ECSU Planetarium Videos/DVDs/Laser Disks
SCIENCE VIDEOS BIOLOGY
The Human Body Grades 5-12 20 minutes Many young people take being healthy for granted. Do your students realize that all of the body systems work together and rely on each other to make the body run? Through fun demonstrations, this enthralling program helps young people understand how the body functions. Includes Teacher's Guide
The Unknown World Grades 6-12 60 minutes “Explore the Unknown Worlds around us, on us, and even in us!” This video will reveal an unknown world where: billions of bacteria exist in a single drop of sweat, Hair follicle mites live in holes in the human scalp (when they’re not on our eyelashes eating mascara), armies of creatures eat the dead skin cells we are continuously shedding. Students will discover that no matter how small they are, there are no insignificant creatures; that each plays a part in the drama of life.
Sir Isaac Newton 50 minutes By the age of 23, he had invented calculus and begun investigating motion, gravity and light. His discoveries earned him the title “Father of Modern Science.”
GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Ascent of Man Series 676 minutes An American Film Festival Award winner, this 13 volume series attempts a massive survey of science, from flint tools to the theory of relativity. The series, a co-production of the BBC and Time-Life Films was made as a science counterpart to “Civilization”. Dr. Jacob Bronowski makes for an unorthodox narrator, his non-scripted delivery ranging from hushed awe to trembling passion. He uses the crawling infant, the performing athlete, the development of the hunt and the discovery of fire to illustrate the most distinctive feature of man: imagination.
Buried in Ash 60 minutes Over ten million years ago, the North American landscape teemed with camels, rhinos, zebras, and other animals we normally picture roaming the grasslands of Africa today. What were they doing here and why did they die out? The stunning answer came when paleontologist Mike Voorhies, unearthed animal skeletons in Nebraska almost perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. A massive volcano had erupted, devastating a vast section of the west and burying thousands of prehistoric mammals under ten feet of ash.
Chasing El Nino 60 minutes Chasing El Nino is an eye-opening exploration that goes far beyond the three- minute feature story you’ve seen on the evening news. Through spectacular film footage, ground-breaking research, expert interviews and colorful diagrams, NOVA explores El Nino’s myths, reveals its devastation and explains its fascinating origins.
Dinosaur Giants: Found 60 minutes Three new dinosaur finds on one video! Go behind the scenes to uncover some of the latest dinosaur discoveries with National Geographic. Includes "Africa's Dinosaur Giants," about the recently unearthed Jobaria dinosaur; "Dinosaur Egg Hunt" about the search for fossilized eggs and baby dinosaurs; and "Sue the T. Rex" about the largest, most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found.
Habitats of the World I Video Quiz 23 minutes Grades 3-5 This program examines the wet dry cycle of the saltwater marsh and how animals have learned to adapt to this harsh environment. Students will also visit African grasslands to see the life cycle found in this diverse habitat.
Habitats of the World II 22 minutes Grades 3-5 The temperate forest is a unique habitat found in only three places around the world. Students will visit the Olympic Forest in the Northwest of the United States and see what grows among the trees. They will also visit the tropical rainforest, which is another diverse habitat. The animals and plants have their own special way of living in this environment.
Historical Geology: A Glimpse of the Earth’s Past Grades 9-12 30 minutes Like a window into another world, this video briefly explores the Earth’s 4.6 billion year history of life, land and climate. Using an interactive learning format, information about each eon, era and period of the geological time scale are covered based on the perspective of current scientific thought. Live video, graphics, and fossils tell the never-ending story of plate movement, mountain formation, climatic changes, ancient life forms, extinction, and present day life forms.
In the Path of a Killer Volcano 60 minutes In the path of a killer volcano, local tribes people were the first to see the signs. “There was a flash of light from the sky,” said one. “I thought it was my time to die.”
Tornado! 60 minutes Tornadoes, one of nature’s most powerful and frightening weather phenomenon, occur in this country at the alarming rate of over 1,000 a year. At peak speeds of 70 miles per hour with interior winds of up to 300 miles per hour, they are massively destructive to society, with 10 percent of these storms causing over $300 million in property damage and at least 125 deaths each year.
PHYSICS/ASTRONOMY
The Best Mind Since Einstein 60 minutes NOVA series - his documentary focuses on the life and work of the brilliant American physicist Richard Feynman. Learn about this Nobel physicist, atomic bomb engineer and teacher.
Calculus Applications to Physics 30 minutes This enriching presentation shows why a solid grasp of calculus is vital for an understanding of physics. The program includes Newtonian mechanics, the laws of motion for an object with one degree of freedom of movement, the concepts of potential and kinetic energy, and the conservation of energy and gravitation. Students discover that math and science work together!
The Expanding Universe: From Big Bang to Big Crunch? 20 minutes Far from being a stable assembly of stars, the galaxies interact, entwine, and sometimes even consume one another. This program examines the universe as continually expanding. It takes a hard look at cosmology’s most popular theory: that everything started in a cataclysmic explosion, and will reverse, energy expended, to end in a great crunch.
Electron Arrangement and Bonding . Electron Arrangement 10 minutes When physicists Erwin Schrodinger and Werner Heisenberg applied wave mechanics to the atom, they theorized that Bohr’s energy levels consisted of sub-levels, or orbitals. This program demonstrates the importance of the number of electrons in the outer orbitals of the properties of the atom. . How Atoms Bond 10 minutes The forces of attraction and repulsion within atoms are examined, and the difference types of bonds that form are shown. Covalent bonds, in which atoms share electrons, and ionic bonds in which an electron is traded from one atom to another are explained. . Introducing the Players 10 minutes This program introduces the atom and the three main subatomic particles-the electron, the proton, and the neutron. The location, charge, and relative mass of these particles are demonstrated. Ernest Rutherford’s model of the atom is reviewed in terms of its advances and shortcomings. . Molecular Substance and Covalent Crystals 10 minutes The program explains stable and unstable atomic bonds. Diatomic molecules form when atoms share pairs of electrons, held together by covalent bonds. Polar molecules, produced by a combination of covalent and ionic bonds, occur when one nucleus has a stronger charge than the other. . Metals and Ionic Solids 10 minutes The common properties of metal-its conductivity and malleability can be explained by the types of bonding that occur between metal atoms. The properties of metals, which are covalent solids, are contrasted with those of crystals, which are ionic solids. . The Rutherford-Bohr Atom 10 minutes With his concept of energy levels, Bohr saved Rutherford’s model of the atom. This program explores Bohr’s hypothesis that electrons can occupy only definite energy levels. The transfer of electrons between energy levels and the relationship between the properties of an atom and its electron arrangement are also discussed.
Celestial Mechanics 15 minutes One of the major problems facing early astronomers was determining the distance to various celestial bodies, and questions regarding cosmic distance scales continue to interest space scientist to this day. In this program, students investigate the distance from the Earth to the Moon, measured using a clock and simple relations of mechanics and gravitation. This program presents observations made over a period of days, allowing a test of celestial mechanics not otherwise easily performed within the confines of the classroom.
Experiments on the Doppler Effect 15 minutes Detection of the Doppler effect—the frequency shift between source and receiver when they are traveling at different relative velocities—is common in everyday activities. In this program, students quantitatively examine this shift for sound waves from a source traveling at uniform speeds on an air track and a stationary receiver on the end of the track, and from a traveling receiver and a stationary source. The frequency shift is measured by displaying the sinusoidal signals from the source and the receiver on an oscilloscope and measuring the distance between the maxima for each wave. The beats of different frequency from the source and receiver are also clearly heard on the soundtrack. The speed of the rider is measured by detectors on the track whose pulse output is also displayed on the oscilloscope.
Millikan’s Oil-Drop Experiment 15 minutes This program uses a modified version of the Millikan oil-drop apparatus to measure the radius and total charge of oil droplets. Students measure the terminal velocity of an oil drop falling under gravity in order to calculate the radius of the drop. The drop is then charged. An electric field is applied across the Millikan chamber so that the drop is suspended between the plates. The total charge on the drop can be calculated by students from the voltage required to suspend the drop. When this voltage is increased, the drop rises at a terminal velocity. Students can measure this and verify the total charge determined in the static experiment.
Projectile Motion 15 minutes This program uses slow-and stop-action photography to capture and clearly demonstrate the laws of physics that govern projectile motion in one and two dimensions. Measurements of position are made as a function of time so that they can be compared with the predictions of the equations of motion under constant acceleration. The range versus angle relation is shown, as well as the classic “monkey and gun” demonstration. Students extract data, and compare and analyze their observation in relation to the expressed theory.
The Determination of the Velocity of Light 15 minutes The velocity of light is determined by focusing a deflected laser beam back and forth from a rotating mirror to a fixed mirror and measuring the deflection of the beam’s image from its original path. The deflection of the beam is directly related to the frequency of rotation of the mirror and inversely related to the speed of light. Students record data sets of mirror rotation frequency, measured by listening for zero beats of the mirror with an audio-oscillator, and beam deflection, measured by sighting through a lens onto a millimeter scale in the path of the beam. By plotting these data sets and knowing the distance between the mirrors and the laser source, the speed of light can be calculated from the slope of the linear relationship between deflection and frequency.
The Rutherford Scattering of Particles 15 minutes The experimental observations which led to the development of the Rutherford model of the atom are reproduced in this program. Students record the number and energy of α particles scattered at different angles from bombarded thin foils of different pure materials. The observation that many α particles which bombard a thin foil sample normal to its surface are deflected at angles greater than 25° from normal enables students to understand Rutherford’s conclusion that the atom is a small, dense nucleus of positive charge with a surrounding large, diffuse electron cloud. Simple relationships describing electrostatic repulsion between the α particles and the dense nucleus and the conservation of energy of the α particles provide the link between Rutherford’s theory and experiment evidence which students can verify from their data.
From Here to Infinity 43 minutes Patrick Stewart narrates this virtual journey to the most faraway reaches of the cosmos! See supernovas, black holes, and much more!
Forces of the Wild: Influences of Sun And Moon 60 minutes The awesome fundamental powers of nature that shaped our planet and continue to be at the heart of how our planet functions, how life itself is shaped- these ideas form the core of this ambitious and astonishing five-part series, which uses spectacular natural history footage, computer animation and time-lapse sequences to explain universal concepts. This video is the first ever to offer a dynamic and comprehensive portrait of earth and our place on it.
The Origin and Evolution of the Universe (Grades 7- Adult) 59 minutes We leave to last the biggest problem: How did the Universe itself originate? This program examines the contributions of modern particle physics to the solution of the problem; the Inflationary Model of the early Universe; the asymmetry between matter and antimatter; and other intriguing facets of this great mystery.
Physical Science Concepts This engaging three-part series defines the elements of Newton’s Second Law—force, mass, and acceleration—plus related topics such as velocity and inertia; demonstrates them using basic calculations; and applies them in real-world examples. Video, animation, graphics, and narration combine to make this an excellent introduction to this fundamental law of physics. A Cambridge Educational Production. 3-part series. · Force 12 minutes Using visual examples and basic calculations, this program defines and illustrates the concept of force, with an emphasis on the relationship between force and motion. Several kinds of forces are examined, including gravity, friction, and centripetal, centrifugal, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and nuclear forces. The experiments and findings of Galileo and Newton are introduced as well. A Cambridge Educational Production. · Mass 9 minutes This program uses original animation and live-action examples to present the concepts of mass, matter, and inertia, clearly distinguishing between mass and weight. Also, Newton’s laws of motion are introduced, with an emphasis on mass as a measurement of inertia. · Acceleration 12 minutes This program defines and demonstrates the concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration, using basic equations to stress their interrelation. There is also a demonstration of how a variation of Newton’s second law of motion can be used to determine the weight of an object. In addition, the contributions of Galileo and Newton to the understanding of acceleration, gravity, and motion are discussed.
The Planets 51 minutes The Planets, a video hosted by Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation), is a riveting show from start to finish. With Stewart as your guide, you'll journey through space in ships such as Voyager, Pioneer, Mariner, Viking, Galileo, and Magellan. Breathtaking pictures of lunar sunrises, awesome sights of lava lakes, and solar flares are but a few examples of what you'll experience. Fly over Mars at 200,000 miles per hour. Explore Saturn's rings. Stewart's rich narration combined with powerful photography and an enchanting sound track make this an inspiring show.
The Scientific Revolution 41 minutes This program explores the tumultuous time in Western intellectual history that changed long-accepted theories about the workings of the universe. As new explanations clashed with older theological truths, science was to acquire a different meaning. By the time the Revolution was over, a whole new set of theories had been established, resulting from vast amounts of experimental data, new methods of obtaining and explaining the data, and a changed attitude regarding the place of humans in the universe. The program combines original and documentary visuals with a thought-provoking treatment of the key ideas, discoveries and inventions. Includes a teacher's guide.
Sir Isaac Newton: The Gravity of Genius 50 minutes A&E presents this biography of Sir Isaac Newton. One of the most celebrated scientists of all time, Newton created theories of gravity and optics and defined the three laws of motion. This program traces the life and times of the famous scientist.
Unbelievable World of Physics 105 minutes This wonderful, fast-paced video uses computer graphics and humor to teach many pivotal physics principles. Repetitive presentation and clever memory tricks help students remember equations and theories. This great overview complements your lessons throughout the semester. A classroom favorite!
Why Physics? 36 minutes This unique program goes on a fast-paced road trip to answer the "Why Physics" question. Journeying across the American Southeast, a host investigates the role of physics in our daily lives, as viewers gain an appreciation for the fundamental concepts and principles revealed by the people and places along the way. Everything from roller coasters to roadside attractions is used to explore physics concepts, while emphasizing the subject’s fun side. Viewers begin to understand that physics, far from being abstract and remote, is best observed in the immediate world surrounding us. A Cambridge Educational Production.
UNIVERSE: THE INFINITE FRONTIER SERIES
• The Astronomer's Universe 19 minutes This video is a brief survey of the Universe as known and studied by the astronomers. It is an introduction to the methods astronomers use to observe and understand the cosmos, and it is an introduction to some of the world-famous astronomers who describe their ideas and their work throughout this series. The video discusses the following: a sense of depth, the solar system, scale of the universe, strange and distant places, and how to do Astronomy. • Cosmology 21 minutes This video describes the rather complex modern theory regarding the origin and evolution of the universe. The video discusses the Big Bang theory, cosmic background radiation known as the "Echo of Creation", dark matter, and the expansion and fate of the universe. • The Deaths of Stars: Novae and Supernovae 14 minutes This video, the first of a two part lesson on the death of stars, covers novae and exploding stars called supernovae. The second part describes even more exotic stellar end stages: neutron stars and black holes. Specifically, this video discusses the stellar fireworks of novae, the remnants and chemical elements of supernovae and the Supernova 1987A. • Earth and Mars 20 minutes This video surveys two terrestrial planets, Earth and Mars. Astronomers study the Earth because it is a sample planet, the one we know the most about, and the one we use for comparison in studying the other planets and satellites. Mars in the only planet whose surface details can be observed from the Earth. • Eclipses of the Sun and Moon 13 minutes This video covers the eclipses of the Sun and Moon, which are among nature's grandest spectacles. Eclipses occur whenever any part of the Earth or the Moon enters the shadow of the other body. The circumstances of a lunar eclipse are shown followed by the circumstance of solar eclipses. The video concludes with scenes from the long total solar eclipse of July 11, 1991, observed near Cabo San Lucas in Baja, California. • Galaxies 18 minutes This video, the first of a two part lesson on galaxies, is a brief survey of what is known about the billions of galaxies which fill the universe: spirals, ellipticals and irregulars. In the second part, Peculiar Galaxies, galaxies which don't appear to fit in these three ordinary categories will be discussed. Galaxies begins with the discovery that the Milky Way is not the entire universe, but one of a multitude of systems of billions of stars called galaxies. The video discusses such concepts as distance and velocity, galactic shapes, collisions of galaxies, and clustering and large-scale structure. • Jupiter and Saturn 17 minutes This video covers the first two of the four giant Jovian planets in the solar system. Jovian ("like Jupiter") planets formed far from the Sun, are considerably larger than the rocky terrestrial planets, are completely covered by dense opaque cloud layers, are surrounded by rings and many satellites, and do not have hard rocky surfaces. The video includes discussions of the following: Jupiter, Galilean satellites, Saturn, Saturn's rings, and Saturn's satellites. • Light and Atoms 17 minutes This video is about spectroscopy, the branch of astronomy in which the properties of celestial objects are determined from detailed analysis of the light, and other kinds of radiation, emitted by the celestial objects. The video discusses the spectra of light, atoms and light, spectroscopy and temperature and motion. • The Lives of Stars 17 minutes This video discusses several of the factors which influence the life of a star once it is formed. The second of four lessons on stars in this series, the video covers: Proton-proton cycle, Mass, energy, brown dwarfs, evolution to red giant, and red giant to white dwarf. Other videos focus on the properties and formation, the retirement and the deaths of stars. • Meteorites, Asteroids and Comets 20 minutes This video introduces the tens of thousands of objects which, in addition to the nine planets and their satellites, are in orbit around the Sun. The solid objects are called asteroids, or minor planets. The objects which have material that evaporates off their surfaces as they approach the Sun are comets. When one of these objects or a piece of one lands on a planet or on a moon, the rock from space is called a meteorite. There is compelling evidence that most meteorites are pieces of asteroids which have collided and fragmented. Topics discussed in this video are: Meteorites, meteors (not of this Earth), Asteroids (celestial fragments), Comets (portents of doom), and Impacts on Earth (target Earth). • The Milky Way Galaxy 17 minutes This video describes the Milky Way Galaxy, the spiral galaxy in which we live. The video points out that much of our knowledge of the Milky Way comes from (a) analogy with other nearby spiral galaxies, and (b) observations made with radio and infrared telescopes, since the longer wavelengths penetrate the dust much better than visible light. The video covers the discovery, formation and structure of the Galaxy. • The Moon 16 minutes This video introduces the phases of the Moon as one of the first cyclical phenomena of nature recognized by early humans. The lunar phase cycle is described as the result of the spherical Moon being illuminated by the Sun, and this illumination being observed from an ever-changing point of view here on Earth. Ocean tides are shown to be caused by the gravitational attractions of the Mon and, to a lesser degree, the Sun. The video concludes with the newest theory for the origin of the Moon - the result of a large impact on the early Earth - described by the author and illustrated by computer graphics. The video discusses the following specifically: cycles and phases, ocean tides, lunar surfaces, Apollo, and the origin of the Moon. • Neutron Stars and Black Holes 17 minutes This video, the second part of a lesson on the death of stars, describes the even more exotic stellar end stages: neutron stars and black holes. The first part, The Death of Stars: Novae and Supernovae, covered the phenomena of novae and supernova, two violent events which occur during the end stages of many stars. This video on neutron stars and black holes begins with a description of the discovery of neutron stars by Jocelyn Bell, a graduate student in England in 1967. The video discusses, in detail, Pulsars and Black Holes. • The Origins of Modern Astronomy 23 minutes This video outlines the solution to one of the oldest problems in science, the problem of the motions of the planets. The early Greeks in the time of Pythagoras (~50 BC) were the first in recorded history to speculate on the motions of the planets. Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity (1915) and the recent mathematics of chaos (not included in this series) are the latest theoretical contributions to the solution. The video covers an introduction to theories and discoveries of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Einstein. • The Origin of the Solar System, Mercury and Venus 22 minutes This video opens with a discussion of the origin of the solar system. Current reasoning is that the planets, satellites, comets, and asteroids in the solar system all formed as a consequence of the formation of the Sun about 4.6 billion years ago. The video continues with examination of Mercury and Venus, the two planets closest to the Sun. • Peculiar Galaxies 18 minutes This video, the second of two part lesson on galaxies, features galaxies which don't appear to fit into the three main categories (spiral, elliptical and irregular) defined by astronomers in the mid 20th Century. The advent of radio astronomy revealed that some galaxies, often with unusual appearances, were emitting huge amounts of non-visible radio energy. This video describes those peculiar galaxies, quasars and radio galaxies. • Properties and Formation of Stars 24 minutes This video covers some of the basic properties which astronomers can determine about stars. These include distance to nearby stars by the method of parallax, observed brightness, luminosity (energy output), surface temperature, size and mass. The video continues by describing observations and properties of the interstellar medium - the gas and dust which form giant molecular clouds between the stars. This video, the first of four lessons on stars in this series, concludes with an introduction to stellar evolution, the formation of stars from the interstellar medium. Subsequent videos focus on the lives, the retirement and the deaths of stars. • The Search for Extraterrestrial Life 18 minutes From time immemorial humans have wondered who and what lives in the heavens. We see this in the mythologies and legends of many cultures. What's different now is that for the first time in history we have the technological capability to initiate and conduct searches for extraterrestrials. In the past all we could do is wonder and wait for them to come to us. Now, we can send spacecraft to explore potential extraterrestrial habitats, and we can use radio telescopes to listen for messages from extraterrestrials. In our search for life, we have developed sophisticated techniques for detecting other planets. This video will discuss such concepts as life on other worlds, chemicals, environment, extra solar planets and possible communication. • The Sun 17 minutes This video discusses our nearest star, the Sun. The role of spectroscopy is shown in determining both the composition of the Sun and the strength and magnetic fields which play a major role in the surface features seen on the Sun. The important role of satellite observations made above the Earth's turbulent atmosphere are also discussed. The video continues with discussions of the internal structure of the Sun: the core where energy is produced, the radiative zone where energy is transported by radiation, and the convective zone where hot gas rises to the surface of the Sun, releases energy to space, and sinks into the solar interior. The video concludes with descriptions and illustrations of the extensive solar atmosphere, and the violent events like sunspots, prominences and flares which occur on our star. • The Tools of Astronomy 18 minutes This video covers many of the instruments, both ground-based telescopes and orbiting satellites, that astronomers use to gather data about the universe. The video begins with coverage of traditional optical telescopes which have been used since the 17th Century to capture visible light. There is a discussion of the new electronic methods of recording data, using charged couple devices (CCD) which have replaced photographic film in most observatories. Topics specifically covered are: the Telescope (CCD), Keck telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, Radio Astronomy, and X-ray, ultraviolet astronomy.
• Uranus, Neptune and Pluto 20 minutes This video surveys the three planets discovered in the outer parts of the solar system. Uranus and Neptune are large jovian planets, with rings, dense atmospheres, liquid surfaces and many satellites. Pluto, however, is a small icy body whose physical properties seem more like those of a satellite than either a jovian or terrestrial planet.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY VIDEOS
African Contributions to US History 30 minutes This program explores the far-reaching influence of African Americans throughout U.S. history and looks at their contributions in government, business, education, labor, law, the arts, science and more. Examines at the often overlook influence Africans had on westward expansion. Looks at slavery, the struggle for freedom and African-Americans' role in the Civil War.
Booker T. Washington 30 minutes (1856-1965) Enslaved until after the Civil War, educator Booker T. Washington was one of the most influential men in black history. At the age of 16, he walked 200 miles to enroll at Virginia's Hampton Institute, an industrial school for blacks. He graduated and became a teacher, then founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which would become the largest and best-endowed black institution. His intelligent and peaceful solutions to racial problems won him the support of white society, opening the door to black progress.
Follow the Drinking Gourd (Grades K-5) 30 minutes Learn about the Drinking Gourd (The Big Dipper) and the important role it played in the Underground Railroad. Sing a song sung by slaves in Alabama and Mississippi explaining how to use the Big Dipper to flee north to freedom. This video includes the story of a family that escaped from the south using the Drinking gourd as a guide. This video is based upon the award winning children's book, "Follow the Drinking Gourd" by Jeanette Winter. A delightful entertaining and highly educational program, this video is a wonderful history supplement for elementary students during Black History Month and throughout the year.
George Washington Carver 30 minutes (1864-1943) George Washington Carver gives students a close-up look at this fascinating teacher, scientist, and inventor whose agricultural innovations improved the health, lives, and fortunes of so many people. Carver popularized the idea of crop rotation, urging southern farmers to concentrate less on soil-depleting cotton, and to focus instead on planting different kinds of crops, including soybeans and peanuts. Perhaps Carver’s most compelling quality was the way he used his ingenuity and keen understanding of botany to help solve problems faced by those in his community who needed it most-poor farmers. Through the use of dramatic recreation, archival films, photographs and actual drawings and materials, students will experience the fascinating life and work of George Washington Carver.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream 25 minutes One of the greatest and most memorable moments in the civil rights movement occurred when 200,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. Not only was the gathering of so many united people extraordinary, but that day Martin Luther King Jr. stood before the marchers and delivered his most eloquent and inspiring speech. This video offers the "I Have a Dream" speech in its entirety, as well as footage of the opposition the protesters faced, such as the fire hoses the police in Alabama used to disperse the crowds.
Mary McLeod Bethune 30 minutes Black Americans of Achievement Video Collection - (1875-1955) Born in Maysville, South Carolina to parents who had been slaves until the end of the Civil War, educator Mary McLeod Bethune always had a strong determination to read. She devoted her life to creating better educational opportunities for black students. In 1904, she opened the Dayton Normal and Industrial School for Girls, which eventually became Bethune- Cookman College. Facing much resistance from white society, Bethune was supported by contemporaries like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, and she became an important national figure, eventually serving in the 50 Nation Conference -- a precursor to the United Nations.
The Saga of Slavery 30 minutes Trace the history of slavery in the United States.
Thurgood Marshall 30 minutes Black Americans of Achievement Video Collection - (1908-1993) Born in a racially divisive time, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was compelled to make a career as a lawyer and justice devoted to the elimination of legalized segregation of blacks and whites in all facets of life. Marshall challenged the courts to integrate schools and became known as "The Crusader for Social Justice." This program covers his most important accomplishments and cases, including Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas and the civil rights victory in 1967, which ultimately led to his nomination for Supreme Court Justice.
The Underground Railroad 30 minutes Explore the dangerous world of fugitive slaves who traveled the Underground Railroad. Learn about the importance of cotton to the U.S. economy and the growth of Northern abolitionism. The pivotal roles of Thomas Garrett and William Still as two of the Underground Railroad’s greatest “stationmasters” are portrayed dramatically. The Underground Railroad 90 minutes The long path from slavery to freedom was both symbolic and grippingly real – nowhere more so than along the Underground Railroad. Through historical documents and the compelling words of descendants and scholars learn about the risk takers who put their lives on the line for freedom.
Understanding the Civil Rights Movement 46 minutes Learn about the chain of events that led to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This video vividly illustrates how Black Americans struggled to overcome the constraints of a segregated society. Historic footage and powerful visuals provide images that will allow students to witness a turbulent era of their nation's history.
W.E.B. DuBois 30 minutes Black Americans of Achievement Video Collection - (1868-1963) W.E.B. Du Bois, a great scholar and activist, earned a degree from Fisk University and a doctorate from Harvard. A teacher and a writer, he predicted bitter class divisions in America and promoted the strong concept of multiculturalism. Du Bois co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and worked for the organization until his views became too radical for the group. Attracted to communist doctrine, he moved to Ghana, denouncing his U.S. citizenship and joining the communist party. He committed his life to the advancement of black people in America and around the world.
ANIMATED HERO CLASSICS VIDEO SERIES
• Alexander Graham Bell 30 minutes Learn how Alexander Graham Bell developed the first telephone in this engaging portrait of the famed inventor, featuring an inspiring storyline that accurately portrays the period in which Bell lived. Working with his partner Thomas Watson, discover how Bell's work in creating a device to amplify sound for the deaf lead to his landmark invention. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Benjamin Franklin: Scientist & Inventor 30 minutes From publishing "Poor Richard's Almanac" to his role in establishing the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin left an indelible mark on human history. This personalized chronicle details Franklin's many accomplishments, including his scientific work with electricity. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • General George Washington 30 minutes Courageous and determined, George Washington's extraordinary military experience helped America gain independence from Britain. This inspiring portrait details Washington's rise to becoming "the father of our nation," from the first shot at Lexington to the dark days at Valley Forge. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Helen Keller 30 minutes Rendered deaf and blind by a childhood fever, young Helen Keller was all but cut off from the normal forms of human communication. Learn how Anne Sullivan was able to break into Helen's isolated world and end her awful isolation in this powerful chronicle of Keller's life. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Joan of Arc 30 minutes As English invaders advanced further into French territory, a young girl rose out of anonymity to rally her countrymen to victory in 1429. Learn the true story of Joan of Arc in this stirring portrait created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, featuring stunning animation and original music. • Leonardo da Vinci 30 minutes Delve into the life of Leonardo da Vinci in this detailed account. A master painter, da Vinci not only created some of the 15th century's most enduring works, but he also anticipated many of the advances of modern science. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Louis Pasteur 30 minutes Join the adventure as Louis Pasteur sets out to solve some of the greatest medical mysteries of all time in this captivating chronicle of his life's work. From his rabies vaccine to his work in developing a safe process for pasteurizing milk, learn how Pasteur's steadfast determination helped create a better world. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Maccabees: The Story of Hanukkah 30 minutes Journey back in time to Palestine of the second century B.C., where Antochus, a Syrian-Greek king, rules over the people of Israel. In a land where non-submission to the Greek gods resulted in the persecution and death of many Jews, a devout group known as the Maccabees struggled to hold true to the faith of their fathers. Learn of the spirit of the Maccabees in this inspirational chronicle that details the origins of the Hanukkah celebration. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Marco Polo 30 minutes From China to India, his exploits were legendary, although many doubted whether Marco Polo had actually experienced all of the adventures of which he spoke. This stirring chronicle details Polo's travels through Asia and illustrates how this Italian explorer helped open up new worlds for his European contemporaries. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Pocahontas 30 minutes Without the help of a Native American princess named Pocahontas, the English settlers at Jamestown would have died from exposure to the elements and starvation. Discover the life of this courageous woman in this lively chronicle, and witness how her intervention brought peace between two very different cultures. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • President Abraham Lincoln 30 minutes As the United States teetered on the brink of disintegration, a tall, gangly country lawyer from Illinois with no political experience on the national level saved the country and carved out an immortal place in world history. This fascinating chronicle traces the career of Abraham Lincoln - from the dark days of the Civil War to his assassination by John Wilkes Booth - and highlights "Honest Abe's" emancipation of the slaves. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • Thomas Edison and the Electric Light 30 minutes Enter the laboratory of America's most celebrated inventor in this exciting chronicle of Thomas Edison's legendary career. Through a personalized storyline, learn about the numerous creations to emerge from Edison's lab at Menlo Park and follow the inventor on his arduous quest to create a working electric light bulb. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • William Bradford: The First Thanksgiving 30 minutes Journey across the Atlantic with William Bradford and the Pilgrims in this spirited account of the Mayflower crossing. A personalized storyline chronicles the Mayflower's arrival in the New World, where Bradford discovered that the price for religious freedom was hunger, sickness and death. Learn how Bradford's leadership kept the Pilgrims' dreams alive, and how their friendship with the Native Americans helped them reap their first harvest, which they celebrated with a day of thanks. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music. • The Wright Brothers 30 minutes Others thought them crazy, but Orville and Wilbur Wright had a dream that the idea of powered flight was possible. Follow these two bicycle repairmen who risked everything, including their very lives, to attain their vision. Created by former Disney director Richard J. Rich, this award-winning program features stunning animation and original music.
OTHER CHILDREN’S VIDEOS
The Magic School Bus Gets Lost in Space 30 minutes Based on Scholastic's award-winning book series, this animated program leads children on an educational journey through science. Arnold's know-it-all cousin Janet drives the whole class crazy when she joins Ms. Frizzle's class on a field trip and gets them lost in outer space. But when the navigational system breaks down, Janet may be the only one with the knowledge to save them. Based on the book by Joanna Cole with illustrations by Bruce Degen featuring the voice of Lily Tomlin.
The Magic School Bus Makes a Rainbow 30 minutes Based on Scholastic's award-winning book series by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen, this animated program leads children on an educational journey through science. The students discover Ms. Frizzle in the closet with a magical, light-powered pinball machine, created by Ms. Frizzle herself. Ms. Frizzle is down to her last game, and if she doesn't light up the six colors of the rainbow and win the game, she will lose the machine. The students shrink themselves and go inside the machine to discover the secrets of color before the principal, Mr. Ruhle (Paul Winfield), finds them.
The Magic School Bus: Out of this World 30 minutes Based on the best-selling book series and top rated PBS television show, these Emmy award-winning animated adventures combine learning about science with unlimited fun. In this program, the class blasts into outer space after Dorothy Ann sees an asteroid on a crash course with the school. While up there they discover many comets and meteors, but will they be able to divert the oncoming asteroid? Based on the book by Joanna Cole with illustrations by Bruce Degen.
Mouse on the Mayflower 50 minutes Set sail with the tiniest Pilgrim for a music-filled voyage to the land of the free! This classic American tale provides a delightful lesson in our nation's early history. Along with our furry hero, kids will join the colonists as they cross the Atlantic, survive the harsh New England winter and befriend the Indians. A holiday treat for the entire family.