Even the earth beneath our feet is packed solid with these essential building blocks. In All About Rocks and Minerals, children will discover the characteristics of minerals and see how different minerals make up different kinds of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. A visit to a lapidary shop examines some beautiful gemstones, while a fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates how solid crystals can be made from a liquid. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A teacher's guide is available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
Natural resources include sunshine, fresh air, plants, animals, minerals and fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. These things are resources because they are needed by living things. They are "natural" resources because they are all products of nature. In All About Natural Resources, children will learn about these resources and more, discovering along the way what makes some natural resources renewable and others nonrenewable. See how wind turbines provide an alternative to fossil fuels as a means of providing energy, while a fun, hands-on demonstration shows children how they can build their own simple water treatment system. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
Earth is filled with a wonderful variety of land formations that range from towering mountains to sandy deserts and deep canyons. In All About Land Formations, children will examine these and other earthly structures while learning about the forces that created them. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates why moving water is a powerful force that can change Earth's surface in a hurry, while a visit to the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska showcases land formations that were created by giant glaciers over millions of years. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
Over the course of its 4.5 billion-year history, Earth has undergone a great number of changes -- from a red-hot ball of molten lava to a planet with an environment capable of sustaining life. In All About Earth's History, children will trace the evolution of Earth and the organisms that populate it. Young viewers will take a peek deep inside the Earth, examining its varied layers while discussing how scientists use fossils to help map out the complex time line of events that has changed Earth over millions of years. A visit to the Grand Canyon examines the rock layers of this famous land formation, revealing how the climate of the region has changed over time. A lively, hands-on activity demonstrates how scientists use core samples to study the Earth. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
They shake the ground underfoot, causing tremors that, at their worst, can leave cracks in highways and topple buildings. But for the most part, earthquakes are constantly rumbling through the Earth with a force that's barely detectable. But why do they occur? In All About Earthquakes, children will examine the forces at work that cause earthquakes and discover the instruments that scientists use to predict and measure these earthly tremors. A visit to Mammoth Lakes in California showcases an advanced network of lasers that measures ground movement in the area, while a fun, hands-on activity demonstrates how architects test their designs by using a shaker table. Part of the Earth Science for Children DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades K to 4.
This fascinating Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press covers the entire spectrum of space exploration. Learn about:
- The history of space travel
- Rockets and launchers, spy satellites, space stations, sky labs, and more
- Ways in which space explorers live and work-and how they survive
Full-color illustrations and accurate information make this a must-have for every space enthusiast.
This guide features information gathered by the Voyager space probe in 1989 and other exciting discoveries about the solar system.
Discover the Red-bellied Turtle, which is nearly extinct. Uncover a Garter Snake in your backyard. Locate an Alligator Lizard--or a Legless one. Identifying reptiles is fascinating and fun with this classic Golden Field Guide. Abundant illustrations and the Key Characteristic system, preferred by professionals, make this single-volume reference an outstanding choice for nature projects, collectors of all ages, and scientific study.
• All of North America in one volume
• 278 species and 500 subspecies in 22 families...plus 18 exotics
• Illustrations include juveniles and adults, body forms, undersides, scales, and more!
• Text, range maps, and illustrations seen together at a glance
• Common and scientific names
• Convenient measuring rules
• Plus first aid information for snakebites.
Displays inside and outside temperature simultaneously. -58 degreesF to 158 degreesF. Large, easy to read 1 1/4" LCD displays. Minimum/maximum memory feature. Stand or wall mount. One AAA battery included. 1 year limited warranty.
Displays inside and outside temperature simultaneously. -58 degreesF to 158 degreesF. Large, easy to read 1 1/4" LCD displays. Minimum/maximum memory feature. Stand or wall mount. One AAA battery included. 1 year limited warranty.
Grow a marvelous crystal garden with these fast-growing crystals. The centers of four flower cards bloom into delicate crystal structures in just a few hours. You can practically see the crystals form before your eyes on the branches of filter-paper trees. Learn about how and why crystals form, and experiment with different colored flowers.
For use with 14236 Sedimentary Rock Classroom Project. This activity explains the three main classifications of sedimentary rock: clastic, chemical, and organic. The importance of the origin is emphasized, and the relationship of particle size is demonstrated and explained. Grades 7-12.
For use with 12046 What Rock Is It? classroom project.