Video/DVD

Gr 1-6–With origami paper in hand, viewers can follow Leonor Rosser in a series of one- to two-minute segments which demonstrate how to construct 17 origami figures. A former special education teacher, Rosser’s Origami Alive with Leonor aired on some PBS stations. The fascinating paper figures constructed in this instructional film include penguin, piano, rocket, sailboat, samurai hat, sled, swan, whale, flower, frog, crane, popcorn container, star, and more. No mention is made as to specific origami paper dimensions; from the paper’s appearance on the screen, it seems to be the standard precut size found in craft stores. A short introduction suggests tips, such as being patient when folding since some steps require practice. The shapes progress in difficulty level. All segments feature Rosser as she folds the origami figures on a white work surface. A repeat of the clip follows the segment to assist viewers in mastering the steps. Camera angles switch from overhead views of Rosser working with the paper to front table level angles of her making folds. Many close-ups enable viewers to see how to make the more intricate folds. In the penguin figure segment, when Rosser holds up black paper to shape the figure, the shape is difficult to distinguish from the artist’s black apparel. The gentle female narrator’s voice is flawlessly synchronized with the crisp videography. Light, perky, repetitive music accompanies the demonstration segments. Following origami diagrams in print form can be difficult; this informative film makes the folding processes more comprehensible. A good choice for individual or group viewing, the production will make a fine addition to schools and libraries seeking a well-organized, easy-to-follow film which teaches the art of paper folding.–Lynn Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH

Gr 9 Up–This teen-oriented production explains the problems and dangers of identity theft and how to avoid becoming a victim. Since young people are the most common victims of this crime, the film’s seven segments tell viewers what identity theft is, how it happens, how to respond if victimized, how to report identity theft to creditors and reporting agencies, and how to protect themselves against identity theft and order yearly credit report checks. Closing tips explain how young adults can secure their personal financial information and financial transactions. The narration is supplemented by comments and advice from credit experts and government officials. However, all of the action segments feature young people, and their scenarios illustrate how easily carelessness and ignorance can lead to identity theft, huge bills, and a ruined credit rating and model the simple measures they can take to protect their financial futures. Terms, facts, and guidelines are highlighted in on-screen graphics, but most young people will need to have some background knowledge of personal finance to completely understand the concepts presented. Although this problem has received extensive coverage in adult media, many students remain unaware of the special dangers it presents to young people. This film will help them understand the scope of the problem and the importance of protecting themselves, making it a good choice for secondary personal finance or economics classes.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

K-Gr 4–This informative and entertaining live-action production highlights a variety of John Deere machines. This volume includes a visit to the Threshermen Show in Iowa where over 300 John Deere tractors are displayed as well as segments about vintage wheels, steam-powered sawmills, thrashing machines, and more. The Threshermen Show explores how farm machines have changed over the years, while “Vintage Wheels” showcases the Model-T car made by John Deere’s grandson. Action in the forest addresses concerns young environmentalists might have about forest destruction by explaining how new trees are planted for every one that is cut down. The road work segment will please children who like to watch construction work, and the “real or toy” test adds an interactive sequence to the film. Original songs by James Coffey are featured while the machines strut their stuff. Young children will especially like the lively music and upbeat lyrics of the tractor song.–April Mazza, Wayland Public Library, Wayland MA

PreS-Gr 4–Featuring live-action footage of firefighters in action, this DVD is sure to enchant young fans of fire engines. The production is hosted by “Firefighter George,” who, aside from his slightly patronizing tone, displays considerable enthusiasm for his topic. There are two lessons: one for younger children, which offers a tour of the inside of the fire engine and fire house with “Fire Dog Maggie,” and another, more in-depth look at the parts of the fire truck for older viewers. The second section in particular uses very specific terminology and offers more detailed information than is normally found in such programs. Young fire engine aficionados will be thrilled.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 2–One morning, Boswick the clown (a former Ringling Brothers clown) wakes up but can’t remember his plans for the day. Viewers, as well as his companion Phoebe the duck, know that he has a noontime show to perform. Jazzy music accompanies Boswick’s wordless actions as he takes a bath (in a swimsuit, flippers, and mask), shaves (puts on a moustache and shaves it off, covering his face with shaving cream after he shaves), dresses (with clothes on backwards), and eats breakfast (pouring a bottomless carton of milk onto a giant bowl of cereal). At 10 a.m. he heads back into his bedroom and listens to the radio, changing into silly clothes to match the musical styles being played (disco, grunge, and classical). After a game of golf, he falls asleep. The clown suddenly remembers that he must go to a family cookout. Shown in a 1920’s black-and-white silent film format, Boswick and his family of nine clowns arrive at the cookout. Returning to color film and home, Boswick takes Phoebe the duck for a walk. A sign advertising the show jogs his memory and he dashes to the theater. His show is filled with wonderful tricks that will charm youngsters. DVD extras include bloopers, a behind the scenes peek at the video production, coloring pages that can be printed, and more. Children will enjoy all the silly skits and will adore Boswick and his shtick.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS–Little Glenn T. Bear loves his diapers, but when his best friend announces that she has started wearing big kid underpants, Glenn yearns for some of his own. With a little help from his mother and father, he’s soon on his way to potty-training success. This bright, animated story, reminiscent of the Little Bear television series in visual style, features several musical numbers, including “Wonderous Underous Pants” and “Underwear Is Great.” Karaoke-style singalongs round out the production. Glenn’s road to potty training is relatively free of bumps–in fact, the details of the process are kept to a minimum here, with a focus on the emotional milestone that potty training represents. Parents will appreciate the potty training reward stickers that come with the DVD, as well as the free potty training chart, coloring pages, and “diploma” available for download from the producer’s Web site. An upbeat and child-friendly resource.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-K–Ooopsy, a female clown, leads a gaggle of ethnically mixed preschool children in singing and dancing in this production. All the action takes place in some type of outdoor park/carnival ride area. Ooopsy is an enthusiastic and beautifully made up clown, with a red wig and several very colorful clown outfits. Her vocals, dance movements, and rapport with the children are all very good. She leads the children in three well-known and three original songs: “Ooopsy, the Wonder Clown,” “ABCs” (in English and Spanish), “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Keep Your Tongue” (a bilingual song about saying kind things and not telling lies), “Tiggy the Blue Koala” (with a puppet), “The Golden Rule Song,” (with an alligator puppet), “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (bilingual), and a reprise of “Ooopsy, the Wonder Clown” in Spanish. Young viewers will enjoy singing and dancing along with Ooospy.–Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 1–Daniel Cook is a delightful, precocious six-year-old boy who has a lively imagination and an inquisitive nature. He is such an appealing child that he will quickly become a “friend” to other children. He is unfailingly polite to those around him, always saying please and thank you. Daniel has an incredible vocabulary and he speaks very clearly in a manner that will appeal to children. Whether he is creating a picture out of plasticine or learning about the philosophy of Tae Kwon Do, Daniel’s openness to new adventures invites children to explore and learn. The three segments reviewed show Daniel exploring different mediums of art including painting, drawing and sculpting; learning about different areas in science such as electricity, making paper, seeing dinosaur bones up close, and taking and developing pictures with a pinhole camera; and experiencing a variety of sports activities, including swimming, rock climbing, lawn bowling, and ice skating. Each segment is composed of five six-minute vignettes. Children may become a bit confused at times by some Canadian terminology. A companion Web site (thisisdanielcook.com) offers parent and teacher resources, information on each segment, and an online playroom for children to explore.–Eileen Barnett, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 5-8–Anyone who has seen a typical school locker or an adolescent’s bedroom knows that there are many youngsters who can benefit from the information offered here. In a dramatization, three high school students miss their car pool ride to school because each of them is disorganized in a different way. Embarrassed by having to take the bus to school, each of them vows to clean up his or her act. A professional organizer gives sound advice throughout. The first student needs to organize his personal space, mainly his room. He does so by weeding out items and using containers to keep things in their proper place. The point is made that just making the room look neat isn’t enough. Everything has to be organized efficiently. The second student needs to organize her school materials, specifically her locker and backpack. In each case, the key is to get rid of unnecessary items and to use containers, binders, and the like to organize the remaining items. The professional organizer also emphasizes the need for students to organize their electronic files, and to clearly label the files as they are created. The third student, who has been working long hours at a part-time job to the detriment of her school work and personal life, needs to organize her time. She does so by prioritizing her goals and making use of a planner. One of the best scenes occurs in a dramatization of a teacher giving out a week’s worth of homework assignments. One student writes it on a scrap of paper. Another half-listens, but doesn’t write anything down. A third student carefully writes the assignments in her planner. This program gets its points across in an accessible, entertaining manner.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 7 Up –As the video opens, a teen host defines empathy as “the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes”; later in the video, former President Jimmy Carter defines it more accurately as sensitivity to another’s feelings. The host explains that one can demonstrate empathy by helping others without the expectation of something in return. Other ways to express empathy are by listening to a friend in need or by volunteering. In a roundtable discussion led by author and teacher Dr. Hal Urban, a diverse group of teens talk about the ways in which they have displayed empathy and the reasons why it is an important quality in human relationships. The discussion is interspersed with profiles of four individuals whose actions have embodied empathy: former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter, a 16-year-old who founded a charitable group, a 14-year-old girl who makes bracelets to symbolize support for American troops serving overseas, and a teacher in the Teach for America program. Although this production may strike some viewers as a lesson in philanthropy rather than empathy, it will help students think of themselves as part of a large community and understand the role empathy plays in character education.–Elaine Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 7 Up–Honesty is more then simply telling the truth. It means being fair, straightforward, and “telling the whole truth.” This program helps students understand the meaning of honesty and learn how to develop this positive trait through discussions, role models, and personal reflection. A young host tells the teen roundtable and the audience that being honest is not always easy; it’s easier to copy someone else’s work or bend the truth. However, dishonesty has a cost–damage to your self-esteem and reputation. Each segment of the two-part program begins with a story about someone who was honest and how it affected his or her life, followed by a roundtable discussion. Next, there is a “Real Teen” example and a return to the roundtable. The first individual profiled is Jeffrey Wigand, an ex-tobacco industry insider who revealed how these companies deceived the public. Next, the honesty of Abraham Lincoln is featured. The examples of actual teens used to highlight the importance of honesty are a student who is sent to Teen Court and three students who make a documentary about the 1964 unsolved murder case of three civil rights workers in Mississippi. Finally, news reporter Gwen Ifill is profiled. This interesting, thought-provoking program will generate discussions and be a welcome addition to character education units.–Margaret Miller, University of South Dakota, Vermillion

Gr 7 Up–Viewers are shown what it means to show respect to others by learning about famous and real teen role models and by watching a roundtable discussion between a group of young adults. A teen hostess provides a definition of respect and turns the program over to the diverse group of teens, facilitated by an adult counselor, Hal Urbin. The students discuss their views about parental respect and treating others as equals. These sessions alternate with four individual profiles. Antonio Villaraigosa, the Mayor of Los Angeles, explains that he was elected because people trust him to respect their viewpoints. Don McPherson, former Syracuse University football star, relates respect to sports and talks about the need for young men to respect young women to help curb domestic violence. Among the teens profiled is a young woman whose passion for ridding lakes and ponds of milfoil weed is her way of respecting nature for future generations. “Journey of Hope” and “Build America” are two programs which sponsor activities highlighting the plight of the disabled, such as building handicapped ramps. Teen volunteers emphasize charitable acts as a way of respecting and acknowledging others. This positive and accessible program can be used in character education and community service classes.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5-9–Knowing how to behave assertively is the best way for victims to stand up to bullies. This production, which features dramatizations of six real-life situations in which students were bullied, teased, or encountered peer pressure, also offers strategies and tips on how middle school students can become more assertive. Two teen hosts, a male and a female, narrate the video, which can be paused in several places for discussion. An expert in conflict resolution gives tips throughout, noting “it’s so important for kids in middle school to stand up for themselves.” The challenging situation each victim faced is discussed. For example, one boy is “accused” of listening to the wrong music and wearing weird clothes. As his punishment, his MP3 player is broken. The other examples include a girl who refuses to go off with a group of boys she doesn’t know; a girl who is taunted for having a mole on her lip; a boy berated for being “a loser”; a girl accused of having an eating disorder after a mysterious illness causes her to waste away to 53 pounds; and a boy taunted for wearing ugly shoes. In each case, the situation is re-created in a dramatization, and the teen hosts review the victim’s response. The examples will hit home with viewers, and the suggestions offered for dealing with these problems will empower students, such as using assertive body language and not responding by shouting or screaming. The focus is on victims dealing with the problems without the intervention of adults. The comprehensive teacher’s guide includes detailed lesson plans.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

PreS-Gr 1–Designed to help children develop early social skills, this program features Mango and Papaya, two puppet characters. Mango is a monkey and Papaya is a bird. A dragon character, Argon, is voiced by Roger Daltry of The Who, and Saturday Night Live alumna Victoria Jackson is the voice of Moon Mouse. The musical adventure is an engaging mix of live action, puppetry, and animation. Mango and Papaya leave their home at the zoo and hop aboard the bus in search of someone to help. En route they come across Moon Mouse who has crashed to Earth in search of cheese. In the process of helping Moon Mouse, Mango and Papaya visit a reptile show, a bird show, a birthday party, a grocery store, and the Moon. The storyline highlights messages that encourage sharing, friendship, cooperation, and good nutrition. The songs are lively and entertaining. Among the DVD’s special features are behind-the-scenes footage and a full-length reptile show. The songs and story feature positive messages presented in a fun and engaging format. A sound addition to public library collections for young children.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 2-6–This is a colorful, kid-friendly introduction to the new USDA food pyramid. Calypso-style music, a diverse group of perky, high-energy elementary-age youngsters, and perfectly paced narration set the stage for an informative presentation about the food groups, healthy eating, and the need for an active lifestyle. Colorful vocabulary words appear to dance across the screen. Youngsters are advised to choose a variety of healthy foods and snacks and to turn off the TV/computer and get moving. Viewers will relate to the happy, healthy, smiling youngsters onscreen. A fine introduction to the new eat right/exercise national guidelines.–Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Gr 1-6–This program is comprised of three 10-minute workouts–”Get Up and Move,” “Jump Jump Jump,” and “The Need for Speed”–led by Duane Carlisle, San Francisco 49ers Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. The first part contains a proper warm up, but the last segment lacks a stretching section. Although the instructor informs the audience to “cool down” at the end of the third workout, actually demonstrating it would have been helpful. Although the cover photo suggests that both boys or girls will enjoy the workouts, they will appeal primarily to boys since the only participants are Carlisle’s own male children. In addition, the drill sergeant approach speaks very well to a male audience. Set against a gray background with lines of scrimmage taped to the floor, the exercises resemble those routinely practiced by football players. The music is upbeat and gets the blood pumping, but the workouts themselves are too short and too fast for average children to follow. Carlisle is humorous and upbeat, but persuading kids to get up from the couches or take a break from the video game console to follow these exercises may be difficult.–Ann Crewdson, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 6-12–This live-action program offers an overview of the new dietary guidelines and revised food pyramid issued by the government to address the rising problem of obesity in the United States. It utilizes man-on-the-street interviews and cartoons to emphasize its three major recommendations: “staying within your calorie or energy needs, being more active, and making wiser food choices.” Footage of actual teens helps explain how to use the new food pyramid. The host’s no-nonsense, straightforward presentation is an effective approach to delivering the message without being didactic, cautionary, or staged. Recognizing that teens are undeterred by statistics or scare tactics, she puts the ball in their court to decide what to do with the information she offers. The quick quizzes will help reinforce the information. The music is upbeat and energetic. Visual cascades of fresh fruits and vegetables subliminally urge viewers to follow a healthy diet. Background images of jocks pumping iron and cheerleaders are cleverly placed to effectively suggest to teens that they could look and feel as fit if they follow the new dietary guidelines. The teacher’s manual covers the nutritional information that appears on food packaging labels. Activity sheets and student handouts are interesting and thought-provoking. An excellent purchase for school libraries.–Ann Crewdson, King County Library System, SeaTac, WA

K-Gr 3–The New Food Guide Pyramid is playfully explored in this live-action production for primary graders. Presented in game show format with an affable host and several likable young contestants, each round spotlights a different food group and reinforces healthy food choices through a series of multiple-choice questions. Appropriate food portions are stressed, including how much a child should eat each day and an example of what that looks like on a plate. The term “overweight” is explained, followed by a super bonus round on physical activity. Throughout the game, viewers are encouraged to keep track of the points they earn by answering questions correctly, making this an excellent classroom activity. Aside from a few ill-placed sound effects, this offering is a solid and fun introduction to healthy eating.–Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

Gr 5-9–Produced and filmed by teens, for teens, this series takes a “road trip” around the country interviewing students working on writing assignments. Hosts, Julie and Nick, travel in an RV to visit students who are working on writing tasks such as a brochure, a memoir, an expository essay, a work of fiction, and more. Creative & Narrative Writing focuses on creating a plot, characters, and setting for fictional writing and explains terms such as point-of-view, foreshadowing, and flashback. Anna, an actual student, experiments with descriptive language in her mystery story, and graphics display word choices and corrections in contrasting colors. Editing & Proofreading covers the nuts and bolts of conventional English, cautioning against total reliance on word processing tools. Another student shows his science fair proposal and admits problems with sentence fragments and verb agreement. Using the Writing Process explains the basic stages of writing. The lengthiest segment is devoted to prewriting strategies such as brainstorming, freewriting, graphic organizing, and webbing. Writing Effective Paragraphs visits a ninth grade sportswriter grappling with writing an introduction, body, and conclusion for a news article. The hosts emphasize the basic building blocks of writing: purpose, unity, and coherence. More organizational arrangement strategies are discussed in Writing Expository Essays, such as cause and effect and compare and contrast. Writing Persuasive Essays offers help in presenting an argument and “appealing to an audience on a logical, emotional, or ethical level.” Writing for Formal and Informal Purposes covers instant messages, business letters, resumes, and more. The series is lively and the teen hosts divulge their own writing pitfalls in “Julie’s Blog,” and “Nick’s Take,” short video clips. Viewers will be invested in the writing successes of the interesting mix of culturally diverse teens and preteens. Appropriate for all disciplines and for extracurricular writing.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up–In eastern Washington state lies an area of strange geologic formations known as the channeled scablands–giant potholes, rips, scars, and boulders. For years, scientists were baffled by this bizarre landscape, unable to determine the processes responsible for its formation. This film traces the history of scientific discovery that led to an understanding of the processes underlying this unique landscape. The story begins in the 1920’s, when geologist J. Harlen Bretz hypothesized that the scablands were the result of a catastrophic flood rather than a gradual process. Since his ideas ran counter to prevailing geologic thought and he could not explain where such massive quantities of water originated, Bretz’s ideas were dismissed by mainstream geologists. The program follows the development of Bretz’s ideas from an outcast hypothesis to a widely accepted theory. The strength of the program is its depiction of the process of science. From the discovery of ancient Lake Missoula in Montana (the source of the floodwaters) to studies on the physical properties of glacial ice dams in Iceland, the work of numerous scientists over multiple decades contributed to our present knowledge concerning the scablands. The program ends with current research that suggests that the scablands were actually formed by multiple catastrophic floods. Stunning photography, animation, reenactments, and demonstrations help tell the story. Several scientists describe the research that eventually solved this geologic puzzle. On a negative note, NOVA appears to be trying to makes its programs more flashy. Rather than contributing to the program, the sudden transitions between shots, accompanied by glitzy sound effects, detract from the telling of the story. However, the strengths of this program greatly outweigh this minor criticism. Against the backdrop of geology, Mystery of the Megaflood tells a gripping story of scientific discovery.–Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 2 Up–Intended to make children enthusiastic about recycling, the film’s two main characters introduce and explain the importance of conservation and provide information about the garbage cycle and recycling. Viewers are shown in great detail how many materials, including glass, paper, and steel, are recycled. Children will love all of the truck and machine action with the mixture of jazz and folk music in the background. This section features men and women discussing the various processes of changing garbage into reusable items, such as iron being transformed into brake drums. The film concludes with an artist describing the projects that he creates with discarded items. Viewers are asked to think of creative ways to recycle their garbage. An interesting way to expose children to the importance of conservation and recycling.–Cynthia Grabke, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA

K-Gr 4–The segments in this BBC series include excellent live-action footage, animation, and fun graphics. Viewers are taken to a variety of locations, from Jamaica to Norway, and meet professionals ranging from a glass blower to a banana grower. The photography is clear, crisp, and visually stunning. This is especially true in the program about plants where we see close-ups of plants growing, blossoms opening, fruit ripening, and roots reaching deep into the soil. It’s incredible. This episode also has the clearest focus as it shows what plants need to survive, and examines a wide variety of plants. Temperature, Solids & Liquids discusses Celsius, the melting temperatures of various metals, spelunking, candy-making, and sieves to separate solids from liquids. Properties of Materials talks about dressing appropriately for the weather, underwater treasure-hunting, and snow sculptures, but the main focus is on magnets and magnetism are its chief focus. In Health and Growth, viewers see a variety of young animals, and learn some of the basics necessary for good heath, including diet. Ecosystems and Habitats covers balance in nature, but doesn’t offer much of an exploration of specific ecosystems, outside of tide pools. Viewers also learn the differences between toads and frogs. Light and Darkness explores light and shadows, follows a cliff rescue exercise, and introduces Indian shadow puppets. The other titles in the series were not reviewed. Programs tend to end a bit abruptly, with little final reference to the topic in question. Each video has a variety of hosts, includes some gentle humor, and features excellent videography. The British origins of the shows are reflected in the accents, some Briticisms, and the use of metric measurements. The DVDs allow chapter selection, a choice of Spanish or English, and discussion questions with reference to specific video clips containing the answers. The introduction of experts in different fields exposes young audiences to a variety of career choices. The rather broad focus of several of the programs makes them problematic for specific instruction, yet each title is fascinating. Youngsters will enjoy observing a man climb a building using magnets, watching bananas grow, and seeing beetles handled, among other intriguing segments. Classroom application occasionally may be a bit challenging.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 5-7–An amazing amount of scientific information about cells, DNA, and adaptation is packed into these 10 one- to two-minute episodes. Among the topics covered are plant cells, animal cells, mitosis, heredity, anatomy of organisms, phenotypes, the scientific method, and more. Almost every episode has a different engaging format, from an animated mock interview between a reporter and a scientist to a music video featuring vibrant photographs of microorganisms and lyrics about cell structure. A combination of still photos, diagrams, stylized animation, and video is used to visualize the technical information that is sung to various types of music or narrated. Information is also provided as subtitles, charts, or labels. The effect is a diverse and well-crafted collection of mini selections that will get students’ attention. However, the complex scientific information is given so fast that students will need a background on each topic or much more explanation in order to understand it. The episodes could be used to introduce, review, or supplement science lessons.–Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 4-6–With rapid fire sound bites, this title tackles a myriad of topics ranging from “structure vs. function” to “ecological communities” to “biotic and abiotic” and much more in 17 one- to two-minute video clips. Add a variety of characters/narrators singing, rapping, even reciting poetry and techniques including live-action footage, animation, and graphics, and the result is a lively introduction to important biology concepts. Students will find the program engaging, entertaining, and informative. Teachers will appreciate the DVD format that encourages accessing specific chapters to enrich and illustrate discussion points, and the easy interface between the “tough words” glossary and pertinent video clips. The animation is creative and appealing with characters such as Handsome Pete (an ectothermic frog), Mike and Drew (two hapless students in Mr. Einstein’s science class), and Flip and Flop (indecipherable opposites). Live-action shots range from the microscopic to animals in their natural habitats, while graphics and photographic stills illustrate a variety of concepts such as plant structure and the flow of energy. The narration is catchy and requires good listening skills, but the clever tongue-in-cheek delivery will hold the attention of all students. Science videos haven’t been this much fun since Bill Nye!–Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA

Gr 4-6–This refreshingly well-done animated production features colorful visuals, crisp narration, interesting facts, and fast-paced segments. Each of the 19 one- to two-minute video clips is long enough to provide all the pertinent information and short enough to hold the attention of students. These clips are styled as news interviews, classroom and movie theatre scenes, raps, and more. Science concepts covered include: the five layers of the atmosphere, cloud formation, wind, El Niño, the water cycle, the water table, rivers, the watershed, deltas, waves, tides, meteorologists, the Greenhouse Effect, and why weather is not the same everywhere. All key facts are printed across the screen to reinforce learning. A glossary of “tough words” is also included. A fun way to learn science.–Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

Gr 4-8–These brief BBC programs offer an introduction to the various roles and functions of water in our world. Water’s Cycle follows water from rain to ground water to rivers to human use and reclamation. In Water Supply, two narrators look at water in two very different locations: Las Vegas (NV) and Bangladesh. Floods examines flooding in Bangladesh and the methods being used to lessen the impact of seasonal rains. Each production features live-action footage, graphics, and maps to help explain concepts and processes. The real-world examples make the information more accessible to students. While the British perspective on Las Vegas is interesting, some students might be confused by some of the vocabulary (loo, wellies) and the metric units of measurement. Still, these titles will be very useful for science units as well as for social studies classes studying resource use or geography.–Suzanne Libra, Huron Middle School, Northglenn, CO

Gr 10 Up–Joe Desch’s contribution to the allied effort in World War II recently came to light, and his daughter has a lot to say about the work he did. In this documentary about a little-known effort in the United States to break the German Enigma code, the interviews are complemented by archival film and photos. The filmmakers also walk through the building, adjacent to the National Cash Register (NCR) plant in Dayton, OH, where a laboratory was set up under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and the NCR to design and build code breaking machines. The top secret project, which ultimately affected thousands of lives, was directed by a man of German descent whose visits to his mother, a German immigrant, were limited. This film gives viewers an idea of the frantic pace of the war effort, the multitude of people involved, the secrecy required, and the ethical struggles that men and women faced. Desch did what was required of him even though he knew that his contribution would mean the death of thousands of Japanese. With what he learned from his work during the war, he went on to develop the first computers used for business. This little-known piece of World War II history could be used to supplement classes in high schools and community colleges.–Alice O’Grady, Wilson High School, Long Beach, CA

Gr 10 Up–After the breakup of the Soviet Union in the last decade, historians feasted on the opportunity to learn more about the internal record of Russia’s past. While the world had limited knowledge of the Stalinist purges from the 1930’s until his death following World War II, no details were available until government records could be examined. This program goes one step further as survivors and eyewitnesses share their stories of the manner in which the Communist government exterminated an estimated 20 million of their own citizens in order to establish its power. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this moving account brings a human face to the horror by interspersing interviews with archival footage primarily spotlighting the slaughter of citizens of the Ukraine. English subtitles accompany the moving reminiscences of the elderly who outlived the oppressive government as they share vivid memories of their losses. Historians and former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski help viewers place the atrocities into both historical and contemporary perspectives. The producers, utilizing expert videography, take us to several of the most notorious locations of labor camps and other sites utilized by the Communists. Viewing of individual sections of the program is possible through the main menu. A compelling, stirring, and educational addition to most collections.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

PreS-Gr 3–The fifth title in the series features Firefighter George, Firefighter Christie, and a group of Junior Engineers. The program is divided into two lessons. The first one, for preschoolers, features four children learning about several types of trains and the items they carry: freight trains (cargo), passenger trains (people across the country), electric trains (people in the city), and circus trains (animals). Both diesel and electric trains are shown. Firefighter George details the types of cars on a train and their purpose, including hoppers, flat cars, boxcars, and tank cars. A view inside of a locomotive points out the controls the engineer uses, with their names written onscreen. Also covered are the warning mechanisms used by trains, how cars are coupled, and the function of a caboose. The second lesson is for young school-aged children and offers more detail about how electric trains operate, how the engineer’s controls work, and what is found in a railroad yard. A circus train and a passenger train are toured. Fascinating facts about trains are sprinkled throughout. Train safety tips are stressed. Web sites featuring trains are given in closing credits. A treat for train lovers.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dauton Metro Library, OH

Gr 8 Up–This visually stunning film addresses two timely topics: Native American rights and the drift towards the dismantling of current environmental laws. Four members of First Nations peoples narrate their struggles against colossal businesses such as coal, oil, paper, and uranium conglomerates that seek to exploit resources located on reservation lands. A second common adversary is the United States government. The tribes represented here (Northern Cheyenne, Gwich’in, Eastern Navajo, and Penobscot) fight to maintain their cultural traditions against outside forces and presidential administrations that want to strip mine coal in Montana, open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, mine for uranium in New Mexico, and dump toxic chemicals in a Maine river. Contemporary scenes as well as historical black-and-white still and motion pictures are backdrops for the narrative which describes the power of grassroots organizations and use of litigation, fortified by traditional beliefs and a common respect for the land. Native peoples have fought a host of enemies, and this current conflict is described as “environmental racism.” While many Washington politicians and lobbyists are working to overturn environmental laws, the Native peoples are preserving their sovereignty as well as showing everyone how to save the planet. This film is a perfect blend of visuals, words, musical background, and thought-provoking issues related not only to Native Americans but to the environmental crisis facing America. History, current events, and government classes can utilize this film to explore a host of issues and as a springboard for debate.–Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 9 Up–Shenzhen, a city of 5 million people, borders Hong Kong. Since Great Britain gave Hong Kong back to China in 1997, it has become more difficult for people to travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Hong Kong, which will retain a special status until 2047, fears being overwhelmed by a sudden mass migration of people from Shenzhen. The Chinese government, meanwhile, wants to control the border to make sure companies from mainland China don’t illegally take advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a free port with no import taxes. Only a small portion of this video focuses on the wall that runs along Hong Kong’s border. Instead, the focus is on the economic and social relationship between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The only English speaker in the video is a Hong Kong resident identified only as “Mr. Kieran,” who plays the role of narrator, tying the sometimes disjointed script together. The other individuals featured speak Chinese, with an English voice-over by a translator. They include young people from Shenzhen, middle-aged business people from Hong Kong, and an elderly man who laments how he is no longer able to travel easily from his small village in Hong Kong to Shenzhen. This video is so subject specific that it will only be of interest to advanced classes studying modern China or the modern global economy.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 6 Up–Iranian-born filmmaker Aryana Farshad takes viewers to Iran, presenting her country as a land of contrasts, one which maintains ties to its ancient roots even as it enjoys a vibrant contemporary life with a young population. The film begins by locating Iran on a world map, followed by a brief survey of its long and often glorious history. It then describes religion and government under Islamic law, and gives viewers an overview of the language, ethnic groups, food, living conditions, educational opportunities, women’s lives, and the economy. Viewers visit Tehran and other major cities as well as Iran’s Qeshm and Hormuz Islands. The film emphasizes Iran’s vibrancy, tolerance, and openness to change, while glossing over the restrictions that Islamic law places upon its population and making no mention of Iran’s ties to terrorism or place in world opinion. Visuals include striking shots of the Iranian countryside, cities, and people; the country’s priceless art and artifacts; and vintage footage of historic events. In spite of this film’s omissions about Iran’s foreign policy and domestic problems, it has more of an educational focus and a broader scope than Cinema Guild’s The Other Side of Burka, which chronicles the desperation of women in the poverty-stricken villages of Qeshm Island. A good choice for middle level and secondary geography classes.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

K-Gr 3–Focusing on life in a big city, this video reveals the sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis of Chicago. It explores what constitutes a city, how cities grow, and how a city transforms itself. The personable young host, Lee, takes viewers on a tour of his neighborhood and apartment building. The production explains urban architecture, population density, transportation, entertainment, jobs, and other aspects of city life in a clear and concise manner. A female narrator presents facts and defines terminology, alternating with Lee, who conveys a more up close and personal picture of his life in the city. Technically the production suffers from exposure problems (some scenes are underexposed) and occasional muffled sound clarity. Despite these difficulties, however, it does a good job of explaining how cities developed and how they continue to transform themselves, and also succeeds in capturing the essence of big city life for a young audience.–Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA

Gr 9 Up–To paraphrase a former New Mexico Supreme Court judge, the rule of law is the cornerstone of a free society and the first thing that a despot removes upon attaining power. The National High School Mock Trial Competition is a way for students to learn the rule of law and the workings of a criminal trial, from opening remarks to testimony to closing statements. This film begins with scenes of the California state Mock Trial championship and continues (and concludes) with the national championships in Orlando, Florida. Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, Raise the Bar maintains a serious tone, yet contains many funny and touching vignettes involving the mock trial contestants. We see the participants involved as defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, and witnesses, as well as having fun when court is not in session. A suspenseful, entertaining film, it will be an excellent addition to high school or college career libraries and will particularly appeal to students interested in careers in law or public speaking.–Larry Cooperman, Seminole High School, Sanford, FL

Gr 7 Up–Most political decisions affect the lives of young people. However, as evidenced by the small percentage of people between the ages of 18 and 24 who vote, far too many young people are apathetic about taking their citizenship seriously. This program’s message is that they must become more proactive. The most powerful parts of the video are the interviews and film clips featuring four people who didn’t let their youth be an excuse for apathy. They include John Lewis, a Congressman who grew up in Alabama and was beaten by police when he led a civil rights march; Danielle Hellman, a South Korean who was adopted by an American family and now attends West Point; Geneva Johnson, a teen who has organized a youth service organization in her impoverished neighborhood of New York City; and Jessie Laslovitch, a 24-year-old state senator in Montana who first ran for public office while a freshman in college. Between the segments, a diverse panel of teens talk briefly about citizenship. The real-life examples are much more inspiring than these clips. Rep. Lewis is shown with blood trickling down his face and onto his clothes after being beat up. “When you see a problem, don’t run from it,” Lewis says. “Confront it. Speak up and speak out.” Among the handouts is an especially relevant student activity, “Agree to Disagree,” that features a frequently heard dialogue about whether we’re dishonoring our troops overseas by opposing the government policy that sent them there.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 7 Up–Residents in a California youth prison are given the unusual opportunity to write, direct, act, and produce their own film when Lee Miller and five of his students go to the O.H. Close Youth Detention Center near Stockton, CA. This documentary follows two groups of young men who produce two films. From the initial meeting between Miller, his students, and center residents, through the entire filmmaking process, the program includes not only the process of discussing the story, enlisting actors, rehearsals, and actual filming, but also looks at the stories of why the young men are at the facility. Residents provide insightful comments about why they have been incarcerated, what they are learning, and what they hope to do when released. One young man talks about the path his older brother (who has graduated from college) has taken and his own hopes to work with kids after his release. The collaborative process required in filmmaking has a decided effect on the young men involved. Teachers and the prison warden also talk about the difficulty of their jobs and the ways in which this youth detention facility is unique in trying to ready these young men to re-enter the world as productive citizens. DVD extras include the full versions of both films produced by these young men. This moving and insightful documentary will be useful with at-risk youngsters and in social science classes as well as in public libraries.–Melody Moxley, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC