Africa: People and Places VIDEO
Bisected by the equator, nurtured by the Nile, the continent of Africa unfolds.
Africa's Geography — Mountains, deserts, jungles, beaches — see Africa's rich
geological diversity. Flight over the Equator — Learn the traditional ways of two
equatorial countries. People of the Nile — From Burundi to the Mediterranean, meet
the people of the Nile River. Making a Film in the Serengeti — Cinematographer Hugo
van Lawick tracks a leopard cub from birth to adulthood.
Ancient
Egypt VIDEO or CLASS SET
Travel back to the world of pharaohs, sphinxes, pyramids, and hieroglyphics in
this three-segment video. Ancient Egypt — Cruise the Nile to learn about a culture
that endured more than 2,000 years. Hieroglyphics — Ancient Egyptians invented
picture writing and papyrus to write it upon. Pyramids of Egypt — Enter the mystery
of these giant tombs that have lasted 4,500 years.
Ancient
Greece VIDEO or CLASS SET
Warring city-states flourished into centers of
culture 2,500 years ago and gave birth to many ideas in art, literature, philosophy, and
science. Discover the events and the players that made it all happen. Alexander the Great
— See how this illustrious conqueror used military expertise and consultation with
the gods to destroy rivals and expand the Greek Empire. Philosophy — Discover
Socrates and Plato, the Socratic method of learning, and the Allegory of the Cave.
Mythology — Get on board Odysseus' voyage, and find out how Greek gods and stories,
like The Odyssey, teach important moral lessons.
The
Ancient World VIDEO or DVD
Students investigate long-ago civilizations in
India, the Mediterranean region, and parts of Africa. Segments include: The First Great
Migration: Follows the path of early humans who spread out from prehistoric Africa to
populate the world. Petra: Secrets of the Red City: Visits a citadel located in
present-day Jordan and portrays the people who carved it out of a canyon's red walls.
The Maurya Elephant Army: Re-creates a battle between empires in ancient India, in which
elephants played an important role. Spartan Warriors: Takes students to ancient Sparta to
study the lifestyle of its soldiers and their crucial role in the city-state's rise.
Animal
Adaptations VIDEO
Animal adaptations inspired Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution.
Help your elementary students understand how animals evolve to cope with their
environment.
Animal
Instincts VIDEO
Humpback whales swim 3,000 miles to mate. Polar bears can wander hundreds of
miles and always find their way home. Chimpanzees use tools to gather food. How do they do
it? Marine Migration — Summers off the coast of Alaska. Winters off the coast of
Maui. Discover why the North Pacific humpback whale makes this annual odyssey. Hibernation
and Homing — See how bears use their homing instinct to return from far-away journeys
for food, and learn what happens during hibernation. Parenting Principles — Watch
parents teach baby primates in Borneo's jungles how to groom, build nests, and find safe
leaves to eat.
Animals
in the Wild VIDEO
See how a gift for adapting and surviving gives some creatures their edge. Snake
Mistakes — Snakes aren't slimy, and they aren't hiding in your bushes waiting to bite
you. Sharks and Whales — Learn why all in the watery underworld bow to these
evolutionary wonder-fish. Cats and Dogs — Go on the prowl with dangerous felines and
our loyal friend, the dog. Chimpanzees, Gorillas, and Orangutans — See how these
great apes display intelligence very near that of our own.
Ants VIDEO
Ants evolved from wasps into perhaps the most socially complex insects ever. This
four-segment video covers their build to their buildings. Ant Anatomy — What do all
the different body parts of an ant do? Ant Adaptations — Ants are everywhere. Learn
how they can adapt to many different environments. Ant Communities — Ants are a
highly organized group, with different ants taking on different roles within the colony.
Ant Houses — Buildings in New York and Des Moines differ, and so do anthills.
Astronomy -
Class Set CLASS SET
The heavens have inspired awe in humans ever since we turned our faces skyward.
This three-segment video explains some of the basics of our knowledge of the universe. The
Solar System — Your journey begins at the Sun and takes you to each of the planets in
our solar system. The Moon — See how our view of the Moon changes from day to day.
The Stars — Learn all about these twinkling objects, including our own star, the Sun.
Bacteria, Viruses & Allergies VIDEO
What do salmonella, wasp venom, and the flu have in common? They all cause our
immune systems to spring into action. Give your students a primer on how their bodies
respond to each of these antigens. Bacteria: Salmonella is one of the most common types of
bacteria. See how these germs are passed from host to unsuspecting host, allowing them to
spread by attacking individual cells and multiplying. Allergies: One person's painful
sting can be another person's life-threatening attack. Find out what happens when a wasp
sting causes an extreme form of allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Viruses:
Follow the journey of the flu virus as it attacks the cells in Holly Jones's throat and
replicates itself millions of times. See how her body fights back with a secret weapon
that ultimately kills this invading virus.
Bodies
on the Mend VIDEO
The human body is a wondrous but imperfect thing. This two-segment video
looks at the ways our bodies work, the ways they can be damaged, and how to fix the
breaks. Bones — See how the body heals itself of a broken bone. Bionic Eyes and Ears
— Learn how eyes and ears work, and how to restore vision and sound using artificial
parts.
Body in
Motion VIDEO
Muscles and limbs, neurons and organs — it's quite a powerful production
when creatures are on the move.
Body
Systems VIDEO
Explore the mechanisms that power the body to gurgle, burp, gasp, and giggle.
Human body systems work in harmony to connect us with the outer world, while keeping our
inner one attuned to the rhythmic beat of life.
Butterflies
and Bees VIDEO or CLASS SET
Butterflies and bees are the perfect introduction to the thousands of different
species of insects. What attracts entomologists to these colorful creatures? Why do so
many plants depend on them for survival? These videos put your students up close to
butterflies and bees. The Lives of Butterflies — The butterfly's life cycle, from
caterpillar to adult, is astounding. This video shows students how its diet and defense
systems are necessary to survival, then embarks them on a wondrous journey of monarch
migration. Bees and Plants — Don't mess with the queen bee! Like ants, bees are
highly organized. Go inside a hive to see how bees behave, and learn more about their
mutual dependency with flowering plants.
China:
People and Places VIDEO
From the sprawling, opulent palace of China's emperors to its modern gymnasiums
and pools, introduce students to the culture and history of China with this three-segment
video.
Conquest
of the Americas VIDEO
Travel back in time to Mexico and Peru to meet
the Aztecs and the Inca. This video focuses on the motivation of Hernán Cortés and
Francisco Pizarro, two Spanish conquistadors. Students learn about the rise and fall of
the Aztecs and the Inca in their struggle against European explorers.
Dynamic
Earth VIDEO or CLASS
SET
Let this fast-paced compilation introduce your
elementary learners to Mother Nature in a really bad mood, with dramatic footage of
king-size waves, deadly storms, and supercharged skies. In four fascinating segments, your
students will be blown away by the awesome power of the Earth. Tidal Wave — Surfers
in search of the ultimate wave will find it in the tsunami, a monster wall of water that
can rise 100 feet above the ocean's surface. Hurricane — These furious forces evolve
from mere thunderstorms into spinning cyclones that wreck coastlines up and down the
Atlantic. Tornado — Call them whirlwinds, funnel clouds, or twisters — they all
spell trouble, especially if you live in Tornado Alley. Lightning — One bolt throbs
with several hundred million volts of electricity. Find out why you don't want to be
swimming during a thunderstorm.
Earth's
Changing Surface VIDEO or DVD
Underground expeditions and satellite navigation give
students an exciting introduction to geology and geography.
Earth's
Waters VIDEO or DVD
Covering several different environments, this feature
immerses students in the dynamics, ecology, and energy potential of water.
Exploring the World's Geography VIDEO or DVD
Students experience the unique characteristics
of each continent in this wide-ranging overview. Segments include: Geography of Latin
America: Visits one of our closest neighbors to survey its landscapes and climate.
Geography of Europe and Russia: Examines how a small continent supports a relatively large
population. Geography of Africa: Explores the largest continent and its great diversity of
physical features. Geography of Asia and the Pacific: Travels to the land of extremes to
investigate how the islands of the Pacific formed.
The Food
Pyramid VIDEO
Dish from the USDA: Toss out those old "Four Basic Food Groups" posters
and teach kids about "The Food Pyramid" instead. There's new thinking about
nutrition and how we should organize our diet if we want to stay healthy. Learn just what
an optimal, "balanced" diet is, and why it's never been more true that "you
are what you eat."
Forces VIDEO
Gripping friction! The powerful attraction of gravity and magnetism! And why
buoyancy is all wet! Learn about these exciting forces of nature. Caution: Understanding
forces may lead to an acute case of the "smarts." Symptoms include knowledge of
why things fall, float, skid, stop, push, and pull.
From
Medieval Times to Today VIDEO
or DVD
Through historical accounts and first-person stories, this presentation surveys
events and developments in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Geography
of Canada VIDEO or DVD
Students learn about the landscapes, climates,
and heritages of the vast nation to our north. Ten provinces and three territories span
millions of miles of rocky shores, coastal plains, and frozen tundra. Learn why these
factors have led 85 percent of the population to live in big cities near the United States
border. Explore some of the cultures that thrive in one of the world's most ethnically
diverse countries.
Geography of Mexico and Central America
VIDEO or DVD
This video focuses on the sensitive ecology
and volatile geology of the region. Segments include: The Landscape of Mexico and Central
America: Mexico and the countries in Central America occupy a natural land bridge between
the United States and South America. Living With Natural Hazards: Subject to nature's
worst, Mexico endures earthquakes, volcanoes, and the force of El Niño. Guatemala's
Coffee Economy: The cultivation of a small bean helps fuel an economy in the heart of
Central America. The Disappearing Forests of Panama: Deforestation, subsistence farming,
and the Panama Canal are changing Panama's forests and threatening the habitat for plants
and animals.
Geography of South America VIDEO or DVD
In this episode, students sample the cultures,
resources, cities, and landforms of South America. Segments include: South America:
Landscape of a Continent: A continent of extremes, South America has a wide range of
terrain that includes rivers, mountains, and pampas. Brazil's Carnival: One of the biggest
festivals in the world, the Carnival celebrates the history, religion, and culture of this
diverse country. Making a Living in Peru: Innovative ways to use natural resources are
helping Peruvians out of poverty. Santiago: Chile's Capital City: A bustling metropolis in
the shadow of the Andes, Santiago is a center for business and culture. But like other
modern cities, it struggles with pollution and related problems.
Geography of the Caribbean VIDEO or DVD
This colorful episode emphasizes the geology,
history, and lively cultures of the Caribbean. Segments include: Caribbean Lands and
Cultures: Formed millions of years ago by volcanoes, the chain of islands in the Caribbean
Sea stretches from the tip of Florida to South America. Baseball and Cuba Go Hand in
Glove: Like Americans, Cubans love baseball; see how it relates to their country's
history. Haiti: A Striving Nation: Living in the poorest country in the Western
hemisphere, Haitians struggle to improve their education system, health care, and land
use. The Caribbean's Musical Mix: The harmonies and instruments of the Caribbean
recall the islands' history as colonies.
Great
Egyptians VIDEO
Gender, age, and cunning were behind three of ancient Egypt's most intriguing
rulers — and left indelible marks on the history of the country. Hatshepsut: Queen
Who Became King — She declared herself King of Egypt and got away with it. Peek into
her incredibly successful 22-year reign. Tutankhamen: Mystery of the Boy King —
Victim of foul play? What happened to the 11-year-old king whose life was a clash between
childhood and kingship? Cleopatra: Last of the Pharaohs — Discover how Cleopatra used
shrewd political instincts to seduce the Roman Empire into restoring Egypt's greatness.
Habitats
of the World VIDEO or CLASS SET
Introduce your class to Earth's multiple geographic
personalities. Saltwater Marshes — Venture to Australia, where the estuarine
crocodile is your tour guide through swamps and marshlands. Temperate Forest — Active
glaciers, mossy valleys, misty rainforests — Washington state's Olympic Peninsula
boasts a combination of habitats found nowhere else! Grasslands — On East Africa's
Serengeti Plains, cruel cycles of drought and rain dramatically affect animals' food
supplies and lifestyles. Tropical Rainforest — Journey to Peru's Manu Biosphere
Reserve and discover how rainforests mastered recycling long before humans ever thought of
it. Polar Ice — Antarctica's brutal temperament is no problem for flocks of emperor
penguins, who huddle together against the frigid conditions.
Hail
to the Chief: Presidential Elections VIDEO
Your students will become experts on the electoral
process – from the early state primaries to the night of the national election. This
program is filled with intriguing facts about 200 years of presidential candidates.
Heroes of American History VIDEO
Heroes of American History: Meet three towering figures who span the breadth of
our nation's history. These biographies examine the lives of a man who helped found the
nation, another who helped expand the nation, and a third who fought to give everyone a
share of our nation's liberties: Ben Franklin, Davy Crockett, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
How
A Bill Becomes A Law VIDEO
This thought-provoking video deciphers the legislative process by explaining
how an idea becomes a bill and a bill is made a law. One-on-one interviews with prominent
legislators, lobbyists, and special-interest group representatives carefully explain how a
bill is conceived, moved through or killed in committee, amended, prepared for a vote, and
sent for the President’s or Governor’s signature. Taking a look at the state and
national legislatures, this important program opens viewers’ minds to the vital role
the legislative process plays in their lives and how individuals and groups can have a
voice in shaping the laws that govern our country.
How The
USA Grew: Thirteen Colonies to 50 States VIDEO
This program is designed to give students a clear understanding of the historical
events of various land acquisitions that led to the creation of the United States as it
exists today.
How to Succeed in Middle School VIDEO
Gives students practical help in adapting to the
demands of middle school. Presents strategies for managing time, meeting teachers’
expectations, utilizing school resources, and handling a changing social life. Highlights
how to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities through long-range planning. This
program demonstrates the importance of developing self-management skills in order to
achieve both academic and personal success.
Inventors & Inventions 2-pack VIDEO
Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say, and she has created some
fairly unusual children. Inventors and Inventions I — Animal
Tracking Satellites let scientists follow elephants, whales, and manatees. Baby Stretcher
When an infant is injured, this child-size stretcher provides more protection.
Biodegradable Golf Tee Take your swing, then leave the tee where it stands. Nature will do
the rest. Boomerang From aboriginal weapon to child's toy, learn about the forces that
bring boomerangs back. Velcro The idea for this handy fastener came from a walk in a field
thick with burrs. Inventors and Inventions II — Explore some of the
discoveries that opened the heavens to humanity. Leonardo da Vinci Artist and inventor
Leonardo da Vinci created on paper, at least the first helicopter. Galileo's Telescope
This Renaissance man risked all to discover the secrets of the spheres with his telescope.
The Wright Brothers On a North Carolina beach, Orville and Wilbur Wright took flight and
made history. Lowell's Observatory In his Arizona observatory, Percival Lowell looked to
Mars for signs of life.
Investigating
Dinosaurs VIDEO
Get in the dirt with paleontologists as they search for clues about dinosaurs of
the land, sea, and air. See what these once-dominant reptiles may have looked like and how
they lived. Amazing recreations make it real, and bring students back to the dinosaur era!
Landmarks of Civilization VIDEO
From ancient times to today, man has always built testaments to his existence and
ingenuity. See what inhabitants on three continents have left for us to discover. The
Great Wall of China Why did three different emperors work so long and hard to complete an
enormous wall? What did it shut out? What did it keep in? The Anasazi Pueblo Bonito What
do the hieroglyphics and architecture tell us about the Anasazi religion and advanced
understanding of astronomy? Castles of the Rhine Military fortress and royalty home. How
were they built and who lived in them during Germany's military conflicts throughout
history?
Life
in Ancient Rome VIDEO or CLASS SET
One thousand years of Roman history in 30 minutes? A tall order, but these
programs deliver. Start with the empire, then hold court with the republic, and end with a
journey through the Roman legacy. Daily Life — When in Rome, what did the Romans do?
Students will discover the daily life of Roman citizens at the height of the empire. What
clothes did they wear? What did they eat? What games did the children play? Inventions
— The legacy of Rome is set in stone (or rather concrete). Show your students how
Romans discovered this sturdy new construction material, allowing them to build lasting
superstructures such as the aqueducts and Colosseum. Government — Send your students
back in time to the Roman republic, where they'll get the foundation for understanding
modern democracy. The path leads students through the census, the senate, and the
principle of representative government.
The Living
Earth VIDEO
Explore what life was like on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. Learn
about the supercontinent Pangea and how the planet's shifting plates of crust formed the
world we know today. Then follow scientists as they uncover dinosaur fossils.
Machines
in Motion VIDEO
Physics gets us where we want to go. See what principles allow airplanes to fly,
trains to stay on track, and cars to have horsepower. Planes — Watch how four basic
principles-thrust, lift, weight, and drag-unite to make airplanes soar like birds. Trains
— Mighty steam engines, brawny diesel locomotives, magnetic levitating supertrains.
Discover how different engines and rail systems work. Automobiles — Learn about the
history of cars and find out how a gasoline engine converts potential energy into kinetic
energy to get a car moving.
Mammals
VIDEO
What is a mammal? A look at three orders of this class of animal shows how
certain characteristics allow them to be grouped together. Ungulates — It's an ugly
word for hoofed mammals. Learn what keeps these horses, hippos, and camels together in
this seemingly disparate group. Proboscidea — Watch how the only two species in this
order-the African and Indian elephants-put their elongated noses (proboscises) and tusks
to good use. Cetaceans — Learn how the only water mammals manage such incredible
tasks as giving birth to live young under water.
Math Investigations 2-pack VIDEO
Your students will be amazed at the lessons a simple pizza can teach them! Learn
basic math and math concepts with this two-video set. Math Investigations 1
— Students gain practice counting, adding, subtracting, finding place values, and
estimating with large numbers. A variety of scenarios — from playing softball to
counting cars on a freight train — help the students learn basic math. Each segment
emphasizes repetition as a memorization tool. Math Investigations 2
— This episode moves beyond basic math into concepts. Students learn to use
fractions, create graphs, and the importance of precise measurements. Math concepts are
presented in the context of diverse areas: building a house, predicting the weather, and
eating an entire pizza.
Math:
Money and Time VIDEO
"When are we going to use math anyway?" If you've heard that before,
here is a video with irrefutable evidence that we use math every day-whether counting
change, changing an appointment, or balancing our checkbooks. Money: Use the practical
application of money to explain the basics of addition, subtraction, and multiplication of
whole numbers and how to convert fractions into decimals. Time: Learn how and why our
complicated system of timekeeping came into being. Show your students why knowing their
fractions makes it easy to tell time.
Matter
and Energy VIDEO
Discover how water molecules change states from solid to liquid and gas. Then
learn how pressure affects the human body under water, at the highest points on Earth, and
while traveling through outer space. Finally, measure heat by learning about Fahrenheit,
Celsius, and Kelvin.
Measurement
and Scale VIDEO or CLASS SET
Inch for inch, this program counts! Students discover the use of units in
measurement and scale. Weight — Carat, ounce, pound, and gram. Weigh in to discover
the importance of calibration and standards of measurement. Length — Hand, foot,
inch, mile, and meter. Go the distance to find out about calibrating standards of
measurement. Scale — Tick tock. 60 seconds. 1 minute. 60 minutes. 1 hour. Learn how
time is used as a unit of measure.
Motion, Forces, Energy, and Electricity
VIDEO or DVD
Using examples that are familiar to young
students, this feature illustrates the principles of physics. Segments include: Monster
Masses in Motion: Calculating Average Speed: Teaches students to find average speeds by
comparing two teams racing to the finish. Coasting Through Roller Coaster Physics:
Explains the importance of G-forces. Bridges: A Heated Issue: Examines why heat is vital
to bridge building. Exploring Lightning: Sheds light on a striking natural phenomenon.
Mummies VIDEO or CLASS SET
Everyone knows what a mummy looks like. But what is the process for making a
mummy and why make one? Discover Egyptian and South American secrets. Making Mummies
— Unwrap the scientific processes and reasoning for mummification. Egyptian Mummies
— Egyptian religion decreed that the dead would require use of their bodies in the
afterlife. Did mummification work? South American Mummies — Uncover why South
American peoples made mummies to show their regard for the dead.
Native
Americans VIDEO
When European settlers came to North America, it was inhabited by tribes of
people with strong cultural traditions and ties to the land. What happened to those
important customs? The Cherokee Trail of Tears — Discover what 4,000 Cherokee died
for when the U.S. government forced them to resettle 850 miles from home. The First
Alaskans — See how the Venetie community preserves hunting, fishing, and dancing
traditions that are more than 100 years old. The Nez Perc — Witness how American
expansion cost the Nez Perc their home in the majestic landscape of the rugged Northwest.
People
and Space VIDEO
The four segments of this video show what it takes to put astronauts into space
and to keep them there as they live and work. The Space Shuttle — Meet scientists and
explorers who ride rockets into space. Support Staff — Behind every astronaut,
there's a team making sure each voyage is safe and successful. Zero Gravity —
Managing the effects of low gravity on the body is crucial for astronauts working in
space. Living in Space — Dr. Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, explains how
the new space station will operate.
A Question of Race VHS 2-pack VIDEO
Help students better understand the complex subject of race: where it comes from,
what it means in our society and how it affects our relationships. This set includes two
videos.
Reptiles
VIDEO
Cold-blooded, scaly, egg-laying (but not always). What else makes a reptile a
reptile? Find out in this eye-grabbing survey of snakes, crocodilians, and lizards. Snakes
— No limbs? No problem! See how snakes survive despite what we would consider a major
handicap. Crocodilians — Learn the biological secrets that have allowed these
rapacious reptiles to persevere since the age of dinosaurs. Lizards — Leaping
lizards! Big or small, discover how they've adapted to four different environments.
Rocks
& Minerals VIDEO
Be a geologist for a day as you travel through the southwest United States
studying dramatic rock formations and learning what they tell us about Earth's past —
and future.
The
Roots of Rage: Inside Islam VIDEO
This program reveals the many faces and images
of modern Islam, including the Taliban in Afghanistan, the religious schools in Saudi
Arabia and Muslims living in the United States. After focusing on the many accomplishments
and marvels of the early Muslim world, the program explores how some branches of Islam
preached hatred of America and Western values that resulted in the creation of al Qaeda
and the disaster known as September Eleventh.
The Senses
VIDEO
The finest Belgian chocolate, the sharpest Wisconsin cheese, the richest French
sauce — none of these foods could stir our taste buds without olfactory help from the
nose. Nor could the loveliest rose intoxicate as sweetly without its renowned perfume. In
this film, discover how our senses combine to help us more richly experience the world
around us.
Stargazing
VIDEO or DVD
In this galactic adventure, students travel to
the moon and planets and gaze beyond our solar system. The Moon: Past and Future: Explores
the origin of our nearest neighbor in space. Space Travel: Demonstrates how recent
scientific advancements are making space travel easier and less costly. The Inner Planets:
Highlights the unique qualities of the four planets closest to the sun. The Hubble Space
Telescope: Focuses on the inner workings of an innovative tool.
Structures
VIDEO
What makes structures strong ... or weak? Take a look at how bridges and
skyscrapers are designed and built to perform amazing tasks. And learn why they sometimes
fail. Bridges — Compare and contrast three designs of bridges-beam, arch, and
suspension-to see which works best for different purposes. Skyscrapers — Why are
skyscrapers built? And how on earth do they continue to get built higher? Learn what needs
to be considered when structures of this height are designed.
Symbols of America
VHS VIDEO
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" are ideas that united
early Americans and formed the bedrock of a young nation. Learn how these principles
helped inspire many of America's greatest symbols of democracy: The Declaration of
Independence, the Statue of Liberty, and presidential monuments.
Technology
at Work 2-pack VIDEO
Take a look at how the forces of technology affect our world — and the
universe.
Technology at Work I — From the ones and zeroes of the digital
revolution to the ability to predict hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, computers have
given humankind a new way to manage its environment. Whether it's the instantaneous
knowledge and communication of the Internet or new robots that move just like humans, this
four-segment video shows your students how computers underlie every new technological step
we take. Technology at Work 2 — The earth is a giant magnet,
creating a powerful force that humans can use in many ways. Magnets store information on
computer disks, convert electricity into sound in televisions, and give Global Positioning
System satellites clues it needs to find the location of a transmitter anywhere on Earth.
The three segments of this video show how magnetism, television, and satellites work.
Times Medieval VIDEO or CLASS SET
Knights in shining armor, tales of valor and bravery, magnificent castles rising
out of the mist — they're all here in this four-part video that looks at life in the
Middle Ages. Long Ago and Far Away — Learn about medieval feudal life. Castles —
Peek inside these stone strongholds. Armor — A look at how knights' metal shells were
made. The Legend of King Arthur — What does this semihistorical tale reveal about the
medieval spirit?
Two
Children, Two Cultures VIDEO
Tales from Africa and Asia give students a taste of the diverse cultures of the
world. Koumba's Cars — In a Congolese city famous for its artists, clever 10-year-old
Koumba makes toy cars out of any materials he can find. Students follow Koumba as he tries
to raise enough money for a train trip from his home in Brazzaville to visit relatives.
The Real Karate Kid — Meet 11-year-old Yeye, a native of Shanghai. Why is it so
important to her grandfather that she carry on the family tradition of martial arts
training?
U.S.
Geography: The Midwest VIDEO
or DVD
In this agriculturally important region, students observe how farmers work with
the natural environment to grow crops. Segments include: You Are Here: Understanding Maps:
Formed by geologic events millions of years ago, the Midwest was once a sea of grass.
Today the prairies of America's heartland provide food for millions. The Prairie
Ecosystem: Sometimes a destructive force of nature, fire is an essential element in the
life cycle of the prairie. Feeding the United States: Farming is vital to the economy and
culture of the Midwest.
U.S.
Geography: The Northeast VIDEO
or DVD
Students tour the region whose abundant resources helped the United States become
an industrial power. Segments include: You Are Here: Understanding Maps: Learn the basics
of interpreting physical, political, and population maps. Natural Resources: Study
three types of resources (recyclable, renewable, and nonrenewable) in the context of the
Northeastern United States: Niagara Falls, a maple sugar farm in New Hampshire, and a coal
mine in Pennsylvania. Urban Centers: Explore Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia to
learn why so many big cities lie along the eastern seaboard.
U.S.
Geography: The South VIDEO or
DVD
This episode shows how southern waterways and resources have provided livelihoods
for many people. Segments include: You Are Here: Understanding Maps: Explore the changing
landscape of the South, from the Chesapeake Bay's wetlands to the Appalachians to the
dusty oilfields of Texas. The Mississippi River: Follow the course of a mighty river that
provides power and transportation, yet can also wreak havoc on the land and people near
it. Coastal Regions: Take a look at the South's rocky, swampy, and sandy shorelines, and
meet the people who live in coastal areas.
U.S.
Geography: The West VIDEO or
DVD
This region owes its mineral riches and spectacular landscapes to the restless
earth beneath it. Segments include: You Are Here: Understanding Maps: The mountains,
canyons, trees, and rivers of the West provide geologists with an illustrated timeline of
the events that shaped this rugged land. Earthquakes & Volcanoes: Investigate the
powerful tectonic forces that created the dramatic topography of the region. The Gold
Rush: See how the discovery of a small nugget of gold in California in the 1800s spawned a
westward migration that eventually spread to the Klondike area of Alaska.
Understanding
Geography VIDEO or DVD
By observing landforms and cultures worldwide, students get a solid grounding in
this important subject. Segments include: What is Geography?: Explains why the study of
geography helps us understand the world around us. Geography Tools and Map Skills: Focuses
on one of the best-known tools of geographers: the map. Ever-Changing Earth:
Investigates the super-continent Pangaea and how the Earth's tectonic plates shifted to
create the modern continents. Sri Lanka: Two Cultures, One Country: Portrays the Sinhalese
and Tamil cultures, and documents how they co-exist in this Asian nation. Mauritius: How
an Island Gains Ground: Explores how a small island country successfully met economic
challenges.
Weather and
Climate VIDEO
Show your class what causes hurricanes, heat waves, and lightning storms as they
learn the fundamentals of meteorology. Then take a closer look at global warming and
discover how humans affect the climate. Meteorology: Moisture, heat, and air are the basic
ingredients of every weather system. See how meteorologists use satellites and radar to
measure these ingredients and try to predict the weather. Storms: Follow the path of a
tornado and enter the eye of a hurricane as you learn how storms start, move, and
dissipate. Believe it or not, they all start with a single raindrop. Global Warming: A
balance of greenhouse gases is vital in regulating the temperature of the Earth. Learn how
humans may be disturbing this delicate balance and creating the greenhouse effect, and
what can be done about it. |
