K-Gr 4 - Is the earth moving? What is the earth made of? Why is there life on earth? These three questions, and their answers, are the basis for this video. Driven by National Science Education Content Standards for Earth Science, this production examines earth as a system: a biosphere using sunlight and containing oxygen, water and soil working together to sustain life. NASA footage, excellent graphics, and kids at a space camp make this an eye-appealing, visually diverse viewing experience. A pleasant male voice-over and appropriate background music complete the package. Fido, a basset hound, adds a few "dog facts" (e.g., it would take him a year and a half to walk the circumference of the earth, with no stops). Vocabulary words are defined as well as projected on the screen. Using educationally proven techniques, the video identifies the content to be covered, systematically tackles one question at a time, and reviews the major points at the end. Students are shown how to make their own biosphere using an empty soft drink bottle, soil, and grass seed. Elementary grade teachers will delight in the perfect fit between this video and their science curriculum. This is space science at its best.
Copyright 2000 School Library Journal. Used with permission.
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