Antarctica: Continent of Ice
Natural History New Zealand
Limited
Running time 40 minutes
Price approx. NZ $49.95 plus $15.40 p&p
This educational video has been produced for school children between
the ages of 9 to 15 and is accompanied by a printed teacher's Study
Guide.
The video is presented in five parts, each of which may be viewed independently:
- Cold: describes the coldest place on Earth and explains how
plants, animals, birds and fish are able to live in such a climate.
- Ice: describes the various ice formations found in Antarctica,
and how scientists can use ice to learn about the history of this
continent.
- Science on Ice: describes the role of modern technology in
scientific research.
- Dry Valleys: describes the unusual dry areas of Antarctica,
the climate and plant life.
- The Big Picture: describes the impact Antarctica has on other
parts of the world.
The narrative is clear, precise, and set at a good pace with appropriate
pauses allowing for the information to be absorbed. The underwater photography
is spectacular and the graphics are simple yet sophisticated.
Although this video is geared to the New Zealand curriculum, the study
elements may easily be adapted to fit any lesson, particularly Science.
The Study Guide offers over 30 ideas for projects for various age groups.
Review by S.G. Servian
Antarctica: Life on Ice
Natural History New Zealand
Limited
Running time 40 minutes
Price approx. NZ $49.95 plus $15.40 P&P
Another first-class educational video for school children between the
ages of 9 to 15, also accompanied by a printed teacher's Study Guide
and presented in a five-part format:
- Explorers: gives a very brief outline of the history of Antarctic
exploration, the methods of travel then and now, and the impact of
tourism.
- Penguins: describes the differences between the five species
of penguin found in Antarctica.
- Seal and Pup: concentrates on the Weddell seal and its habitat.
- Underwater: looks at the largest to the smallest forms of
life found in the icy waters and how they fit into the food chain.
- Living in Antarctica: shows the living and working conditions
of today's scientists, how they spend their leisure hours, and the
disadvantages and dangers they face.
Again the narrative is clear and the photography excellent. The accompanying
Study Guide offers 14 ideas for Science projects, 4 for Biology and
24 for Social Studies.
Review by S.G. Servian