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.
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.
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.
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.