Subject: Science: Natural & Physical

Take a Look at Science Series

"Highly Recommended. An excellent resource for teaching scientific principles with ordinary, household items." -Science Books & Films
Set in the country, this series is designed to teach children principles of science with a "hands-on" approach. Judy Haladay stars as an author-illustrator named Kate. She and her young friends share a curiosity and zest for learning, which leads them to many discoveries about the world around them. Each program has three segments that offer opportunities for kids to see science in everyday life; also each includes a special film, song, or visit, related to the topic. Produced by TVO. Programs available on 10 individual DVDs, Digital Streaming Files or Videos; also in a 10-Disc Set. For pricing call in US: 800.876.2447/Intl. 603.434.9262 or e-mail

List of Titles

1. Plants; Flowers and Seeds; Growing Things

Plants - Exploring the garden, Kate shows Jeffrey the four parts of a plant: the root, stem, leaf, and flower, and their functions. We see what a plant needs to live by visiting a greenhouse, and by trying some experiments at home. Flowers and Seeds - Jeffrey discovers why flowers have more Click for more

2. Rocks; Fossils; Crystals

Rocks - When Jeffrey starts a rock collection he identifies three types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous, and learns about their origins; also we see how pottery is made by visiting a china factory. Fossils - Jeffrey and Kate study fossils, some of them millions of years Click for more

3. Birds; Flight; Insects

Birds - Kate and Jeffrey examine the special shape of birds' beaks, and find out how they are suited to diet. We see how to make two simple bird feeders. Flight - Jeffrey learns more about bird's bones, feathers, and wings, and how they are designed for flight; also, how to build a high-flying Click for more

4. Friction; Heat; Electricity (cc)

Friction - While they oil a lawn mower and then tune up an old bicycle, Kate tells Jamie about friction: how it can create problems, how it can be useful, and how it can be reduced. Viewers discover how friction plays a part in common winter sports. Heat - While Jamie helps Kate prepare Click for more

5. The Sun & Other Stars; The Moon; Gravity & Balance

The Sun and Other Stars - Jeffrey learns about the sun and its relationship to other stars, as well as the sun's effects on the earth. Kate explains how a sundial works and how to build your own. The Moon - Kate and Jeffrey study the four phases of the moon, and make a calendar to chart Click for more

6. Matter; Mixtures; Boats (Why They Float)

Matter - Kate defines matter for Jamie and then shows him how it can take the form of a solid, liquid, or gas. To demonstrate how liquids and gases take up space and have mass, Kate fills a glass with lemonade and blows up a balloon. Mixtures - Kate shows Jeffrey the difference between two Click for more

7. Energy; Wind; Air Pressure

Energy - Kate uses moving toys to show Jeffrey the basic principles of energy, the different forms it can take, and how energy is found everywhere. Two simple toys are made to experiment with energy. Wind - Kate makes a weather vane and shows Jeffrey how the wind creates weather. She conducts Click for more

8. Dairy Farm; Eggs; Waste (and Recycling)

Dairy Farm - Kate visits Jamie at his uncle's dairy farm when a new calf is born, and she learns how the cows are fed, milked, and cared for. Viewers follow the route that milk takes from the cow to the consumer. Eggs - Jeffrey learns about the parts of an egg by taking a close look inside Click for more

9. Trees; Seasons; Rain

"Highly Recommended. Covers three related biology and earth science topics, offering short animated sections to reinforce concepts. The evolution of trees is discussed against a background of beautiful scenes of the Rockies; "Seasons" is a visual delight, featuring a marshland in the summer and winter; then the Click for more

10. Sound; Time; Magnets (cc)

Sound - By examining things in nature, Kate explains to Jamie what sound is and how it travels to our ears. Back home, they look at how an oscilloscope measures sound waves, and several experiments with sound are demonstrated. Time - Jamie learns the basic principles of the pendulum through Click for more