A mutagen is any agent (physical, chemical or biological) capable of altering the structure of DNA within our cells. This program explores how some mutations are a natural process resulting from errors in the copying and repair of DNA and how some mutagens naturally exist in the world around us (UV radiation, cosmic rays and some radioactive isotopes). Others are specific chemicals that have been synthesized for use in manufacturing or other industries. Mutagens may also arise during the metabolism of certain foods. In general mutagens act either directly on the DNA themselves or produce chemicals that then act directly on the DNA to cause substitutions, deletions, insertions, or rearrangements of the important genetic code. If DNA alterations occur in germline (egg or sperm) cells the altered DNA may become the basis for an inherited disease. In many cases mutagens may also lead to the development of cancers.
Grade levels: Adult
-
Transportation Systems in Plants
This program explores the need for many multicellular plants to have specialized internal transport systems. These are systems that can efficiently distribute materials from soil and from leaves to the parts of the plants where they are needed. An overview of how plants obtain their nutrients is provided. The structure and function of root hairs is explored, explaining their remarkable ability to facilitate an enormous uptake of water and dissolved minerals for the plant. Following this, the separate transport systems of the xylem and phloem are explored in detail. The program explains the mechanisms by which vascular plants transport water and minerals upwards from the roots, and sugars from leaves and other sugar sources throughout the plant for storage or for growth and repair.
-
The Business Plan
A business plan is one of the most useful management tools the small business owner can use. It provides direction for set up and through the tough first years until the business achieves profitability. It is like a road map to succeed. A business plan is a detailed written report that sets out the objectives, operations and financial aspects of the proposed business venture. It is a vital document for a business to get off the drawing board and to succeed. The business plan also provides information that potential lenders of finance will require for the business owner to secure a business loan. It shows that the business is organized and well managed, and not a risky venture.
-
Starting an Online Business
Got a great idea for a product or service and want to start an online business? It’s a lucrative market with potential for big returns, but where do you start? This high-quality, practical video introduces viewers to a range of online business models, demonstrates how to create an effective business plan, explains how to set up and operate a business, and reveals the best industry advice on avoiding common pitfalls. Featuring experts Dr Brent Coker, Faculty Business and Economics, University of Melbourne, online business entrepreneurs Tom Koan, Director of www.kigu.co.uk, and Emma Osborne, Director www.supperlicious.co.uk, this is a very practical and inspiring program for budding online entrepreneurs.
-
Starting Up
Small business is commonly considered to be the “engine room” of the country’s economy. Flexible hours and the opportunity to make large profits can make starting your own business appealing; however the reality of owning your own small business will present you with many challenges. This program investigates what it takes to be a small business owner, including legal implications, product demand and niche markets, making a business profitable and the importance choosing the correct name for your business. With solid market research, an understanding of business principles and a lot of hard work, success may well come your way.
-
Timber Furniture: The Design Process
The skills involved in making quality timber furniture are sought after and a solid understanding of core design and construction principles underpins a student’s future success. This curriculum fit program clearly and engagingly demonstrates the design process as applied to the construction of timber furniture. We explore the workshop, demonstrating conceptualization and model making, safe construction of joints, measuring and marking techniques, finishing the piece, and evaluation of the final result.
-
What is Religion?
Outlines the course goals and objectives, and focuses on the benefits of examining major beliefs and worldviews. Students gain the analytical skills needed to appreciate religious diversity and understand religious paths. The class emphasizes the difference between teaching religion and teaching about religion.
-
Philosophy for Children
Governments give education a high profile but today it is increasingly about targets, testing and technology. And some people disagree with this narrow approach. There’s now a lot of evidence to show that emotions play a big part in how we think and make decisions and therefore fostering emotional literacy can improve academic performance, communication skills and self-confidence. This is a fascinating look at the work of Antidote as for the first time they take a whole school approach to introducing children to their emotions and questioning and reasoning skills – with some stunning results. Inspiring and thought-provoking professional development for teachers.
-
Researching Health
Health and life chances aren’t distributed equally. On average, people from poorer backgrounds have significantly higher rates of illness than people from professional classes. So what might be causing these health inequalities? To explore big questions like this, health researchers need to be able to gather large amounts of information and accurately interpret it. In this excellent program we examine three key ways of gathering information and look at how to get the most accurate results from them. Featuring chapters on Questionnaire surveys, Using interviews in health research and Observational research, this is a practical and informative program for health students everywhere.
-
Don’t Panic! A recipe for success in times of stress.
Panics come in many shapes and sizes. Their common denominator is that they are never helpful. Whether in your work or personal life, to panic is to lose perspective and succumb to fear. This often leads to poor decisions, lost focus, paralysis and a bad outcome. Don’t Panic! was created to help people within organizations handle stressful situations in a way that is positive and productive. We present 5 key elements of a constructive response to circumstances that might intimidate or frighten us. Designed to be used in a work or academic environment, the principles of this program can also be applied in our personal lives. In this entertaining and thoughtful video cooking serves as a metaphor for working through a challenge together, as nine fascinating people who have successfully navigated stressful situations at work come together to cook a meal. After the flames die down, the participants enjoy the meal they’ve created and share what they’ve learned from their dialogue.