VIDEO / TEACHER GUIDE

Secondary Level

VOLUME 33     2003/04 1 SHORELINE HABITATS Sample VIDEO Print Guide This issue explores how the needs of wildlife and humans can be balanced to preserve ecosystems in wetland areas. It illustrates how the efforts of scientists, engineers, farmers, and fisherman resulted in a return of endangered plants, mammals, and birds, and improved yields in cockleshell harvesting with reduced seabed damage. It also demonstrates how biologists track animal populations, and rescue and rehabilitate seals. 2 THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AT WORK Sample VIDEO Print Guide This program investigates the immune system’s ability to protect us from bacteria and micro-organisms. It discusses the body’s initial defenses in our skin, eyes, nose, and stomach to ward off bacteria, and how white blood cells fight back when the body is infected. It also discusses the differences between bacteria and viruses, why allergies occur, and the role of vaccines in keeping people well. 3 BEHIND THE BIG BANG THEORY Sample VIDEO Print Guide This program examines the Big Bang theory and why some scientists believe it explains the formation of the planets, the galaxies and the universe. It explains the theory, and presents a variety of scientific findings that support it. Included are illustrations of outer space, the Doppler Effect or red shift, and how the Hubble Space Telescope and other ground based optical telescopes and radio telescopes have collected supporting data. 4 ELECTRIC POWERHOUSE Sample VIDEO Print Guide This issue provides a look at how hydroelectricity is created in power plants, distributed along massive power lines, and how transformers move the electricity and convert it to the appropriate voltage. Animations explain ohms, voltage, and amperage, and the differences between alternating current and direct current. The video also explains the differences between neon and filament bulbs, and how electricity powers automobiles and mass transportation. 5 SHARKS - RULERS OF THE DEEP Sample VIDEO Print Guide Sharks are the largest predatory fish in the ocean and are different from other fish. This issue offers a perspective on the history of sharks, their unique physiological characteristics, including sensory organs that detect electric fields, their variety of head shapes, and other characteristics that have helped sharks survive since the age of the dinosaurs. 6 NEW OPTICS - BRINGING THE WORLD INTO FOCUS Sample VIDEO Print Guide This program provides an understanding of visual perception and how the eye interprets colors, shapes, and the dimensions of objects by processing reflected light. It explains the functions of the lens, cornea, retina, and the optic nerve, discussing some complications and conditions that interfere with eyesight, and provides information on corrective procedures and scientific breakthroughs in vision research that are restoring sight for some people. 7/8 FUNCTIONS OF THE FACE Sample VIDEO Print Guide This program explores how the organs of the mouth function. It explains how the mouth and nose work together to identify food, the process of chewing and swallowing, and the functions of the taste buds and saliva. It illustrates the anatomy of the teeth, tongue and jaws, and how the mouth enables us to speak. The program also discusses how muscles in the face communicate expressions and emotions, and explores some universal beliefs about attractiveness linked to facial symmetry. A segment also illustrates how computer software is used to identify faces.