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 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.
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.