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
10 minutes
 Electron Arrangement
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.
10 minutes
 How Atoms Bond
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.
10 minutes
 Introducing the Players
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.

10 minutes
Molecular Substance and Covalent Crystals
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.
10 minutes
 Metals and Ionic Solids
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.
10 minutes
 The Rutherford-Bohr Atom
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 BethuneCookman 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
Trace the history of slavery in the United States.
30 minutes
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.