Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions
Political parties determine their presidential candidates through primaries, caucuses, and conventions. Until the early part of the twentieth century, every state used caucuses to choose a candidate. Caucuses began to lose favor because many of the “political machines” that controlled the caucuses were corrupt and did not necessarily carry out the will of the people. Still, caucuses continue to be used in 12 states. (Video is narrated with slides and speeches.)
General Elections
General elections are the final stage in the presidential election process. General elections are held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. By the time of the general election, presidential candidates have campaigned for approximately one year and have raised huge sums of money.
(Video is narrated with slides and speeches.)
U.S. Electoral System Explained
This video offers a brief description of how the voting process works in the US. The commentator in this video is talking very fast. Suitable for high school students and older. (01:26)
The Electoral College
This original video from Disney Educational Productions tackles one of the most interesting elements of U.S. presidential elections - the Electoral College. Follow students Sarah and Joe as they learn about the history of the Electoral College, how it works today, and how it affected the outcome of the dramatic Bush vs. Gore 2000 election. The pros and cons of the Electoral College system are also covered. This video is suitable for middle school students and high school students. (07:47)
Electing A President In Plain English
This video explains how the president is elected using the simplest terms, appropriate for all ages. The video has a dynamic narrator along simple illustrations. Run time 03:42
The Enumerated Powers of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government
Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution - which lists the powers given to the Legislative Branch of the Federal government - is discussed. This video contains some views of a candidate for public office by the name of Bob McNeil.You may want to stop the video at 1:17.
The United States Congress
An introduction to the United States Congress. Learn about the House of Representatives, length of term and different members of Congress.(Amateur video)
Incumbency
While the president is limited to serving two terms in office, members of Congress can serve an unlimited number of terms. In the mid-nineteenth century, most congressional representatives served only a single term because at that time politics was not considered a career. However, by the mid-twentieth century, congressional representatives began to view holding congressional office as a prestigious career. (Video is narrated with slides and speeches.)
Beginnings of Revolutionary War
The causes of the war are reviewed started with British taxes. This two minute video does not go into depth, but does highlight the major differences. Ends with Shot Heard Around the World. Run time 01:41.
Social Revolution
This is a video presentation accompanied by text. "The political revolution in the late eighteenth century that resulted in the Articles of Confederation also caused a social revolution. Riots and social conflict marked the Revolutionary era in America. The Revolution brought the concept of equality into mainstream American thought. Many colonists seized the opportunity to introduce social reform as they created their state constitutions.
The spirit of equality was represented in many way
Let's Discover French 1: Se Decrire
This animation, from the Let's Discover French Level 1 course, is aimed at grades 4 and 5, is an introduction to Theme 2, Unit 1. It is Jean-Francois describing himself in French. Jean-Francois introduces himself and tells us his age, his haircolor, and his weight.
Video is entirely in French.
Sock Seeds
The experiment demonstrated in this ZOOMSci video segment--wearing an old sock through a grassy or weedy field, planting the sock, and watching what grows--will not only give young scientists a better idea of the kinds of plants growing in their area, but will also help them begin to think about the evolutionary strategies of plants. Closed captioning included. Run time 03:00.
CBS News Reports on Front Yard Gardening
This video discusses how many people are turning their front yards into gardens to grow their own vegetables.(2:10)
Life Cycle of A Flowering Plant
This is a digital video that explains the process of pollenation and the life cycle of a flowering plant. This is a very informative, but short video.
Hyacinth Growing - Time Lapse
This is a stop-motion movie showing 4 days of a hyacinth's life. Pictures were taken every 20 minutes. The slight changes in lighting are between the sunlight during the day and electrict lighting during night. No audio. (0:32)
Abiotic and Biotic Factors
This 1:20 video is about plants and what they require to live. The video carefully gives an explanation of why each of these, abiotic and biotic, are needed.
Plants with Seeds - by StudyJams
Plants produce seeds in order to reproduce. Gymnosperm seeds develop in cones, and angiosperm seeds develop in fruit. When a seed is fertilized, in right conditions, it will germinate, starting the life of a new plant. This cartoon animated video from StudyJams would also be a nice addition to a lesson on fertilization, germination, seed dispersal, or sexual reproduction.
How to Fold an American Flag
Explicit directions on the correct (and respectful) way to fold the American flag.
Symbolism in the American Flag
This is an introductory one-minute history of the American Flag and the symbolism behind the stars and stripes presented by two adolescent girls. (well-done amateur video)
Development of the American Flag
This slide show video shows the progression (including dates) of the 28 flags that have been used officially by USA.
