Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)

Phylum Mollusca is the second most diverse phylum of animals, with over 100,000 known species. First examined are the basic characteristics of the phylum – a soft body, muscular foot, mantle cavity with gill, and hard calcified shell. The four most familiar classes of mollusks (chitons; gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods) are studied in depth, viewing structure, life history, from the Burgess Shales in Western Canada, unfolding into the modern view of molluscan evolutionary relationships.

Phylum Annelida is made up of segmented worms divided into three classes: Oligochaetes (earth worms and aquatic worms such as Tubifex), Polychaetes (Nereis and thousands of other species that live in almost all marine habitats), and Leeches. Their segmented bodies, similar internal anatomy ( seen in action through revealing new micro/macro imaging techniques), and developmental stages unite these diverse worms.

They are armored creatures with jointed legs and they have developed elaborate behavior patterns that assure survival. They are also the most successful phylum in the animal kingdom–phylum Arthropoda. This program explores the major classes of arthropods through dramatic photography of living examples: The Crustaceans (including all major crustacean groups); The Arachnids (including whip scorpions, scorpions, spiders, ticks and mites); and the Uniramians (including centipedes, millipedes, and insects). The program highlights important details of structure and behavior, incorporating both familiar and unusual examples (such as forehead mites and barnacles) that will serve as memorable insights into Arthropod biology. Download free guide from our website.

Visualizing Cell Processes Interactive Learning Guide is both a companion to the Visualizing Cell Processes 3rd Edition DVD** and a stand-alone computer-based study guide. It also can provide an excellent companion to our set of five Visualizing Cell Processes videos on VHS cassette. It covers about one third to one half of the content of most courses taught in high school biology, Using state-of-the-art 3d graphic animation and a clearly presented information, this CD-ROM introduces students to the fundamental processes of life at the cellular level. Based on our new DVD programs, and designed for individual and small group use on the computer, this Windows/Macintosh program provides a superb environment for learning the challenging content of cell biology.

This 3rd Edition DVD consists of systematically arranged learning modules designed to take full advantage of DVD technology, making it a valuable tool for mastering concepts and vocabulary of cell biology. With its extensive Interactive Learning Guide it is particularly useful in biology courses where it can serve as the primary resource for cell biology instruction. New animation and dramatic microscope footage.

The term “protist” covers a wide range of microscopic organisms formerly clumped into “Kingdom Protista.” The modern view of these organisms has changed considerably; evidence such as molecular genetics indicates that the protistan lines of evolution go so far back in time they represent several different kingdoms of life. Through stunning photography of living protists, students are introduced to amoebas, flagellates, algae, and the elegant ciliated protists in ten learning modules.

Modules: A Variety of Cells, Cell Organization, Overview of Organic Molecules, Prokaryotic Cells, The Evolution of Eukaryotic Cells.

This program examines the discovery of viruses and their structure, how viruses are studied, and how they infect their hosts and replicate. Details are provided on the T-4 bacteriophage and retroviruses such as HIV. The bacteria section uses compelling microscopy of living bacteria to examine their structure, physiology, behavior, and the vital roles these microbes play in the biosphere, including oxygen production (cyanobacteria), decomposition and nitrogen fixation. They are also shown as parasites as well as helpful symbionts. Twelve minutes of additional live observation of a variety of bacteria can be used to introduce or recap the lesson or play as visual ambiance during laboratory work.

Modules: Structure and Behavior of the Plasma Membrane, Osmosis, Transport Proteins, Phagocytosis, Pinocytosis, Receptor Mediated Endocytosis, Golgi Function, Lysosomes and Hydrolytic Digestion, Microtubules, Cilia, Actin and Myosin Motor Proteins.