All About Rocks & Minerals

K-Gr 5-Cartoon robots Iggy and Geo take children on a learning adventure in this live-action series. Each video concentrates on a different aspect of earth science, although some overlap naturally occurs. Viewers learn about the geological history of our planet as well as its layers from core to crust. Plates are discussed, as well as their affects on earthquakes and volcanoes. Different types of earthquakes and volcanoes are defined. Information is provided about rocks, minerals, and fossils and the different ways they are formed and categorized. Types of soil, soil layers, its formation, and its importance are also presented. Land formations are introduced, as well as information on formations found beneath the oceans. Weathering and erosion show how our planet is constantly changing. Viewers also learn about the water cycle, and renewable as well as non-renewable natural resources. Each video contains an experiment that clearly demonstrates the scientific method, is usually easy to duplicate, and includes a list of necessary supplies as well as safety cautions. A field trip to locations such as Pompeii and the Grand Canyon are also featured on each video. The KIDS section (Kids Into Doing Science) offers additional facts. Children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds participate in each video. There are frequent reviews of important concepts. Metric measurements are used. The videos also contain some graphics, with occasional simple animation, that clearly demonstrate key concepts in a kid-friendly way. The pace is brisk, the information is interesting, and the organization is clear. This exceptional series deserves a place in every library serving children.

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal. Used with permission.

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