By viewing the video and discussing the concepts presented children will enhance their knowledge about seeds and plants. General information about seeds and plants is discussed as well as concepts regarding the specific parts of plants and their function. Vocabulary and vocabulary activities.
Subjects: Earth Science
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Earth Science Fundamentals: Weather
This weather program highlights different forms of weather and introduces the concepts and reasons for various weather patterns. Examples and explanations are given throughout the program using real life situations relating to the cause of a specific weather pattern. The layers of the atmosphere, air currents & pressure, water cycle, clouds, storms, and climates are the concepts covered in the video.
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Earth Science Fundamentals: Habitats
Plant and animal life is unique to each area in the world because of the diversity among land regions. In this program viewers will learn about and come to value what each part of our world has to offer. Through studying the various habitats found on Earth students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the diversity that surrounds us. By doing this we can begin to teach people how to prevent further endangerment, or even extinction of certain species.
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The Science of Pollution
Pollution is waste material produced from human activities. It impacts the environment in a negative way. This program explores how pollution can affect the air, water and land in the form of gases, liquids and solids. Substances that constitute pollution in the environment include: green house gases (CO2, smog and industrial emissions), oil, blue/green algae, plastic, litter, dog poop and fertilizer, to name a few. It also explores how a sustainable future depends upon individuals and society minimizing pollution by making informed and responsible decisions when choosing consumer items.
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Weather and Climate
Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get. Climate is about long term, records, trends and averages; weather is about day to day experiences. Understanding these allows us to make predictions and forecasts. This program introduces us to the basics and science of Meteorology from its earliest theoretical, observational development to the invention of equipment, such as the Thermometer, Barometer, Hygrometer and the World Wide Weather Watch, that led to meteorology becoming a science which characterises modern operational meteorology of today. Understanding our weather and the implications of climate is an important skill in both our study and everyday lives.
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The Murray-Darling Basin: A System in Crisis (Part 1)
This program examines the complex interaction between nature and human activity in the Murray-Darling Basin from early settlement to the present. Focussing on water as a resource, it explores: Geographic characteristics of the region, forms of agriculture and importance of region’s food production. Distribution of water resources, challenges faced by early farmers and other settlers. Historical development of water management policies. Development of water storage and irrigation methods, and the Snowy Mountains Scheme emergence of environmental problems.
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The Murray-Darling Basin: A System in Crisis (Part 2)
In program one we looked at how the natural features of the Murray-Darling Basin have shaped farming and water management practices, and how in turn those practices have changed the rivers and the land. In this second part of the series, we look at how over-allocation of water resources, climate change, salinity and other problems are threatening the long-term productivity and sustainability of the region.
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Mining: From Exploration to Rehabilitation
Starting with a brief historical overview of mining, this comprehensive program takes us out of the classroom, into the field, and down the mines. We visit Victoria’s Stawell gold mine and meet experts from Rio Tinto, experiencing first-hand the processes and technology involved in modern mining operations. Following the mineral exploration flow chart, we discover how mining companies search for mineral deposits, explore the four most common types of modern mining operations, and explain of the froth flotation method of separating minerals from gangue. Finally, we examine the all-important process of land rehabilitation after the mine has closed.
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Crimes Against the Environment
Can capitalism be a part of the solution? Could social pressure rather than laws be what compels us to become more ‘green’? Crimes against the environment take many forms, but it is a complex area of criminology. This excellent program, presented by Dr Steven Taylor, explores green crime and includes interviews with experts Dr Gary Potter and Dr Matt Follett. It introduces transgressive criminology and the wider concept of harm, which can be applied to problems like rainforest destruction and global warming. It looks at how Marxism and Beck’s late modern concept of risk can be applied to crimes against the environment, and investigates the paradox of economic growth and consumption versus the need to curb global warming and deforestation.
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The Rock Cycle
Join environmental engineer Will Toliopoulos as he takes us into the field to explore the rock cycle. We begin with a tour of Earth’s core, mantle and crust, and how they interact to form the three main types of rock – igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Next is a detailed exploration of the three rock types, how they are formed, their properties, structure and characteristics. And finally there is the rock cycle itself, here explained in detail using real-life examples and dynamic graphics. Our youthful presenter clearly explains concepts and defines key terms while keeping this complex topic fresh and interesting.