Grades: 6-9
Length: 8/15 Minute
Rights: Annual Lease
Internet: http://www.unitedlearning.com
Computer animation and on-site interviews with professionals who use algebra in their daily work help students turn mathematical stumbling blocks into building blocks for future learning. Video streaming available for these programs.
Block Feed
Wednesday 1/23/08 2:00-4:00 a.m. #1-8
1. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Other Earth Movements. Volcanoes and earthquakes are results of the moving and clashing together of the vast, rocky plates that shape our earth‚s surface. This completely revised program explains this phenomena in simple terms, while showing incredible video footage that is supported by easy-to-follow computer graphics. These graphics aid viewers‚ understanding of such terms such as epicenter and dormant.
2. Geysers, Lava, and Hot Spots. Geothermal activity produces some of our most amazing natural sights. This program explores areas of intense geothermal activity to explain the cause of geysers, fumaroles, hot spots and mud pots. Viewers see how the formation of the earths layers by accretion trapped heat inside the earth’s core and how this contributes to today's geothermal activity. Also covered in this video is the use of geothermal energy to produce electricity.
3. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Other Weather. Hurricanes and tornadoes are devastating events over which mankind has no control. This program explores how and why these events occur by explaining the circumstances necessary to create them. Footage of these destructive phenomena shows the incredible power that heat energy, air pressure and other weather systems can have when combined.
4. Lakes, Rivers, and Other Water Sources. This informative program explores the world's fresh water sources, and explains a little bit about each one. An introduction to the water cycle is followed by visits to the Great Salt Lake, the Continental Divide and to a crater lake. Viewers learn the valuable role that precipitation plays in our lakes, rivers, and underground supplies, how lakes are created, how they disappear, and even where water can be found in desert areas.
5. Mountains and Mountain Building. A mountain is not built in a day. In fact, the formation of a mountain takes place over millions of years. This program takes viewers on a scenic tour through breathtaking mountainous terrain to explain in detail how mountains are built. The three ways that mountains are formed, volcanic activity, faulting and folding are explored along with the plate tectonics behind these geological phenomena. Erosion and its’ part in the never-ending mountain building process is also covered.
6. Rocks, Fossils and Earth History. Rocks and fossils tell the Earth’s history. This thorough program explains the importance of studying a region’s rocks and fossils to understand the climate, vegetation and landscape of the past and how this information helps us to predict what the future might hold. Viewers will understand the technique that geologist use to date rocks and fossils. The video illustrates the difference between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and how they are formed.
7. Spectacular Canyons. This program’s beautiful footage explores America’s amazing canyons. Viewers see actual areas of the canyon that have been formed by erosion from river water, ice wedging, plants or wind. Plate tectonics and uplift are explained clearly through helpful diagrams. The connection between the formation of Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon and Grand Canyon, and the plate tectonics of the southwestern United States is also illustrated in detail.
8. Trees: The Oldest & Biggest Living Things. There are thousands of different species of trees, and they are all unique. This informative program explains that all trees provide the clean air, shelter and knowledge of the past. Cross dating gives environmental scientists an important look into the weather patterns of the past. This information is crucial to understanding man’s effect on the environment. Viewers learn how cross dating is accomplished and see what the different sizes and colors of a tree growth ring means.