What exactly is food? In this program we introduce students to the science behind the food we eat. We start by describing what food is, the components found in food and why we need carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, fats and oils. And we show how to test different foods to determine which of these components are present. We also examine keeping food safe and how it should be handled and stored. Packaging, use-by-dates and refrigeration are also covered as well as long-term storage methods. Food allergies, the concept of genetically modified foods and possible problems with gene technology are also discussed in The Science of Foods.
Subjects: Life Science
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Macromolecules One: Carbohydrates, Lipids and Nucleic Acids
With the aid of high quality graphics and animations, this program covers three major categories of biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids and the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. It clearly explains the structure and biological roles of each type of macromolecule and examines similarities and differences between them, using many biological examples. The first of two programs on the subject, ‘Macromolecules 1’ is essential viewing for all senior biology students.
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Macromolecules Two: Proteins and Proteomics
Macromolecules Two completes our coverage of biological macromolecules by examining the structure and function of proteins. We also introduce and explain the Proteome. Proteomics, or the analysis of protein structure and protein interactions, is defined and the tools of Proteomics are explained with graphics and footage from a Proteomics laboratory. An example of an application of proteomics, the development of the anti viral drug Relenza, is also examined.
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Genes and Cloning – Cloning, Selective Breeding
There is a lot of controversy around genetic modification of organisms and cloning. This program looks at the way man has modified genomes of plants and animals used for food since the dawn of agriculture. As knowledge of cells and genetics has increased so has man’s ability to alter genomes. Animations show how genetic engineers are now able to construct and insert genes for desirable characteristics into plants and how technology is used to increase numbers of animals with desirable traits and screen out those with disease or lower food yields.
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Coordination and Control One: Animals
Providing an in-depth investigation into the two main mechanisms, this program looks in detail at the nervous system of animals, including neuron structure, how a signal is transmitted through and between neurons and the division of the nervous system into central and peripheral, voluntary and automatic. The hormone system is explained with a detailed look at the various endocrine glands, the hormones they secrete and their roles in coordinating the body’s functions. Extensive use of high-quality animated graphics and clear explanations ensure that this program is a powerful tool for enhancing student understanding of these complex biological processes in animals.
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Coordination and Control Two: Plants
The study of plant hormones has long been part of Biology courses. The use of animation in this program aims to give students a better understanding of the complex interaction between organism and environmental stimuli in a way that the pages of a book can’t. This program deals with how plants use hormones to coordinate and control their activities with changes in the environment. The roles of the major hormones are discussed and their mode of action at a cellular level is explored. Some of the lesser known hormones are described.
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The History of Evolution Theory
How did life come to be in all the myriad of forms that exist on earth today? In this program we present an overview, from a science viewpoint, of the development of answers to this fundamental question. From Lamarck and The Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics, Darwin’s Origin of the Species, development s by key biologists to recent directions, the program charts the development of evolutionary theory. The main ideas behind Intelligent Design are also examined.
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Biology Fieldwork One
This program shows students how to complete the practical fieldwork needed to investigate a local inland ecosystem.
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Biology Fieldwork Two
We join a group of students as they investigate a rocky shore ecosystem. As well as the collection and interpretation of the data, we also investigate a number of important aspects of the ecosystem.
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The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy
The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy is three, 20 minute programs written by Ray Travers, professional forester and Chair of the Eco-forestry Institute Society, and award-winning filmmaker, Edward Homer. The three part series is a practical guide for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, eco-certification and marketing of eco-certified wood products: from the forest to the finished product.
Part One: “The Sustainable Forest”– looks at how all of the systems in the forest interact; soil, wildlife, and different types of trees. This first segment features Merve Wilkinson and his Wildwood Forest in BC, which is a fantastic example of the potential for selective logging. Also covered in this first segment: planning the road system, promoting, and using woodpeckers and birds for insect control and natural regeneration.
Part Two: “Harvesting the Timber” — looks at calculating the volume to be harvested in a selective forest as well as a second growth forest. This segment covers; criteria for selection, falling trees in a sustainable forest, skidding the trees with small skidders and horses with ecoforester, Bob Woods.
Part Three: “Eco-Certification and the New Forest Economy”– looks at Al Hopwood’s woodlot, one of the first woodlots in Canada to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). We tour Al’s operation and he explains the FSC certification process and benefits. We follow the first shipment of eco-certified logs to Sarita Furniture in Port Alberni, BC, a value-added mill that is also certified by FSC.