Geologic Journey II, Episode 2: Along the African Rift

Gr 9 Up—Dr. Nick Eyles, Professor of Geology at the University of Toronto Scarborough, hosts this insightful episode of the five-part series. On location in Africa and the Middle East, Eyles shows plate tectonics in action. In the Middle East, a medieval fortress situated on two plates has separated due to a massive earthquake. In Africa, the earth is pulling apart, leaving a fissure where one can see a pool of lava. Eyles is an energetic host, and Canadian scientist David Suzuki narrates capably. Picture and sound quality are top notch, vividly capturing the exotic locations. Computer animation is used effectively to demonstrate the theory of plate tectonics. Educators should take note that Eyles discusses the role the changing landscape of the Rift Valley played on human evolution; so classrooms that do not discuss that theory may wish to avoid this program. Likewise there are illustrations of nude proto-humans that could be controversial in some communities. Overall, this production does a great job of showcasing real-world examples of a geological theory that is sometimes difficult to explain.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY