Violent Hawaii
The Hawaiian chain of islands, made up of six main islands plus two smaller ones, stretches for more than 1,500 miles through the heart of the Pacific Ocean. It is a place of idyllic beauty. But it is also a land of volcanic fury, raging mountaintop blizzards, dangerous rockslides, monster waves, and even tsunamis. This professionally-made video from PBS Nature provides a beautiful display of the constructive and destructive forces that create our planet. (51:00)
The Chemical Basis of Life: Summary
This is a video slide show accompanied by text:"Living organisms use only a small fraction of the known chemical elements to carry out all of their biological functions. Six elements make up more than 99% of matter in living systems: hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, and calcium. Five elements are found in much smaller amounts: sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, and potassium. Finally, 14 elements are known as "trace" elements because living organisms require them in minute quan
Dr. Loopy's Blinding you with Science #2: Layers and erosion
This is episode #2 of Blinding you with Science. This series was produced to assists elementary students in understanding science concepts. In this episode Dr. Loopy and his friends discuss how layers are formed in nature and how erosion works. Run time 12:09.
Discovering Hidden Habitats: Monterey Bay Aquarium & NOAA
This video was produced by NOAA's Ocean Media Center for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. It shows deep ocean habitat and marine life found in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's (U.S.) central coast. (6:04)
Sockeye Salmon
Salmon swim upstream to the waters where they were born for the final race of their lives. They get one chance to breed in their lifetime. Watch in this video how perilous this journey can be. This video might also be used with a lesson about animal instinct vs learned behavior. Run time 03:45.
Solar Energy Concentrator
This video demonstrates how solar energy can be focused with a curved mirror. Once focused this energy can be used to cook food, sterilize water even create electricity. Includes an explanation of energy, power, joules, and watts. Examples of radiant, heat, chemical and kinetic energy are given.
Includes links to directions for constructing a simple solar concentrator.
Alkali Metals
Shows both the reactions and properties of the alkali metals, such as lithium, sodium, and potassium. Video with narration. Grades 5-12. Includes closed captioning. 2:28 min.
Science Fair Project (Hot Ice)
This is a brief video of a school science fair project that won first place. Sodium Acetate was used in the project to create "hot ice", a liquid substance that instantly turns solid when touched. The video is set to music with brief descriptions written on the screen. No narration or explanation provided. Explanation: The reaction is exothermic and is often found in hand warmers. Run time 03:14.
A History of Flying
Video on flying airplanes with some science and history used.
The History of Flight
Provides the history of flight, from the Wright brothers to modern aviation.
Work/Energy Problem with Friction
A conservation of energy problem where all of the energy is not conserved. This video, which is suitable for high school students, starts with a black screen because the instructor, in his conversational tone, uses it as a 'chalkboard.' Instructor uses different colors for clarification. Run time 10:04.
Nuclear Power - How it Works
This excellent seven-and-a-half mini-documentary shows through narration and computer animation how a nuclear generating station works.
Where Do You Get Your Energy
Cells extract energy from sugar to produce ATP, the molecular fuel that powers all life processes. This interactive activity adapted from the Exploratorium delves into the processes that enable cells to unlock the energy contained in the foods we consume. We often use the term "energy" as an informal shorthand for our ability to stay alert and complete tasks. In fact, the presence of energy-rich molecules and our cells' ability to obtain, process, and use this energy is critical to life.
How Does Hail Form
Hail forms with an uplift that involves air rising, cooling and
condensing as the temperature goes down. Discover how hail can get
larger through winds that pick it up and coat it with more ice with help
from the chair of a department of environmental studies in this 1:30 video. Good graphics.
PC Tune-Up
Watch PC Tune-Up. Latest technology on PC maintenance and repair. This is software from Dell which allows you to schedule routine maintenance from Dell. (3:20)
Personal Computer Mouse Care & Cleaning Tips
Watch an expert demonstrate some great tips on cleaning the computer's mouse in this free how-to video on cleaning personal electronics. This video shows how to clean both types.
The Genius of Archimedes - Part 3
NOVA explores Archimedes' rare writings, as well as the book's mysterious beginnings, tumultuous history and amazing discovery. As the ancient text comes back from the dead, it unlocks its revolutionary contents—the infinite secrets of one of history's greatest thinkers. (Part 3) Run time 08:26.
Mexico: Cinco de Mayo and the Reign of Maimilian
(3:45) A closer look at the victory for Porfirio Diaz, and the day that became Cinco de Mayo. The fight with the French is explained and the personalities involved discussed. A good introduction into this war and the reason Cinco de Mayo is celebrated.
A Biography of Miguel-Hidalgo
A very well done biography that deals with his history and dealing with the church in Span and Mexico. Moves rapidly so the teacher needs to use a word list and a map to show where the events occured. Many battles are briefly explained and his efforts to end slavery and work with the natives.
Origin of the Caste System
This 2:51 minute video explains how the Spanish created a New World Caste system so that people would be ranked by who they were with the Spanish being the highest caste. The rankings controlled what you could become and this video shows the consequences of the system.
