Earth
Science Video Series:
During the scheduled
classes, videos will be shown to enhance the topics in the chapters of the
book. Two PBS series plus other videos will be utilized. The PBS video series below may also be viewed
in the library. Students are expected to take notes, write two questions from each
video, which the student feels were the most important points in the films.
Part S for each Module, will be questions from the student’s submitted
questions.
The Planet Earth (57 minutes each)
#1 The Living Machine Student Questions #1 Notes #1
#2 The Blue Planet Student
Questions#2 Notes #2
Earth
Revealed
Introductory Geology
Using a case study approach and employing dramatic video
footage, Earth Revealed: Introductory Geology offers a highly effective program
for students seeking to understand the unfolding of geologic processes over
time and their impact on human life today. Produced with support from the
Annenberg/CPB Project, the series is comprised of 26 half-hour telecourse
episodes that document evidence of geologic principles at geographically
diverse sites -- from the Novarupta Volcano in
(27 minutes each-two per tape):
#1 Down to Earth -- Down to Earth introduces students to the vast field of
geology, using striking visuals to help students begin to appreciate the
wonders of Earth:.
Surface conditions of the
planets Venus and Mars are compared with those of Earth, and scenes of Earth's
living landscapes lead into a discussion of how unique Earth truly is. Major
topics addressed in the series, including plate tectonics, natural resources,
seismology, and erosion, are introduced in this program.
#1 Student
Questions #1 Notes
#2 The Restless Planet -- The Restless Planet revisits the beginnings of our solar
system and the evolving Earth:
Early Greek astronomers
believed that Earth was the center of the universe. However, this notion
changed dramatically over time, especially after the invention of the telescope.
This program traces the development of astronomical theory with discussions of
the discoveries of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and
#3 Earth's Interior -- Earth's Interior demonstrates how seismic waves occur and
explains the measurement of gravity, heat flow, and earth magnetism, to provide
information about Earth's interior
Oil wells do more than just
produce oil — they serve as windows to Earth’s interior. This program introduces
the topic of geophysics, exploring methods of studying what lies beneath
Earth’s surface. Geophysicists use seismic wave studies, variations in
temperature, magnetic fields, gravity, and computer simulations to create
models of deep structures.
#4 The Sea Floor -- The Sea Floor examines major
sea-floor features: the mid-oceanic ridge, oceanic trenches and fracture zones.
The mysteries of the ocean floor
lie hidden under enormous pressure and total darkness. This program looks at
the research submersibles and indirect methods used to study the bottom of the
sea, providing a glimpse of volcanic activity, formations such as the
continental shelf and mid-ocean ridges, and life forms that thrive at extreme
depths.
#5 The Birth of a Theory -- The Birth of a Theory traces origins of the ideas
of continental drift and sea-floor spreading, and their contributions to the
plate tectonics theory.
In the 1960s, earth scientists developed the theory of
plate tectonics. This program traces the development of plate tectonics,
beginning with the contributions and methods of geologist Alfred Wegener.
Sea-floor spreading, continental drift, paleomagnetism, and the primordial
supercontinent Pangaea are some of the topics covered.
#6 Plate Dynamics -- Plate Dynamics introduces theory and concepts about the
movements of Earth's plates
This
program examines the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, which account
for a vast array of geologic formations and phenomena — from
#7
This program erodes the
myth of the mountain as a solid, permanent structure. Animations are used to
illustrate the process of orogeny (mountain building) through accretion and
erosion, as well as the role of plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and how
different types of rock are formed in the course of mountain building.
#8 Earth's Structures -- Earth's Structures illustrates how bedrock responds to
tectonic forces originating within Earth
A visit to the
#9 Earthquakes -- Earthquakes explores the nature and consequences of
earthquakes, the factors that cause quakes, their location and characteristics.
Showing actual footage
of earthquakes and their aftermath, this program discusses the forces that fuel
these massive events. Faults, waves, and the transfer of energy from the
epicenter are explained, and histories of the seismograph and Richter scale are
presented. The program also describes devices being developed to study — and
eventually predict — earthquakes.
#10 Geologic Time -- Geologic Time helps students develop a sense of the vast
amounts of time over which logic processes have been at work.
To illustrate the
immensity of geologic time, the entire span of Earth’s existence is compressed
down to a year. The timeline of major geologic events is superimposed onto the
year for a condensed view of Earth’s evolution. A relationship between this
timeline and that of life on Earth is established, with fossils and radiocarbon
dating playing a major role in the discovery.
#11 Evolution Through Time -- Evolution Through Time chronicles the development
of life on Earth.
The fossil record
reveals much about the diversity and development of species. This program
examines the traces left by early plants, animals, and single-celled organisms
and follows the progression of life forms over time. Connections are drawn
between atmospheric gases, climate change, rock formation, biological
functions, and mass extinctions.
#12 Minerals: The Materials of Earth -- Minerals: The Materials of the
Earth covers the origins, classifications and uses of minerals.
Minerals have been
indispensable to human civilization. This program looks at the variety of
minerals, their atomic and crystalline structures, and their physical
properties such as hardness and luster. Petrologists’ methods of sectioning
rocks are shown, and gems, precious metals, ore excavation, and the value of
silicates are discussed.
#13 Volcanism -- Volcanism explains how volcanoes are formed, and assesses
the importance of volcanic activity to Earth's geology and climate. View This
Episode.
Volcanoes provide clues
about what is going on inside Earth. Animations illustrate volcanic processes
and how plate boundaries are related to volcanism. The program also surveys the
various types of eruptions, craters, cones and vents, lava domes, magma, and
volcanic rock. The 1980 eruption of
#14 Intrusive Igneous Rocks -- Intrusive Igneous Rocks unveils the rock-forming
processes of magmas that do not reach Earth's surface but solidify underground.
Most magma does not
extrude onto Earth’s surface but cools slowly deep inside Earth. This magma
seeps into crevices in existing rock to form intrusive igneous rocks. Experts
provide a graphic illustration of this process and explain the types and
textures of rocks such as granite, obsidian, and quartz. Once again, plate
tectonics is shown to be involved in the process.
#15 Weathering and Soils -- Weathering and Soils demonstrates how minerals and rocks
change when subjected to the physical and chemical conditions that exist at
Earth's surface.
The Cleopatra’s Needle
obelisk in New York City’s Central Park is severely weathered after only 75
years, whereas the dry climate of Egypt has preserved similar structures in
that country for millennia. This program shows how weather, climate, chemicals,
temperature, and type of substrate factor into rock and soil erosion.
Environmental connections are also considered.
#16 Mass Wasting -- Mass Wasting examines the causes,
types and effects of mass wasting.
Anyone undertaking a building project must
understand mass wasting — the downslope movement of earth under the influence
of gravity. Various factors in mass wasting, including the rock’s effective
strength and pore spaces, are discussed, as are different types of mass wasting
such as creep, slump, and landslides. Images of an actual landslide illustrate
the phenomenon
#17 Sedimentary Rocks: The Key to Past
Environments --
Sedimentary Rocks: The Key
to Past Environments illustrates the
importance of sedimentary rocks in understanding
Earth's history.
This program returns to the
.
#18 Metamorphic Rocks -- Metamorphic Rocks interprets the
causative factors of
metamorphism and the kinds of rocks
produced.
The weight of a mountain creates enough
pressure to recrystallize rock, thus creating metamorphic rocks. This program
outlines the recrystallization process and the types of rock it can create —
from claystone and slate to schist and garnet-bearing gneiss. The relationship
of metamorphic rock to plate tectonics is also covered.
#19 Running Water I: Rivers, Erosion and Deposition -- Running Water I: Rivers, Erosion
and Deposition analyzes the role of running water in sculpting Earth's surface,
discusses tectonic and hydrologic cycles and how they work together to shape
the land.
Rivers are the most
common land feature on Earth and play a vital role in the sculpting of land.
This program shows landscapes formed by rivers, the various types of rivers,
the basic parts of a river, and how characteristics of rivers — their slope,
channel, and discharge — erode and build the surrounding terrain. Aspects of
flooding are also discussed.
#20 Running Water II: Landform Evolution
-- Running Water
II: Landform Evolution recognizes
the roles human activity can play in
intensifying or reducing flood danger, and describes the
process by which streams and valleys are
shaped and landscapes formed.
The Colorado River is a powerful geologic
agent — powerful enough to have carved the
#21 Groundwater -- Groundwater explains how
groundwater is distributed and measures its
importance to human life.
Approximately
three-quarters of Earth’s surface is covered by water. But most fresh water
comes from underground. Topics of this program include aquifers, rock porosity
and permeability, artesian wells, the water table, cave formation, sinkholes,
and how groundwater may become contaminated.
#22 Wind, Dust and Deserts -- Wind, Dust and Deserts covers the
formation and location of
deserts and their logic features.
Land in arid climates is shaped in particular
ways. This program shows how deserts are defined by infrequent precipitation
and how desertification relates to proximity to the equator, proximity to
mountains, and ultimately plate tectonics. Images of landscapes illustrate how
wind creates features such as dunes, playas, blow-outs, and even oases.
#23 Glaciers -- Glaciers presents the properties
of glaciers and assesses their importance in
sculpting Earth's surface
Many of the world’s most beautiful landscapes
were made by glaciers. This program shows how, explaining glacial formation,
structure, movement, and methods of gouging and accumulating earth. The program
provides images of glaciers and glacial landforms such as moraines, and
discusses how study of glaciers may help us understand ice ages and the
greenhouse effect.
#24 Waves, Beaches and Coasts -- Waves, Beaches and Coasts
demonstrates the importance
of
waves in affecting coastal landforms.
This program shows the dynamic interaction of
two geologic agents: rocky landmasses and the energy of the ocean. Aspects of
waves — their types, parts, movement, and impact on the shore — are
illustrated. The program also covers shoreline characteristics, currents, sea
barriers, tides, and how the greenhouse effect could impact sea level and coastal
lands.
#25 Living With Earth, Part I -- Living With Earth, Part I
expresses human responses to the
destructive forces of natural phenomena,
such as earthquakes and landslides.
Scenes of
#26 Living With Earth, Part II -- Living With Earth, Part II
explores the impact of human activity
on
Earth and discusses ways in which people can shape their actions to benefit
Earth.
Since the nineteenth century, humans have
turned to the Earth for energy sources to fuel their industry. This program
discusses where oil comes from, how it is extracted, and how it is converted
into energy. The effects of oil drilling and the burning of fossil fuels are
also addressed, and the potential of alternative energy sources is considered.
Oceanography Video Series
From the detailed observations of Lt. Pelham aboard HMS Challanger to the mapping of the oceans by satellites and autonomous undersea vehicles, the study of the ocean is as dynamic and challenging as the sea itself. Now you can introduce students to the fascinating field of oceanography with The Endless Voyage.
The Endless Voyage, successor to the Emmy Award-winning video series, Oceanus, focuses on the marine environment as a unique and important part of life on earth. The 26 half-hour series stands alone but can be combined with the leading textbooks in the field. Supplementary material includes a student study guide and faculty guide as well as customized online material.
Click HERE to view an entire DVD from this series.
(requires Windows
Media Player 9 or higher - Download
Windows Media Player 9)
Exploring the Marine Environment
As students discover the richness and diversity of the marine environment, they will visit locations they may never be able to see in a traditional classroom setting. Each video in The Endless Voyage combines contemporary and historical footage with computer graphics and the interviews of leading authorities in a way that is both engaging and informative. Individual case studies in the series focus on polar and tropical extremes, life on the coast, and the practice of oceanography at a research institute.
Topics Covered in The Endless Voyage:
1. An Ocean World
- The
profound influence of water and the ocean on planet Earth
- The formation of the solar system and the origin of Earth
- The origins of life on Earth
- The science of oceanography
2. First Steps
- Cartographers, early Greek exploration and Chinese contributions
- The Age of Discovery: From Prince Henry to Magellan
- Voyaging for Science: James Cook, Matthew Maury, Charles Darwin and
the HMS Beagle, and the Challenger Expedition, including major
milestones in
oceanic exploration, such as the development of the first
chronometers and
breakthroughs in sampling
- The last hundred years: voyages for science in the twentieth century
- The rise of oceanographic institutions
3. Making the Pieces Fit
- Toward a new understanding of Earth: The search for patterns and order in
the development and location of Earth’s features
- Alfred Wegener and the theory of continental drift
- The work of Benioff and Wadati (orderly pattern of deep Earthquakes)
- The Breakthrough: From seafloor spreading to plate tectonics
- John Tuzo Wilson and the Mechanism of Plate Tectonics: Lithospheric plates
floating on the heated and expanding asthenosphere (including discussion
of
“the layered Earth,” i.e. the evidence for layering, classification of
layers,
isostatic equilibrium, and sources of internal heat)
4.: World in Motion
- The confirmation of plate tectonics (paleomagnetic orientation; polar
wandering)
- Characteristics of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent, and transform)
- Hot Spots: Volcanoes, volcanic islands, atolls, guyots
- Earthquakes
5. Over the Edge
- The topography of ocean floors
- The continental margin: continental shelf, slope, and rise
- Exploring the deep ocean floor: challenges and solutions
- The deep ocean floor: oceanic ridges, hydrothermal vents, abyssal plains,
seamounts and guyots, deep trenches, island arcs
6. An Ocean’s Memory
- The challenges of studying sediments
- Sediments as historical records: what they tell us, how long they last
- Sediment characteristics and classification (size, source/composition,
and distribution)
- The economic importance of sediments
7. It’s in the Water
- The importance of water, including its influence on global temperatures
- Physical properties of water: its chemistry, different forms, behavior
changes
as it absorbs or loses heat
- Temperature and water density
- Salinity: Components and sources of the ocean’s salts
- Chemical equilibrium and the principle of constant proportions
- Dissolved Gases
- Acid-Base Balance
8. Beneath the Surface
- Ocean structure: density stratification, water movement, surface
conditions
- Refraction, light and sound
9. Going to Extremes
- Locations and interviews illustrate a series of interrelated and dynamic
oceanographic principles and elements
10. Something in the Air
- Introduction: The impact of Hurricane Mitch
- Atmospheric composition, properties and circulation
- The Coriolis effect
- Wind patterns
- Air masses and cyclones
11. Going with the Flow
- Wind over water
- Surface currents and gyres
- Effects of surface currents on climate, including upwelling and downwelling
(focusing on El Nino)
12. Deep Connections
- Formation and fate of deep water masses
- Deep ocean storms
- Tracers
13. Surf’s Up
- Introduction: The water mechanics of surfing, introduction to
-
and water depth)
- Wind waves (including rogue waves and waves approaching shore)
- Wave refraction, diffraction, and reflection
- Internal waves
14. Look Out Below
- Introduction: A look at the destructive impact of a well-documented
tsunami
- Storm surges
- Seiches
- Tsunamis and seismic sea waves
- Long-term sea level change
15. Ebb and Flow
- Tides and the forces that generate them
- The equilibrium theory of tides (the role of the sun and moon)
- The dynamic theory of tides
- Tidal currents
- Tidal Power
16. On the Coast
- An introductory look at coasts, with a discussion of the forces that have
shaped them
- Large-scale features of coasts (e.g. sand spits, bay mouth bars, barrier
islands, sea islands)
- Coasts formed by biological activity (e.g. coral reefs)
- Estuaries, lagoons and wetlands
- Characteristics of U.S. coasts
17. Due West
- Human impact on the southern
shown through:
- Harbor/beach creation and maintenance
- Erosion/landslides
- Water Pollution
- Wetlands preservation
18. Building Blocks
- A working definition of life (including discussion of matter and energy)
- Biogeochemcial cycles
- Evolution and life in the ocean: the theory of evolution by natural selection
- Evolution in the marine environment
19. Water World
- The biological classification (taxonomy) of ocean life
- Physical factors affecting marine life (light, temperature, salinity, gas,
nutrients,
dissolved gases, acid-base balance, and pressure)
- Marine processes that affect ocean life (e.g. diffusion, osmosis, and active
transport)
- Classifications of the marine environment (by light, location and
environment)
20. Food for Thought
- The capture and flow of energy
- Primary productivity (including how it’s measured, and limiting factors)
- Plankton: types, distribution, production of energy, and effects of seasons
- Larger marine producers (e.g. algae and seaweed)
21. Survivors
- The oxygen revolution and the origin of animals
- Burgess shale, architectural forms
- Survivors: the intertidal zone
- Invertebrate chordates
22. Life Goes On
- Vertebrate evolution
- Gas exchange
- Osmotic considerations
- Feeding and defense
- Fish
- Marine Reptiles (sea turtles, marine crocodiles, sea snakes)
- Marine Birds (tubenoses, pelicans, gulls, penguins)
- Marine Mammals (orders Cetacea, Carnivora, and Sirenia)
23. Living Together
- Introduction: The concept of community (marine and otherwise)
- The influence of physical and biological factors
- Competition, growth rate and carrying capacity, types of distribution, change
- Examples of marine communities (rocky intertidal, seaweed, sand beach and
cobble beach, salt marshes and estuaries, coral reefs, the open ocean,
the
deep-sea floor, hydrothermal vent)
- Symbiotic interactions and dependencies
24. Treasure Trove
- Physical resources (including petroleum and natural gas, various minerals
and
deposits, and fresh water)
- Marine energy resources (waves and currents, thermal gradient)
- Biological resources (various animals and plants used for food and
pharmaceutical
purposes, fishery management, aquaculture)
- Nonextractive resources
- Classification as renewable or nonrenewable
- Legal issues
25. Dirty Water
- Characteristics of a pollutant
- Types of pollution (examples, costs)
- Habitat destruction
- Global changes
- What can be done?
26. Hands On
- An in-depth look at the science of oceanography at a major research
institution