Baseball Bat Factory
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Baseball is considered an American pastime. Baseball bats are built specifically to be used in Baseball games. All bats start as thick dowels of wood which are put on a lathe to be shaped. There, the bat maker spins the dowel and shapes it into a balanced Baseball bat. Once the bat has its basic shape, it must be sanded many times, each time with a finer grade of sand paper, until it is smooth and even. A chisel is used to carve out the handle of the bat . Most bats are made of ash wood, but some are made of hackberry or hickory. A major league Baseball bat may not measure more than 42 inches (107 centimeters) long. Finally the bat is painted or stained and hung to dry.
Basics of Physics: Exploring Light and Color (30:21) Grades 6-8
We collect 95% of all our input about the world around us through our sense of sight. This program describes how our eyes work and provides information about the nature of light and color. People have been fascinated with light and eyes for a long time but their ideas have not always been correct. For instance, 2,000 years ago the Greeks thought that our eyes sent out rays of energy that struck an object and then returned to our eyes with information about the object. They thought this way because when they viewed the eyes of cats, dogs, and deer they noticed that the eyes of these animals were glowing. It was this glowing that they interpreted as a source of energy that was generated by the eyes. Today we know that our ability to see is totally dependent on reflected light. light strikes an object and then some of it is absorbed and the rest is reflected or bounces off the object. It is this reflected light that enters our eyes
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Biomes: Freshwater, Seawater (54:19) Grades 6-8
Water takes many forms and has many functions on our planet. This dynamic presentation helps students understand the chemical and physical properties of a substance that is crucial to life on Earth.
Discovering History: 20th-Century Biographies: Scientists and Inventors (30:00) Grades 9-12
The scientific discoveries and achievements of the 20th century paved the way for our way of life in the 21st century. Examine the contributions of prominent scientists and inventors, including Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, Guglielmo Marconi, and Thomas Alva Edison.
Dr. Dad's PH3: Episode
Eleven: Soil and Agriculture (
Develops and understanding of how soil texture controls moisture content and drainage rates for various samples.
Electricity and
Magnetism: Current Electricity (
Current electricity is the flow of electrons. To move from one place to another, Current electricity needs what is called a “complete circuit.” The circuit is made up of a source of electrons, a path for the electrons to travel along, and a device to use the electricity.
Electricity and
Magnetism: Generating Electricity (
When a magnet spins in a coil of wire or a coil of wire spins in a magnetic field, electricity is generated and begins to flow. Power plants use many different methods for spinning the magnet or wire. This program discusses the science behind generating electricity and shows the various methods used to power the generators. Solar cells, wind turbines, geothermal energy, the burning of fossil fuels, nuclear power plants, and hydroelectric plants are all presented.
Electricity and
Magnetism: The Magic of Magnets (
This program is about magnetism and its relationship to electricity. Hans Oersted discovered that an electric current running through a wire could cause a magnetic effect. Then in 1831, Michael Faraday conducted experiments that showed that magnetism could cause a flow of electricity. Electromagnets and maglev trains are discussed.
Electricity and
Magnetism: Measuring and Using Electricity (
Current, wattage, voltage, and amperage are all terms used to describe and measure electricity. These terms are defined and illustrated in this program. In addition, information is provided about electric meters and how the power company calculates monthly bills.
Electricity and
Magnetism: Static Electricity (
Everyone has been shocked by a metal doorknob after walking across a carpet or watched while nature has put on a fantastic lightning display. These are examples of static electricity, which occurs when an electric charge builds up on an object. The charge remains on this object until there is a way for the charge to move into another object that conducts electricity.
Electricity's Attraction (54:00) Grades 6-8
The harnessing of electricity has changed our world profoundly. Four segments explain the science of the current and touch on some of the uses that humans have devised for electricity.
· Magnetic Earth — Chronicles our discovery of magnetism and how it works.
· Electric Earth — Defines the science of electricity and explains how electric currents work.
· Ultimate Thrill: Electromagnetism at Play — Shows how electricity and magnetism produce the thrilling action of theme park rides.
· Electronics at Work — Looks at how
electricity can behave and demonstrates uses in unexpected places, such as
powering a man's artificial arm. Through lively action and fascinating
examples, this presentation encourages students to understand the principles of
electricity and consider its possible future applications.
Produced by
Elements of Biology: Biomes: The Adaptations of Organisms (56:00) Grades 9-12
Biomes are zones created by physical geographic and climatic conditions in different areas of the earth. Organisms thrive or perish within Biomes depending on their ability to adapt. This program will describe the major world Biomes and explain how some organisms adapt to the environment within the Biomes. Mention will be made of how humans have changed the ecosystem in some Biomes.
Elements of Biology: Ecosystems: Organisms and Their Environment (56:00) Grades 9-12
Plants and animals compete and cooperate in their environment resulting in what is often described as a "Balance of Nature" within an ecosystem.
Elements of Biology: Matter and Energy: Organization in Living Systems (56:00) Grades 9-12
Matter and energy are organized in living systems in such a way that they help the organism adapt to its environment.
Elements of Physics: Light: Optics and Electricity (56:00) Grades 9-12
Light is one of the most fundamental forces in the universe and proved to be one of the most difficult riddles to unravel. The program begins by describing the field of optics and how scientists came to understand such principles as refraction, reflection, and the behavior of Light as it passes through lenses. James Clerk Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism is reviewed along with the importance of the speed of Light. The program concludes by showing how these theoretical insights have led to developments in electricity and telecommunications that have transformed our lives.
Elements of Physics: Motion, Force, and Gravity (56:00) Grades 9-12
When Isaac Newton formulated his
three laws of motion, he
transformed physics because these laws allowed precise predictions of the
movement of objects at all times and in all circumstances. From this,
Forensic Detectives: Mysteries and Solutions (55:29) Grades 6-8
Students work alongside real-life forensic investigators, who glean amazing information from physical evidence. Video segments cover the study of archaeological finds, site evidence, DNA, and the human body. In each intriguing case, students learn the value of analytical thinking as they discover clues and formulate how the pieces fit together.
Forensic Detectives: Chemistry at Work (56:00) Grades 6-8
From crime-scene clues to pyrotechnic beauty, there’s wonder and power in the molecular makeup of substances. Video segments cover methods of analysis, chemical reactions, the periodic table of the elements, and the significance of carbon.
Getting to Know Soil
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Children learn all about soil in this engaging video when detective Terra Firma and his assistant Eartha the Earthworm dig below the surface to unearth the facts. Witness how soil is formed; the properties of sand, clay, loam soil, and their uses; and much more!
Global Warming: The Signs and the Science (56:38) Grades 9-12
This documentary profiles people
who are living with the grave consequences of a changing climate, as well as
the individuals, communities and scientists inventing new approaches to
safeguard our children's future. Filmed across the
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Astronomy (41:41) Grades 6-8
The Structure of Our Solar System —Explore how we came to understand that we live in a sun-centered solar system. Observing Movement in Space —Learn about the theory of general relativity and see how the Hubble Space Telescope changed the way we can view outer space. Measuring Cosmic Radiation—Examine the big bang theory and the discovery that provided evidence to support it. The Golden Age of Astronomy—Explore the golden age of astronomy and the mystery of our accelerating universe.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Biology (44:10) Grades 6-8
The Science of Microbiology — Learn about prokaryotes, eukaryotes, archaea, and the beginnings of microbiology. The Division of Cells —Examine the different processes involved in cell division and see how new research on embryonic stem cells may create changes in the future of medical science. Changing Food to Energy — Learn about mitochondria and see how your body converts food to useable energy. Controlling Systems: Hormones and Nerves — See how chemicals help your nervous system work and learn about naturally occurring hormones in the human body. Connected Systems: Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Ecology — Explore the many connections between the humans, plants, and animals coexisting on planet Earth.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Chemistry (44:10) Grades 6-8
Oxygen and Atoms — Explore atomic and molecular structure and see how oxygen was first isolated. Chemical Structure and the Periodic Table of Elements — Examine the experiments that brought us the periodic table of the elements. Chemicals and Electricity — See how electrochemistry revealed the subatomic particles we know as electrons. Chemical Compounds and Radioactivity — Explore the benefits of chemical compounds and radioactivity. Plastics and Fullerenes: The Future of Chemistry — See how plastics and nanotechnology are changing our world.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Earth Science (46:59)
Inside Our Planet — Examines Earth’s inner and outer cores. Exploring the Earth — Illustrates plate tectonics. Earth’s Atmosphere — Describes Earth’s magnetic field and the effects of cosmic radiation. Earth’s Climate Changes — Examines global warming and Earth’s periodic ice ages. Rocks of Ages — Analyzes the methods scientists use to date rocks and minerals.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Genetics (44:39) Grades 6-8
The Basics of Genes — Explore how genes are transmitted, where they are located, and how they work. Transposons — Examine the work of scientist Barbara McClintock and learn about transposons, the “jumping genes” in all living organisms. Understanding DNA — Explore the structure and functions of DNA. RNA and DNA Manipulation - Learn how RNA works and explore some exciting discoveries that allow us to manipulate and examine DNA. The Future of Genetics — Take a closer look at RNA interference and investigate the future of genetics.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Medicine (44:37) Grades 6-8
Early Discoveries in Anatomy—Examines early discoveries about human anatomy and our blood. Innovations in Medical Technology—Explores some important innovations in medical technology. Germs and Infectious Diseases—Describes the idea of germ theory and the start of modern medicine. Understanding and Treating Disease— Examines diabetes, cancer and AIDS along with the therapies used to combat these diseases.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Physics (44:35) Grades 6-8
Classical Physics—Explores the laws of motion and the major theories behind classical physics. Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism—Examines the sciences of thermodynamics and electromagnetism. Atomic Physics—Takes a closer look at Albert Einstein’s theory of special relativity and explores the study of quantum physics. Subatomic Physics—Examines the parts of an atom and explores the nuclear age of physics.
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: The Origin and Evolution of Life (46:55) Grades 6-8
A Time Before Humans — Examines the cataclysmic events that led to the extinction of the dinosaur. Life As We Know It — Discusses the conditions necessary to create and sustain life. Classifying Ancient Species — Examines the Burgess Shale fossils and the categories used to classify life. Natural Selection — Examines Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution and natural selection. Our Ancestors — Looks at some famous hominid fossils and the information they have given us about early bipedal life.
Incredible World of Insects, The (27:00) Grades 9-12
Insects are the most fascinating creatures on earth and also the most successful, with over one million types. They can be found just about everywhere. While they are sometimes confused with spiders, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions, and other arthropods, Insects can be identified by their three body parts and six legs. Compared to other creatures, Insects are truly bizarre, with fantastic mouth and body parts, marvelous adaptations, and amazing behaviors. This program will introduce students to many of the world’s most remarkable Insects, some of which can be found in their own backyard.
Inquiring Minds:
Sporting Life, The (
It doesn't matter if you win or lose; it's what you know about the game! In this program, students get a first-hand look at the importance of different angles and curves of various sports and what the significance is. Students will learn about the geometric role of home plate in setting up a baseball diamond, why a rough ball travels further than a smooth one, and the role of a simple technique in trying to create force.
The Jeff Corwin Experience: The Amazon: Aquatic Ecosystem (42:36) Grades 3-5
Follow Jeff to the most impressive river system in the world, the Amazon. In
On the Gulf: Coastlines in Danger (56:09) Grades 9-12
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this program takes a look at the challenges that scientists, environmentalists, and engineers face with
Planet Earth: Fresh Water (40:21) Grades 3-12
Follow rivers as they course from
mountain to the sea, nourishing unique and dramatic wildlife and shaping the
land. Recognizing that all life on land depends on fresh water, the
presentation emphasizes the importance of rain in the water cycle and how
animals from grizzly bears in
Raging Planet: Avalanche (26:00) Grades 6-8
It takes just a single skier to trigger "white death," an avalanche that in minutes can bury an entire town in snow. Feel the fury behind the different forms of avalanches, and brave your way alongside those who toil to prevent them.
Science of the Sea:
Living Together (
Viewers are taken on an underwater exploration of the many symbiotic relationships that occur in the ocean. Spectacular footage of predatory/prey relationships reveals the complex, yet ordered life below water.
Science of the Sea:
Communities in the Sea (
Viewers discover that technological advances by humans have had adverse effects on the sea. Various homes of marine animals are shown, and mutually beneficial relationships are explained. Finally, viewers learn how a symbiotic relationship exists between various cleaner fish and "customers" at a cleaning station.
World of Nature: Salmon:
The Upstream Battle (
Rapids, natural predators,
pollutants, and power dams are some of
the obstacles salmon must
negotiate when they journey from the Pacific up the