Who are we? Where do we come from? These are two of the biggest questions facing scientists today. This clip collection gives a broad understanding of the multi-branched theory of human evolution, the major geological eras in earth’s history and the various scientific methods used for fossil dating. A great resource for viewers seeking a scientific understanding of how Earth and its life forms evolved.
Subjects: Biology
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Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
All forms of life – from simple to complex – share an ability and instinct to reproduce. Reproduction occurs either sexually through an exchange of genetic material between two organisms, or asexually where organisms replicate producing offspring with an identical genetic makeup to their parent. This program looks at sexual and asexual reproduction, starting at the cellular level, with clear explanations of meiosis and mitosis. Using a range of graphics and footage to explain biological processes, it explores various types of asexual reproduction, including fission, budding, fragmentation, spores, vegetative and artificial propagation. Sexual reproduction in animals is covered – including direct and indirect development – as well as sexual reproduction in flowering plants. Finally, various benefits and disadvantages of both types of reproduction are examined.
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Pregnancy and Childbirth: The Real Story
The wonder of pregnancy and childbirth is an exciting and stressful time for mothers as well as fathers. This engaging, interview led program transitions from conception to birth as it covers the key developmental stages in each trimester. Experts interviewed include midwives Kelly Langford and Jan Ireland, and obstetrician Dr Lionel Steinberg. In parallel, we follow a mother’s journey across the nine months. The program documents foetal development, outlines key medical tests, the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, birthing options and the birthing process. An invaluable resource for those entering the fields of health care, midwifery, psychology and medicine, it combines medical information with the human experience.
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Exploring Vernal Pools
Seasonal temporary wetlands, commonly known as vernal pools, are a menagerie of diverse and fascinating organisms. This program contains two parts: a non-narrated observation section and a fully narrated instructional section, including tips on how to collect and examine live organisms in the classroom or lab. It examines a diversity of vernal pool species from several groups: protozoans, bacteria, rotifers, flatworms,ostrocods, waterfleas, copepods, clamshrimp, fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and aquatic insect larvae.
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Anatomy
This program investigates the major body systems that are important during physical activity… the Skeletal, Muscular, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Nervous Systems. It examines each of these systems, their parts, their functions and how they work. It also explores the contribution and interaction of the systems when we exercise, and while we are rest.
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The Role of Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins which are manufactured by the human body during the process of protein synthesis. Enzymes are catalysts and drive every chemical reaction that takes place in the human body and enable our bodies to be built from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Enzymes are highly specific in their activity and form an enzyme-substrate complex speeding up processes as they lower the activation energy during a given reaction period. Through genetic engineering and by isolating specific enzymes, it has become possible to harness the power of enzymes. The isolation of the enzyme, polymerase, from Themus aquaticus has enormously facilitated the process of PCR. Science has, however, more recently made immense progress in the manufacturing of synthetic and therapeutic enzymes.
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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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Multicellular Organisms and Their Nervous Systems
Multicellular organisms range from basic to highly complex forms. This engaging program explores the level of organization necessary for the structure and function of multicellular organisms including cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. It highlights the nervous system of multicellular organisms – both vertebrates and invertebrates – and features excellent dissections of a cane toad and a worm to illustrate the different forms and function of their nervous systems. The footage in the dissecting laboratory is particularly helpful in understanding structure and function of vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. This is a practical and information packed program made specifically for the modern classroom.
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Food Chains and Food Webs
In this program we explore the dynamic relationship between plants and animals in a shared ecosystem. This presenter-led, nature documentary style program clearly explains why all living organisms need energy, and how they obtain their food and energy requirements. Using examples of food chains and food webs, describing the difference between producers and consumers and illustrating the importance of scavengers and decomposers in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, it is the perfect introduction to biological science and interconnectedness within an ecosystem. This program is also ideal for initiating discussion regarding environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation and species extinction.