VIDEO / TEACHER GUIDE

Primary Level

VOLUME 12     2002/03
1	ENERGY FROM EARTH'S INTERIOR	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
An alternative to fossil fuels lies in the heat below the earth's crust. This SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT FOR KIDS explores how huge granite bodies that are two to three miles under the earth's surface may be used as heating elements for future geothermal power plants. Students will see how these hot rocks are formed, and the technology that is used to locate them and allow them to be mined for heat. The program also offers a basic understanding of earth's interior.
2	ANCIENT TREE: MODERN WONDER	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
The Wollemi Pine is a "green dinosaur" that first spread its roots about one-hundred million years ago. However, it was only discovered in an Australian forest in the second half of the twentieth century. This edition takes students there to learn amazing details about this botanical wonder and the over fifty kinds of fungi it harbors, including one that is valuable in the fight against cancer. The program also discusses the efforts that are underway to assure that these trees survive.
3	THE LIFE AND TIMES	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
The concept of aging is changing as many people live longer. In this issue, students will learn how genes effect the lifespan of animals and plants, and how scientists are studying people who live a century or more to learn about specific genes that influence a very long life. The program also discusses the discovery of the telomerase, an enzyme that increases the number of times a cell can divide and the number of times that it is able to recreate life.
4	MAGNETIC FORCE AT WORK	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
If it wasn't for magnetism everything would fall apart. This issue explores magnetism's role in our lives. Starting with basic principles, the program explains the magnetic fields of the sun and their relationship to earth's magnetosphere, as well as magnetism's role in technology, including its use in generating electricity in motors, computers, medical testing, and in communications equipment.
5	MOVEMENT OF THE HUMAN BODY	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
This edition demonstrates the characteristics of muscles and bones and how their interaction creates movement. It also shows how scientists are studying the composition and functions of muscles and bones to improve technology. Students will see how engineers use this knowledge to improve robots' range of motion, develop artificial limbs, and to design computer games. They will also see how special cameras and computers increase engineers abilities to use their knowledge of muscles and bones to improve product designs.
6	UNDERSTANDING EARTHQUAKES	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
The more people understand earthquakes, the better they can prepare to protect themselves and their property. This issue demonstrates how geologists study earthquakes and their effects on the planet. Graphic demonstrations visualize the tectonic plates in California and how they move beneath the earth. There are also demonstrations of how seismic waves radiate through the earth and how scientists use this information and the Richter Scale to predict these destructive forces.
7/8	WHERE THE SEA MEETS THE SHORE	Sample VIDEO Print Guide
One of the harshest environments on earth exists at the place where the sea meets the rocky shore. This visually stunning program examines the wide variety of animal and plant life that survive these difficult conditions that are caused by pounding waves during the ebb and flow of the tides. Students will come to appreciate how these plants and animals have adapted to develop unique survival mechanisms that help them find food and escape predators.