Students are introduced to series content and the course’s studio class members.
Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)
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Mutations: Changing the Code
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.
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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.
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Operations Management: A Case Study of a Hotel
Service providers are essential in our economy. Where would we be without hospitals, cleaning companies, accounting firms and hairdressers? But it can be difficult to apply concepts of operations management to these businesses. This program will look at the key elements of operations, applying them to a service provider and showing how various strategies can be used to improve business performance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Innovation and Emerging Technologies
This program investigates innovation in industry today. Showing a range of examples, it examines the impact of emerging technologies on the innovation process. The viewer is led through an exploration of the meaning of innovation and emerging technology, the innovation cycle and what makes an innovation successful. A case study of an innovation demonstrates the innovation process and the program ends with a discussion of the impacts of innovation on society, including a strong emphasis on ethical and environmental issues.
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Safety in the Workshop: Avoiding Accident and Injury
Students are given an introduction to the workshop area and are shown a range of hazards that they can come across when working in this area. Safety equipment is then discussed and students are shown where the safety equipment is stored and how it can be used in the most effective way. Students are then shown how to keep a safe working area and keeping out of clearly marked safety zones. Portable power tools and hand tools and their correct and safe use are looked at in detail. The program is completed with an in-depth look at basic first aid and what to do in case of an accident.
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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.