Africa's Child: Big City Girl: Egypt (13:59) Grade: 3-5   

This program features Yasmin Afifi, a girl living in Cairo, Egypt, and gives insights into her life in a middle-class Muslim family in Africa’s largest city. It also shows how she and her family prepare for and celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, an important Muslim festival.

 

Akhenaten: The Rebel Pharaoh (23:00) Grades 6-8

Meet Akhenaten, who brought dramatic change to Egypt with his slogan, "Living in Truth." Egyptologist Bob Brier does a little detective work to shore up a tale of power and intrigue in one of the world's oldest whodunits.

 

Alexander the Great (24:59) Grades 9-12

Alexander’s triumphs over the Persian Empire remain one of history’s greatest campaigns of conquest. What inner conflicts drove this great military leader, a former student of Aristotle? Follow the story of a man who ruled the world stage for a brief time, but whose influence was felt years after his death.

 

American Geography Close-Ups: Maps, Regions, Resources, and Climate (20:00) Grades 3-6

Few countries in the world can match the United States for its sheer diversity of landforms, bodies of water, and species of plants and animals, as well as its multicultural human population. Discover how the landforms, waterways, farms, natural resources, and people of each region differ - and the trends that are causing the regions to become more alike.

 

American History: America's Economy: Sorrow and Hope (56:00) Grades 9-12

Explore the causes and effects of the Great Depression. Travel alongside the Joads for a look at the difficult journey made by thousands of families during the Dust Bowl; and meet men and women across the United States who weathered the economic hard times and realized the American Dream.

 

American History: Marching into the Future (55:00) (Grades 9-12)

The United States has seen a lot since 1776, having experienced wars, depressions, and droughts. Discover the nation's history of overcoming obstacles and moving forward. Topics covered in this video include the civil rights movement, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the end of the Cold War, and the War on Terror.

American History: Social Activism in the United States (56:00) (Grades 9-12)

Discover how ordinary citizens fought against segregation and how freedom finally overcame bigotry. Follow the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War and the subsequent backlash. And explore how events of the 1960s and '70s shaped American lives.

 

American History: World War II: Causes and Consequences (56:00) Grades 9-12

Examine Hitler's occupation of Europe and the Allies' efforts to fight it. See how World War II changed American society, especially for women. Consider the relationship of the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. And discover how the U.S. economic recovery after WWII ushered in an age of prosperity.

 

America in the 20th Century: World War I: On the Homefront (28:00) Grades 6-8

"World War I: On the Homefront" examines the domestic issues facing the United States during its involvement in The Great War.

 

America in the 20th Century: World War I: The War in Europe (30:00) Grades 6-8

"World War I: The War in Europe" provides a clear and concise narrative discussion of the conflict illustrated by seldom seen photographic and film images. Historically accurate, full-color maps provide geographical context for the program, while cogent narration and a dynamic soundtrack bring the period to life.

 

Ancient Civilizations: Balancing the Budget (15:00) Grade: 6-8

The discovery of agriculture and the subsequent domestication of animals gradually led to economies based on trade. This evolution is examined in full detail in ancient Egypt. The minoans and Phoenicians, both great traders, are also studied. The process of mummification is explored, as well as the class systems of Egypt.

 

Ancient Civilizations: The Beginning Is The End (29:00) Grades 6-8

Civilizations that existed in the river valleys of China, India, Egypt, and Central America are studied and compared, but the program concentrates mostly on Sumer, where it is believed that humans first began to farm and settle.

 

Ancient Egypt: The Gift of the Nile (3000-30 B.C) (28:19) Grades 6-8

Three thousand years before the rise of the Roman Empire, the Nile River gave birth to one of the most wondrous civilizations ever to grace the earth-Ancient Egypt. Students explore the colossal tombs and temples of the pharaohs. They learn how the Egyptians built mountains of stone to honor dead kings and queens and protect their mummies forever. Students meet Re, the sun god, and Horus, the protector of kings. Ancient Egyptian civilization finally passed into history, but the river remains.

 

Ancient Rome: Prosperity and Decline (49:30) Grades 6-8

They came, they saw, they conquered; they rose and they fell; they created the world's first superpower, then ended as captives of illiterate barbarians. The ancient Romans changed the face of the world. Uncover the warning signs of decay while following the Romans' road to ruin

 

Ancient Rome: Rise to Power Grades 6-8

They came, they saw, they conquered; they rose and they fell; they created the world's first superpower, then ended as captives of illiterate barbarians. The ancient Romans changed the face of the world. Trace the early chapters in Rome's history, from Romulus and Remus to the dawn of an empire.

 

Ancient Rome: Struggles for Power (46:16) Grades 6-8

They came, they saw, they conquered; they rose and they fell; they created the world's first superpower, then ended as captives of illiterate barbarians. The ancient Romans changed the face of the world. Join Julius Caesar's march across the Rubicon, as he transformed the world's first representative government into an autocracy.

 

Assignment Discovery: Islam: History, Society and Civilization (54:21) Grades 6-8

Segments cover past and present-day philosophies, practices, and events that define Islam. This balanced program encourages students to consider how different interpretations of religion can affect government, culture, and individual lives.

 

Assignment Discovery: The Parthenon: Design and Architecture (51:46) Grades 6-8

Learn about the building techniques of the ancient Greeks, from the quarrying of huge blocks of marble in the mountains surrounding Athens to the intricate carvings of magnificent sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon.

 

Civilizations: Abuse of Power (55:34) Grades 6-8

Struggles for Power—Explores the growth of the Roman Empire and how key leaders defined, used, and abused their Power. Down Came the Wall—A look at the forces that led to the building of the Berlin Wall, and why it finally came down 28 years later. End of Apartheid—Explains the South African system of racial segregation called apartheid, how it affected the country, and how it was finally abolished

 

Civilizations: Expansion and Conquest (55:32) Grades 6-8

Rome’s Conquests—Traces the path and battles of Roman legions in their quest to conquer the world. Peter the Great—Looks at how this Russian leader brought Western influence and power to his struggling nation. Rise of Nationalism—Examines how ideas replaced wars in Russia’s battle against its oppressive czars. Communism & the Soviet Union—Shows the fall of czarist Russia and the birth of the first communist state.

 

Civilizations: Fall of Power (55:29) Grades 6-8

Rome’s Ruins (35 min.)—Surveys the legacy of art, culture, politics, and medicine from this colossal empire. Lost City of Shang (5 min.)Investigates China’s first great dynasty and the cause of its demise. Behind the Great Wall (7 min.)—Explores the legacy of the Silk Road and the dynasty of Qin Shi Huangdi. Merchants of China (2 min.)—Looks at how Kublai Khan’s conquest helped make merchants a powerful group

 

Civilizations: Rise to Power (55:35) Grades 6-8

Rome’s Beginnings (30 min.)—Traces the early chapters in ancient Rome’s history, from Romulus and Remus to the dawn of an empire. Inside Byzantium (6 min.) —Explores how its Eastern empire kept alive Rome’s ingenuity and culture. Islam: History and Teachings (5 min.) —Examines this religion and its worldwide practice today by more than a billion Muslims. Suleiman, Magnificent Leader (6 min.)—Considers this progressive Muslim ruler and the legacy of his empire’s art, architecture, and social reform

 

Cold War Into Guerrilla War (54:00) (Grades 9-12)

In the aftermath of World War II, disagreements among nations took on frightening new significance due to the proliferation of nuclear arms. Four segments describe the setting and events of the Cold War.

·  Escape From Berlin — Examines the history of the Berlin Wall and tells the story of East Germans' attempts to flee to the West.

·  Showdown: The Cuban Missile Crisis — Explores how movement of nuclear weapons to Cuba increased tensions between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union.

·  The First Woman in Space — Portrays the roles of women in the Soviet space program.

·  Democracy Triumphs: The Korean War — Chronicles how the United States attempted to contain Communist influence in Asia. This feature helps students consider the past and present-day effects of the Cold War on nations around the world.
Produced by Discovery Channel School

 

Days That Shook the World: 1901–1954 (2:00:38) Grades 6-12

A fast-moving compilation of short (average 3 minutes) narrations, highlighted by actual film footage, capturing influential milestone days in the history of the (mostly) western world from 1901–1954. Included in Reel 1 are Queen Victoria's funeral marking the end of the Victorian Era; the Wright Brothers' first flight; Emily Davison's Derby Day demonstration in the name of women's suffrage; the disastrous WWI Battle of the Somme; the abdication of Russian Czar Nicholas and the start of the Communist Revolution; the independence of Ireland from England; Suzanne Longlaw's six Wimbledon championships; the first and only labor strike in England; Lindbergh's nonstop flight to Paris; the first ever golf Grand Slam by Bobby Jones; Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany; King Edward's abdication of the British throne; the Hindenburg explosion; Austria's welcome of German troops; the German blitzkrieg of Poland beginning WWII; the Dunkirk disaster and triumph; the German air blitz on London; the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor; the African battle at El Alemein that turned the tide of WWII; the surrender of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad; the Normandy Invasion—D-Day; the liberation of Paris and the return of Charles de Gaulle; the Yalta Conference that began the Cold War; the surrender of German forces in Europe; V-E Day; the testing of the first atomic bomb in the American desert; the victory of the Labor Party in post-war Britain; the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima; the end of British rule in India; the Berlin Airlift; the People's Republic of China becomes a Communist state; the attack on the Republic of Korea by Communist forces; the first British test of an atomic bomb; the launching of the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine; the breaking of the four-minute mile by Roger Bannister; and the surrender of French forces in Indochina.

 

Discover Magazine: The Earliest Immigrants (25:02) Grades 6-8

Two men stumbled across a skull in the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. Their 1996 discovery then turned up 350 more bone fragments. A scientist put the bones together and made a remarkable discovery. Find out what the skeleton's clues tell us about migration to North America.

 

Discovering History: 20th-Century Biographies: Sports Legends (30:00) Grades 9-12

The 20th century was ripe with Olympic heroes and professional sports icons. Explore the careers of sports legends in baseball, boxing, track and field, and swimming. Segments cover Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, and Gertrude Ederle.

 

Discovering Ancient Greece (1500-100 B.C.) (35:30) Grades 6-8

Beautiful live-action photography, combined with architectural reconstruction's and ancient works of art, take students on a voyage into a long-lost world. Students visit Mycenae, site of the palace of Agamemnon; the ruins of the once great city-state of Corinth; and the great theater and center of medicine at Epidauros. Students explore the ancient temples, gymnasium, and stadium at Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. At Delphi, they discover some of the secrets of this great religious center where, for over 1000 years, Oracles uttered prophesies that shaped the course of civilization. Finally, students visit ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and discover some of the marvelous events that occurred during the "Golden Age". The end of the program examines the conquests of Alexander the Great and the Roman occupation of Greece.

 

Discovery Atlas: Italy Revealed: Short Stories (1:00:00) Grades 6-12

Italy is a small country with a long past. The legacy of two and a half thousand years of history has left its indelible mark on art, architecture, and religious practices around the world. Today classic and contemporary influences blend to create a distinct culture that is unmistakably Italian.

 

Egypt (20:18) Grades 6-8

This program explores Egypt, from its well-known historic roots found in the remnants of the pharaohs, to modern Egypt's challenge of actively participating in the global marketplace. The strong Arab influence on Egyptian culture is examined, as well as Egypt's progress since its independence from England in 1922.

 

Egyptian Bazaar (01:00) Grades K-2

The Egyptian bazaar is an important aspect of Egyptian culture. The bazaar is a lively outdoor market where people come to shop and to socialize. Vendors sell prepared foods, produce, fabrics, spices and other goods from their stations along the street. Much can be learned about the food, customs and culture of a place by observing the details of an outdoor market.

 

Empires of Early Africa (55:29) Grades 9-12

The Nile: Where Egypt Began (5 min.)—Examines the Nile’s role in the birth and growth of Egyptian civilization. Nefertiti Resurrected (32 min.)—Investigates whether a recently discovered defaced and discarded mummy is the remains of the most-powerful woman of ancient Egypt. Sub-Saharan Survey (5 min.)—Treks though this region’s history to examine how thriving gold and salt trades helped bring Islam to Africa. Islam Comes to Timbuktu (4 min.)—Looks at how Mansa Musa used his wealth and influence to turn this captured city into a center for Islamic learning.

 

Empires: The Roman Empire in the First Century: Episode Two: Years of Trial (54:57) Grades 9-12

In the years following the death of Augustus, the empire is rocked by political convulsions. A reluctant new emperor, Tiberius, fills the power void, only to face rebellious troops abroad and murderous colleagues at home. As he declines from ascetic ruler to reclusive despot, the evil Caligula prepares to take over. Meanwhile, in Judea, a charismatic religious leader named Jesus begins a soft-spoken challenge to the religious and political establishments.

 

Empires: The Roman Empire in the First Century: Episode Four: Years of Eruption (54:27) Grades 9-12

With the death of Nero, the Augustan dynasty comes to an end. Rival generals fight for supremacy, and a new dynasty brings another tyrant. Thousands are buried in Pompeii, but the resilient Empire weathers these crises. As the first century draws to a close, Rome's legacy is secured for the ages.

 

Enduring Influence: Rome, Greece, and Byzantium (55:39) Grades 9-12

Pompeii: Preserved in Time (32 min.)—Examines the final 24 hours for the people of this ancient Roman city before the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius. Greece: One Out of Many (4 min.)—Traces how an assortment of city-states in the Aegean became one of the world’s most complex and influential cultures. The Rise of Rome’s Empire (5 min.)—Shows how Rome’s emperors swept away the old republic, created a vast empire, and came into conflict with a new religion, Christianity. Byzantium and Its Roman Ideals (5 min.)—Reviews the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and how its surviving Eastern empire kept alive its achievements and heritage.

 

Executive Branch, The: Our Federal Government (18:00) Grades 6-8

The Constitution provided for the separation of powers by establishing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government. Investigate the powers granted to the executive branch, the requirements for holding the office of president, and how the presidency has evolved in terms of its influence and exercise of power since the Constitution was ratified.

 

Female Pharaohs (56:00) Grades 9-12

From the long list of rulers in ancient Egypt, two commanding women stand out: Hatshepsut and Cleopatra. Though separated by more than a thousand years, these daughters of rulers both set their sights on attaining power.

 

Freedom: A History of US: War to End Slavery, A (25:56) Grades 9-12

In "A War to End Slavery," brave soldiers on two sides endure the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil, over the future of slavery. Lincoln's eloquence At Gettysburg will soon be quieted by John Wilkes Booth.

 

Geography for Everyone (19:00) Grades 6-8

The study of geography involves knowing where you are, where you are going and how you get there. We will see that landforms are an important part of our world and can even define our lifestyles. We will see further that landforms are part of larger areas, the regions of the world and how these regions are defined by their geography.

 

Great Egyptians (24:19) Grades 3-5

Gender, age, and cunning were behind three of ancient Egypt's most intriguing rulers — and left indelible marks on the history of the country. Hatshepsut: Queen Who Became King — She declared herself King of Egypt and got away with it. Peek into her incredibly successful 22-year reign. Tutankhamen: Mystery of the Boy King — Victim of foul play? What happened to the 11-year-old king whose life was a clash between childhood and kingship? Cleopatra: Last of the Pharaohs — Discover how Cleopatra used shrewd political instincts to seduce the Roman Empire into restoring Egypt's greatness.

 

Great Egyptians: Ramses the Great (51:34) Grades 6-8

This man clearly was concerned with posterity: he built more monuments and fathered more children during his reign than any other pharaoh. View some of Ramses' legacies, including the massive figures at Abu Simbel that inspired Mount Rushmore. Then examine a key battle Ramses may have lost — the one with Moses and the God of the Israelites. Judge for yourself how well archaeological evidence supports the events described in Exodus.

 

The Great Depression (30:00) Grades 6-8

The sixth volume in the award-winning "America in The 20th Century" series, "The Great Depression" explores the “bust times” that came to be called The Great Depression. From the events that triggered the “Black Tuesday” collapse of the stock market to the myriad federal programs initiated to revive the economy, the program provides an excellent overview of the period.

 

Hidden History of the Roman Empire (26:00) Grades 9-12

Explore the daily life of the average Roman. It wasn’t all fighting tigers and conquering new territories! Archaeologists examine the domestic life of Romans to show what these people ate and why they were so particular about the Roman baths.

High Renaissance, The (22:08)

The High Renaissance, a cultural and scientific rebirth of human potential similar to that of classical Greece, began in 14th Century Italy and Then spread throughout Europe. It marked one of The greatest explosions of creative genius in history expanding The realms of science, Theology, literature, and art, from The medieval days and setting new standards for individual artistic achievement. Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael, working in both Florence and Rome, created some of The greatest masterpieces of all time. From Leonardo Da Vinci's smiling Mona Lisa to Michelangelo's imposing David and The ceiling of The Sistine Chapel, The Renaissance and The art it produced will forever remain a High point for mankind.

 

History in Focus: 1920-1929 (28:04) Grades 6-8

"History in Focus" examines the formative events of a decade in the 20th century using many forms of media: archival photographs and moving images, radio and television broadcasts, print, and newsreels. History comes alive as figures from the worlds of politics, entertainment, sports, science, and technology come to life.
“The Great War” was over and prosperity was on the horizon. President Harding promised, “a return to normalcy." Americans went to work and the economy boomed. Citizens sought their fortunes in the stock market. Americans bought more cars than ever. This program takes viewers on a ride down the newly paved roads of the 1920s. Viewers learn how big industry sparked the economy and big spending nearly destroyed it near the close of the decade.

 

History in Focus: 1930-1939 (29:31)

"History in Focus" examines the formative events of a decade in the 20th century using many forms of media: archival photographs and moving images, radio and television broadcasts, print, and newsreels. History comes alive as figures from the worlds of politics, entertainment, sports, science, and technology come to life.
Includes the Great Depression, Douglas MacArthur’s National Guard, the repeal of prohibition, Adolf Hitler elected as Prime Minister of Germany, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Dust Bowl, unions organized across the country, Joe DiMaggio and the Yankees, and Jesse Owens.

 

Holocaust Heroes (55:30) Grades 9-12

Who Betrayed Anne Frank? (39 Min.)—Uncover the last days of this teenager and her life in the “Secret Annex,” and discover who may have disclosed the Frank family to the Nazis. Reunion: Children of La Hille (15 min.)— Join a group of people who survived the Holocaust by hiding in the South of France as they meet again decades later.

 

Inside the Pyramids (55:29) Grades 9-12

Master Builders (32 min.)—Explores the mystery and engineering mastery of pyramid builders from ancient civilizations around the globe. Sneferu, King of Pyramids (18 min.)—Profiles the Egyptian king whose pioneering new geometry allowed him to build the world’s first true pyramid and launch the golden age of Pyramids.

 

Journals Through History: Ancient Egypt: Constructing Civilization (17:24) Grades 3-5

Explore the ancient civilization of Egypt through the eyes of Ahtet, a young student whose journals offer a guided tour of his country. Part history, part geography, and part journal-writing, this animated series makes the ancient world relevant to today's students. Introduce students to ancient Egypt through the journals of Ahtet, a young boy who writes about his life and civilization. In this episode, meet Egypt's first pharaohs and Imhotep, the visionary architect of the Great Pyramids. Explore other works by ancient Egypt's master builders, including huge obelisks, and learn how they were created, transported, and raised.

 

Journals Through History: Ancient Egypt: Land of Abundance (17:57) Grades 3-5

Explore the ancient civilization of Egypt through the eyes of Ahtet, a young student whose journals offer a guided tour of his country. Part history, part geography, and part journal-writing, this animated series makes the ancient world relevant to today's students. Introduce students to ancient Egypt through the journals of Ahtet, a young boy who writes about his life and civilization. In this episode, explore the geography of the Nile and learn about the development of irrigation and agriculture in Egypt. See how papyrus is harvested and made into paper, examine the origin of hieroglyphs, and hear the timeless story of Isis and Osiris.

 

Journals Through History: Ancient Rome: Building an Empire (17:33) Grades 3-5

Explore the ancient republic and empire of Rome through the eyes of Julius, an engaging young student who will take you on a guided tour of his country through his journals. Part history, part geography, and part journal-writing, this animated series will make the ancient world relevant to today's student. See ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to the most powerful empire the world has ever known. through the writings of Julius, a young boy living in the time of the empire, we get to experience what it’s like to live under such a powerful empire.

 

Judicial Branch, The: Our Federal Government (18:00) Grades 6-8

Examine the origins of the judicial branch and how the Supreme Court has influenced United States history and society. Students will see how the court's power has often been controversial and how the its philosophy may change with judicial appointments that reflect the political and social climate of the times. And examine the Supreme Court's influence on other branches of the federal government.

 

Korean War, The (1:00:00)

It was the first full-scale exercise of President Truman’s policy of containment, yet it became the forgotten war. Learn what set the stage for this conflict, why Truman and General MacArthur clashed, and how the shadow of Chairman Mao grew as events progressed.

 

Legacy of the Roman Empire, The (56:00) Grades 6-8

Learn about the empire that ruled much of the known world in its time. Segments trace Rome’s growth, downfall, and legacy. This program includes one feature segment and three short segments.

 

Legislative Branch, The: Our Federal Government (18:00) Grades 6-8

How does a bill become a law? What are the requirements for becoming a member of Congress? And how does the legislative branch interact with the executive and judicial branches of government? Examine the structure of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the role of committees, the powers of Congress, the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House, and the Vice President's role in the Senate.

 

Living History: Living in Ancient Egypt (20:26) Grades 6-8

This wonderful program takes a look at what it was like to live in Ancient Egypt. Students will discover the amazing role religion played in the lives, and deaths, of the Ancient Egyptians. Beautifully filmed on location in Egypt, this twenty-minute program examines various aspects of daily life during Ancient times and learns the important role the Nile River played in sustaining the ordinary people who helped build this great civilization. 20-min. Video; Teacher’s Guide with lesson plans, student activities, discussion questions, and script, 15 Blackline Masters

 

Living History: Living in Ancient Greece (19:54) Grades 6-8

Filmed on location at historic sites across Greece, this program takes a look at how life was lived in a Greek town over 2,500 years ago.

 

Mesopotamia: From Nomads to Farmers (20:00) Grades 3-5

Explore the agricultural practices and technological devices that led to the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia. Meet the nomadic people who became farmers. And see how they established city-states, developed specialized work skills, and advanced organized religion.

 

Mesopotamia: The Development of Written Language (20:00) Grades 3-5

In the area between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, the Sumerians developed a written language. Examine how they carved cuneiform characters into clay tablets andthen explore Sumerian myths.

 

Mesopotamia: Trade Routes and Transportation (20:00) Grades 3-5

For the Sumerians, the Tigris River served as an important early trade route. See how they traveled by river and overland to trade with India and Egypt. Then examine how technological advances, such as the cart, facilitated transporting people and goods.

 

Michael Wood: In Search of Myths and Heroes: Jason and the Golden Fleece (55:28) Grades 6-8

The tale of Jason, the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece is one of the oldest stories in all of Greek myth. In this episode, Michael Wood traces the route of Jason and his famous boat, the Argo, along its route from Greece to Turkey and Georgia. The story of Jason can be traced back to the town of Volos in modern day Greece. The probable site of ancient Iolkos, it was here that King Pelias feared Jason a contender to this throne and so sent him on an impossible mission to finish him off. The mission was to travel to the far away kingdom of Colchis — in the Black Sea — to retrieve the magical Golden Fleece that had been taken there. But Jason proved courageous and strong and set out on an epic route.

 

Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece (20:00) Grades 6-8

Students will view three of the most exciting tales handed down from the classical world:

·  "Daedalus and Icarus" - Young viewers meet the brilliant engineer, Daedalus, who is asked to design an escape-proof chamber for the fearsome Minotaur. When things go awry, the inventor and his son are imprisoned in the chamber. There, the quick-witted inventor fashions wings for himself and his son, and what happens next becomes one of the greatest - and most tragic - escapes in all of western literature.

·  "Pandora's Box" - An adaptation of the Nathaniel Hawthorne version of the tale, in which the world is a paradise populated by children who dance, sing, and play all day. When Pandora's curiosity gets the best of her, paradise is lost. The lesson drawn occurs when hope overcomes the evils of the world.

·  "Jason and the Golden Fleece" - The gallant deeds of Jason, an archetypical Greek hero, are recounted as he uses the knowledge of Chiron the centaur, the skill of the Argonauts, and the help of the goddess, Hera, to retrieve the golden fleece and claim his rightful title as king of Iolkos.

 

Our Constitution: The Document that Gave Birth to a Nation (24:00) Grades 6-8

Utilizing the spectacular backdrop of the events which surrounded the "We the People 200" celebration in Philadelphia 1987, this program simply, clearly and with dramatic flair, examines and explains the historical significance of the Constitution, its structure and function, and its present day meaning and importance.

 

Portrait of America (27:08) Grades 6-12

NBC reporter Norm Barry interviews a Japanese-American family in their Chicago home about the time they spent in an internment camp during World War II. The family provides impressions of the treatment of Japanese-Americans before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, their uprooting and detainment, and the conditions of the internment camps. The program provides a snapshot of the family’s life after leaving the camp. Contains primary source footage. Provided by the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

 

Profiles of Courage, Controversy, and Sacrifice (WWII): Why Pearl Harbor? (25:13) Grades 9-12

Examines the economic and political factors that led to Japan's aggression in Asia and eventually to its alliance with Axis Powers Germany and Italy in pursuit of world domination. The program discusses America's debate over isolationism versus intervention and traces its preparations for the possibility of war, including Roosevelt's signing of the first peacetime draft. in addition, the presentation explores Japan's strategy in planning the attack on Pearl Harbor, the stunning precision and secrecy with which the bombing was carried out, and the errors and misjudgments by American military that contributed to the attack's disastrous impact. Finally, the program explains how Japan's strategy backfired by forcing an outraged America--"a sleeping giant," in the words of Japan's strategist Admiral Yamamoto--into the war.

 

Real Olympics, The: Part 1 (55:01) Real Olympics, The: Part 2 (54:59) Grades 6-8

No event in the ancient world compared to the Olympic Games. With Greek culture and influence at their height, the Games drew an audience of tens of thousands. At the heart of this documentary is an ambitious reconstruction of major events, from chariot racing to combat sports, involving stunt men, horse wranglers, 40 young athletes, and hundreds of extras. Experts from universities around the world acted as historical advisors.

 

Time of Fear (55:47) Grades 9-12

In World War II, more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into relocation camps across the US. This film traces the lives of the 16,000 people who were sent to two camps in southeast Arkansas, one of the most racially segregated places in America at that time. Through interviews with the internees and local citizens, the program explores how the influx of outsiders overwhelmed and exposed racial tensions within the southern communities.

 

We Are From…: Greece (11:06) Grades 6-8

Greece is seen through the eyes of three children; Maria who lives Athens, Ioannis who lives in Tinos, and Yorgas who lives in Olympia. It illustrates Greece’s past through poets, artists, theatre and the Olympic Games. It also brings it up to date by illustrating how the children keep in touch via the internet and what the children do in their daily lives.

 

World War I and Its Aftermath (54:00) Grades 9-12

What were the events that led to this conflict, and how did the world change as a result? Four segments explain the political setting, strategies, and realities of "The War to End All Wars.”

·  Rise of Nationalism — Traces the growth of nationalism in the early 1900s by focusing on oppression in Czarist Russia.

·  World War I — Explores the causes of "The Great War" and what life was like for a solider fighting in the trenches.

·  Death from Above: The Red Baron — Documents scientists' use of forensic evidence and detective work to determine who shot down the German flying ace.

·  Communism and the Soviet Union — Explores the fall of czarist Russia toward the end of WWI, and the birth of Communism. Archival images and modern-day research form a compelling account of how soldiers, citizens, and nations fared during the war and its aftermath.

 

World War II (54:00) Grades 9-12

Examine the causes and effects of this monumental conflict. Four segments chronicle the unfolding of World War II, from the preWar days of the Great Depression to the tragic legacy of the Holocaust.

·  In Memoriam: The Holocaust — Investigates the Nazis' coordination of the Holocaust and the conditions inside the concentration camps.

·  Fall of the Third Reich — Explores Adolf Hitler's underground bunker and the attempts to erase it from history.

·  Triumph at Normandy — Examines how concerted Allied military activity drove the Nazis from the coast of France.

·  Days of Dust — Shows how the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl affected American citizens before the United States became involved in World War II. This in-depth study encourages students to consider the realities of WWII and how its impact continues to be felt in our World today.
Produced by Discovery Channel School.

 

World War II: The World at War (38:13) Grades 6-12

"World War II: The World at War" is The companion volume to "America in The 20th Century - The Road to War." The program begins where The first volume left off - The Japanese attack on The U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and The United States' entry into The growing global dispute. It reviews The two fronts of WWII and concludes with postWar issues including The beginning of The cold War and The creation of The United Nations.