The Applications of Space Technology

Kodansha

This program covers both scientific and and utility satellites. Geostationary utility satellites include communication, meteorological, and broadcasting satellites; the science satellites cover an almost limitless range, from Explorer 1's discovery of the Van Allen Belt in 1958, to the discovery of solar wind and the gradual solution to the mystery of the polar auroras; Landsat, the Earth observation satellites, provide information for land utilization, water resource management, resource exploration, oceanic survey, and environmental monitoring. The program also covers such spin-off technologies as space suit material, high-temperature fire-fighting materials, nonflammable paper and fabrics, new insulating materials, vacuum refrigeration, and the energy-saving "Tech House." (28 minutes)

Fluid Power Technology-Control Mechanisms

Beneficial Books & Video

Summarizes the many ways to control a fluid power system. Everything from a simple hand valve to programmable controllers are included in this useful educational program. The construction and operation of pilot valves, solenoid valves, sensors, PCs, and other devices are clearly explained. Live footage from industry and computer animation make this an entertaining yet highly condensed and informative presentation. Ideal for classes in fluid power, mechanical and electrical engineering, general technology, physics, and science. (27 min.) A Meridian Production.

Fundamentals of Industrial Robotics

WAYNE N LOCKWOOD, JR.

This video includes actual footage from major manufacturers of robots as well as industries using robots in manufacturing and other processes. In its introduction, the program compares industrial robots to science fiction robots and offers reasons for the increased interest in robots. It then covers basic terminology, fundamental concepts, robot system components, classification of robots, programming, and limitations of robots. A section on industrial applications presents a representative sample of applications for which industrial robots are used in manufacturing, materials handling, quality control, and so forth. The video also describes many of the emerging career opportunities in and related to industrial robots systems...system design, system maintenance, system supervision, and system distribution. (29 min.) A Meridian Production.

Heating and Air-Conditioning Diagnosis

Beneficial Books & Video

This program covers basic inspection, checking control head and air door action, feeling and measuring line temperatures, listening for normal and abnormal sounds, as well as other techniques for finding trouble. Compares R-134a refrigerant systems with the older R-12 systems. Viewers also learn how to use a manifold gauge set to complete a performance test to diagnose system operation. A Meridian Production. Part of the series Automotive Heating and Air-Conditioning. (23 minutes)

Heating and Air-Conditioning Operation

Beneficial Books & Video

This program covers physical principles, the basic refrigeration cycle, and the function of major parts—and compares the two major system classifications, expansion valve and orifice tube. Includes theoretical and service information on R-134a refrigerant systems. A Meridian Production. Part of the series Automotive Heating and Air-Conditioning. (24 minutes)

Monoclonal Antibodies

Skillbank Solutions Ltd

Using computer graphics, this program illustrates the difference between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. It describes how lymphocytes in the bloodstream respond to the appearance of an antigen by producing antibodies to it. Problems with antibodies from the blood are discussed along with Milstein's solution. A step-by-step procedure to obtain stable hybridomas, a hybrid cell produced by the fusion of an antibody-producing lymphocyte with a tumor cell, through the isolation of lymphocytes from the spleen is demonstrated. (25 minutes)

Media History

Planet Pictures

This program is an excellent survey of the history of mass media. Academic and industry experts discuss the invention and impact of the printing press, telegraph, and telephone, all of which have allowed information to be easily transmitted over great distances. Mass media as it is currently evolving is also examined in depth. During the 1920s and ’30s, radio dominated entertainment and the news and changed America’s social habits. The advent of broadcast television in the 1950s and the rise of the Big Three networks further shaped America’s culture. In the ’80s and into the ’90s, broadcast TV audience share has declined due to cable and satellite television, VCRs, and Nintendo, and broadcasting has yielded to narrowcasting. Today, globalization and technological convergence are redefining the boundaries of communications. Where is all this leading the media industry? Only tomorrow will tell for sure. (28 minutes)

Media Convergence

Planet Pictures

The telephone, the television, and the computer are three of the most potent inventions of the 20th century and have completely transformed world society. But what happens when you combine all three into one powerful communications medium? This program examines the growing convergence of phones, TVs, and computers in Cyberspace and the radical impact on businesses, homes, and schools in this "many-to-many" communications model. Is the day coming when we can satisfy most of our shopping, banking, security, and entertainment needs while sitting in front of one smart, multipurpose screen? Is the long-predicted school-without-walls finally here? If so, what will daily life be like in the world we are on the road to creating? (28 minutes)

HVAC

Shopware

HVAC is a fifteen-minute video which is part of the series, Vo/Tech: Ins and Outs.This fast-paced, entertaining, and intriguing series introduces several occupations in the vast career pathway of vocational and technical trades. Viewers are taken on a journey through many different facets of vocational interest areas including welding, masonry, electrical, residential construction, and HVAC. Each fifteen-minute program focuses on one of these particular trades and includes interviews with students preparing for each career and working professionals on the job. The programs carefully define how the participant began in the field, what the vocation means to them, educational requirements, immediate job opportunities, and how they envision the future of each particular occupation. The series serves as an introduction to the vast opportunities in vocational interest areas and the need for qualified workers in these lucrative occupations. Important contact information is also provided for students interested in finding out more about vocational training programs. These programs will serve as a valuable resource to excite and motivate prospective students to consider a career in these high-demand and financially rewarding occupations. One 15-minute video. A Shopware Production.

Welding

Shopware

Welding is a fifteen-minute video which is part of the series, Vo/Tech: Ins and Outs.This fast-paced, entertaining, and intriguing series introduces several occupations in the vast career pathway of vocational and technical trades. Viewers are taken on a journey through many different facets of vocational interest areas including welding, masonry, electrical, residential construction, and HVAC. Each fifteen-minute program focuses on one of these particular trades and includes interviews with students preparing for each career and working professionals on the job. The programs carefully define how the participant began in the field, what the vocation means to them, educational requirements, immediate job opportunities, and how they envision the future of each particular occupation. The series serves as an introduction to the vast opportunities in vocational interest areas and the need for qualified workers in these lucrative occupations. Important contact information is also provided for students interested in finding out more about vocational training programs. These programs will serve as a valuable resource to excite and motivate prospective students to consider a career in these high-demand and financially rewarding occupations. One 15-minute video. A Shopware Production.

Suspension System Service

Beneficial Books & Video

Without proper training in suspension system service, aspiring auto technicians are in for a rough ride. This program helps deliver the knowledge and guidance students need, covering diagnosis of suspension system problems as well as detailed how-to sections on servicing shocks, control arms, struts, and springs. Viewers are shown every vital procedure, from inspecting shocks for loosened bushings, to detecting a bad strut bearing, to measuring chassis height prior to spring inspection and replacement. Important reminders like checking wheel alignment after a repair are highlighted, while colorful graphics reinforce crucial concepts. Shop safety is emphasized. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act). A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is included. A Shopware Production. Part of the series Chassis and Front End. (18 minutes)

Introduction to Oxyfuel Welding

Meridian Education

This video very clearly explains and demonstrates the careful and safe method of using the combination of acetylene and oxygen gas cylinders. Pressure regulators, check valves, and hoses and fittings are demonstrated as well as torch tubes and tips. Clear instructions on ignition, use of the outfit, and shutting down are provided along with tips on flame adjustment and methods to direct it to the work area. Also demonstrated are various welding techniques and types of welds. (14 min.) A Meridian Production.

Radio History

Planet Pictures

This program tells the complete story of radio, from its roots in Marconi's wireless telegraphy and the invention of the vacuum tube by Lee De Forest, to its heyday in the 1930s and subsequent upstaging by television in a battle for audience-share. Academic experts discuss the impact of early innovators like Frank Conrad of station KDKA, Pittsburgh, who broadcasted from his garage; the power of personalities to influence mass audiences, citing FDR, Edward R. Murrow, and Orson Welles as examples; radio's role as a vehicle for delivering mass audiences to advertisers; and the superior ability of the radio to entertain and actively engage listeners in the "theater of the mind." This program provides an intriguing look at America's once-dominant mass medium. (28 minutes)

Fractions

Agency for Instructional Technology

This video describes the meaning of fractions and how to solve problems involving sums and products. Dramatized segments and computer animations focus on adjusting ingredient amounts to vary the yield of recipes at a bakery; deciding whether to hire an untrained worker at a bike shop by projecting overtime wages and short-term productivity loss; and learning to read musical notation including fractional measures. (20 minutes)

EMTs, Nurses, Therapists, and Assistants

Meridian Education

In this video, viewers are able to focus on those health care jobs which are more heavily involved in caring for people. Emergency medical technicians provide basic life support procedures before patients are transported. We learn about the various levels of experience and how they differ. The duties of nurses, therapists, and assistants are also covered, including training, job skills, and other pertinent information. A Meridian Production. One 15-minute video.

Log On for Success: Using Internet Job Sites

Cambridge Educational

Show your students how to find great jobs fast—with the Internet. This video will tell them everything they need to know to start blazing an electronic path to outstanding career opportunities. It covers how to find and then effectively search mega-job sites, industry- or profession-specific sites, and individual company sites; how to prepare Web-ready and e-mail-compatible resumes and cover letters; how to fill out online questionnaires; and how to save, organize, and keep track of what’s been posted and sent. The video also clues viewers in to what information not to post, like social security numbers, so bad guys won’t be able to scam them. In an Information Age job market, success begins with a click! A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. Correlates to the career standards from the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. A Cambridge Educational Production. (19 minutes)

Brushstrokes: The Painter's Touch

Lagardere Studio Distribution

Should brushstrokes be allowed to show—or even be shown off, like a signature—or should they be carefully effaced whenever possible, leaving the surface of a painting smooth? This program looks at both the mechanical side of the question—the influence of pigments and brush types on the traces of a brush’s passage—as well as the long-running doctrinal tension between exponents of visible and hidden brushstrokes. (27 minutes)

Jointer/Surfacer & Accessories: Operation & Safety

Meridian Education

Jointer/Surfacer & Accessories: Operation & Safety is a fourteen-minute video which is part of the series, Woodworking Power Tools. This series of live-action videotapes details both basic and advanced operational techniques for each of the five most important and useful power tools found in the woodworking shop. Clear, sharp, color video graphically portrays the proper operation of each machine, as well as the correct use of its associated accessories. Close-ups show in detail how each machine performs cutting, forming, or shaping operations.Shaping procedures and considerations are stressed throughout, emphasizing the proper use of each machine's safety guards. Personal safety procedures and equipment are also thoroughly covered, along with proper housekeeping methods which can help assure that accidents do not occur. These videos save demonstration set-up time and help you insure that students know proper, safe procedures before operating a machine. They are also excellent for review and can be used on an individual basis if desired.This series is recommended for all woodworking students as well as the home craftsman. A Meridian Production.

Manufacturing Systems

Meridian Education

More detailed information on the manufacturing system is given, including in-depth discussion of the types of manufacturing systems (continuous, intermittent, and custom, with discussion of each type's benefits and a comparison of the three), inputs, tools and equipment, workers, organizations, human and material resources, productivity, and quality control. Included is a discussion on modernization of manufacturing systems for maintaining and increasing productivity and quality. (17 min.) A Meridian Production.

Polymer Production Techniques

Meridian Education

Moving beyond Introducing Plastics Technology, this video gives your students an in-depth look at the technology skills needed to pursue a career in plastics manufacturing. Viewers learn various types of plastics and their properties as well as appropriate methods for processing raw materials into finished products. Blow-molding, compression-molding, extrusion, and injection-molding are just some of the areas covered. Maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting are also discussed. Give your advanced students an edge in plastics manufacturing. (21 min.) A Meridian Production.

Safety in the Workshop

Meridian Education

A general overview of power tools with specific suggestions for the table saw, jointer, drill press, band saw, shaper, and planers. A Meridian Production. 10-minute video.

Supercharger Service

Beneficial Books & Video

This program is a part of the Diesel Engines series of videos—which provide an overview the design, construction, and operation of diesel engines; detail the steps needed to properly disassemble, inspect, and measure the parts of diesel engines; and summarize how to install the major parts of a diesel engine back onto its short block. Turbochargers and superchargers are also described, including troubleshooting malfunctions and repair basics. Close-up shots of components and service procedures as well as computer animation give viewers maximum learning potential. A Meridian Production. (25 minutes)

Managing a Design Project

ClickView Pty Limited

The key to a successful design project is ensuring it is managed effectively from start to finish. This expert-led program takes viewers through the various elements involved in managing design projects, such as establishing a project plan, an action plan, a time plan, and a finance plan; how to apply and evaluate those plans; and design project constraints. The video also highlights the need for ongoing project assessments, and for consideration of increasingly important factors such as environmental impact. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (17 minutes)

The Phone as a Friend: Sales and Service Masterclass

ClickView Pty Limited

Valuable commentary from Michael Schiffner and Gayathri Buur-Jensen takes viewers through some useful recommendations about how to maximize sales through effective and efficient use of the telephone. Topics in this program include when to call; how to log each contact; leaving clear, simple messages; using telephone and SMS technologies to obtain catalog orders and advertise promotions; and setting a personal voice-mail greeting. Viewable/printable educational materials are available online. Part of the series Sales and Service Masterclass. (13 minutes)

Connecting People: The Human Cost of Mobile Phones

Nordic World

From miners scrabbling for raw metals…to factory workers facing inhumane conditions…to scavengers who subsist on illegally discarded products…today’s cell phones extract a social, economic, and ecological cost that extends far beyond the price tag. This program spans the globe as it shows how the manufacture of mobile phones affects both human beings and the environment. It takes aim at child labor and brutal working conditions in the mines of the Congo Republic; organized crime at collecting points for electronic waste in Norway; and the smuggling of such waste via Hong Kong to mainland China, where high-volume manufacturing turns employment into near slavery, and where children and pregnant women pick through refuse dumps that violate international law. (Portions with English subtitles, 89 minutes)

Flight: Quirky Science

Looking Glass International

As early as the 1500s, we were dreaming of flight—that's when Leonardo da Vinci tried to build his flying machine. Unfortunately, his ornithopter model didn’t work, and indeed, the airplanes of today do not have flapping wings! This program charts the history of manned flight—from the kite made by the now famous Wright brothers, which became the forerunner of the flying machine, to today's commercial planes that can top 800 kmph. What is it that makes our current planes fly 12 times faster? Advances in aviation led to the Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world, as well as to the scramjet built by NASA. So what will be the next quirky discovery for flight? Part of the series Quirky Science. (25 minutes)

Cool: Quirky Science

Looking Glass International

Cooling is more than a luxury—nowadays it's a necessity. Without refrigerated shipping and stocking, fresh food wouldn’t reach our supermarkets so easily. Can you imagine living without it? Air-conditioning, on the other hand, was invented as a means to control the humidity that was ruining the paper of printing offices, rather than as the technology we now use to cool off. This program discovers that you can’t create cold; you can only “move” temperature from one place to another. Learn how early refrigeration units used all sorts of chemicals that were harmful to the environment—and how new technology may provide a solution: cooling via the vibrations of sound. That does sound cool. Part of the series Quirky Science. (25 minutes)

Light: Quirky Science

Looking Glass International

Dispite popular belief, Edison did not invent the lightbulb—many people contributed to the invention. Mind you, the first lamp was invented around 70,000 BC. This program examines Edison's actual contribution of improving the lightbulb to become a practical, affordable, and safe product. Modern-day lighting innovations are quite startling, as many of them we can’t even see with the naked eye. Consider lasers. Nobody knew what to make of this idea that atoms could “release their excess energy as light.” When the laser was invented, people joked that the laser was “a solution looking for a problem.” And the future holds even more discoveries, such as laser-light therapy that is conducted by flashing the human brain. Part of the series Quirky Science. (26 minutes)

Paper: Quirky Science

Looking Glass International

Although writing has been around for a long time, paper has not. In fact, putting thoughts down in written form wasn't always easy or practical. This program looks at the invention and evolution of paper, from the early forms of bamboo paper, made by the Chinese, to papyrus and paper made from cloth. Of course, a related question had also evolved over time: how do we put things on paper? The pen itself has undergone some revolutionary changes. But paper today brings other concerns, as its production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases and other pollutants; thus, we now have e-paper, the one and only non-paper...paper. Part of the series Quirky Science. (25 minutes)

Underworld of Paper: All Things Paper

Looking Glass International

This program sees paper taking the form of environmentally friendly paper coffins and exquisite paper offerings for the dead according to the Chinese tradition. The Underworld of Paper explores how these intriguing paper offerings, paper servants, and paper luxury handbags from Hong Kong make shopping for the dead a brand-new experience—while away in England, amazing paper coffins from Eco Coffin are leading the way for environmentally friendly burials. Made from recycled cardboard, these paper coffins with customizable size and design are growing in popularity. From life to afterlife, our paper maestros have it all covered. Part of the series All Things Paper. (23 minutes)

Playing God: The World of Synthetic Biology

BBC Worldwide Learning

This program delves into the world of synthetic biology, showcasing innovations and speculating on what the future could hold in this groundbreaking field. Geneticist Adam Rutherford introduces the spider-goat, a hybrid animal whose milk can be used to create super-strong artificial silk for medical and other applications; he then takes viewers to an outdoor café for a demonstration of prefab DNA sequences called BioBricks, and to a California lab where engineers are making diesel fuel out of reengineered yeast. Also featured: Synthia, the first artificially created cell; and the International Genetically Engineered Machine contest. A BBC Production. (59 minutes)

Anesthesia

Krames StayWell, LLC

Anesthesia simply means a loss of sensation and usually of consciousness, typically needed in the event of surgery. This helps to keep a patient still, unable to feel pain, and safely unaware of the procedure taking place. This easy-to-understand overview of anesthesia helps patients understand what to expect and how to prepare for any procedure. The video includes visuals of actual equipment in an operating room setting. (6 minutes)

Science for Future World Leaders: EMP Bomb

National Geographic

Not if, but when. Anyone who spends much time thinking about nuclear terrorism can whip up countless diabolical scenarios: entire cities vaporized and millions of people eliminated without a trace. Now imagine something equally chilling. Picture an instantaneous deathblow to the vital engines that power our society—delivered by a weapon specifically designed not to kill humans, but to kill electronics. It’s called a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse, or HEMP. This is the story of what could happen when an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, surges to earth and cripples every aspect of infrastructure by destroying our most depended upon, and therefore most vulnerable, aspect of modern society—the electrical grid. While predicting the odds of a nuclear HEMP attack from terrorist groups is less certain, most experts agree that interference from another EMP source, the sun, is imminent. A National Geographic Production. (52 minutes)

Learning with Interactive Whiteboards

ClickView Pty Limited

Used increasingly in schools around the world, interactive whiteboards give teachers extraordinary new ways to reach students. This program introduces the interactive whiteboard, explains how it works, and demonstrates specific ways it can be used in the classroom. Viewers will learn about typical board interfaces such as pen or touch-screen, what other tools and technologies can be used in conjunction with whiteboards, and what types of practical whiteboard applications teachers might prefer depending on lower-grade or high school settings. The interactive whiteboard’s ability to reduce a teacher’s workload is also discussed. (27 minutes)

Nanotechnology: An Introduction

ClickView Pty Limited

What exactly is nanotechnology? How does it work? And how might it benefit-or endanger-humankind? This program considers those and other questions as it addresses a range of topics such as nanoscale units of measurement, the special properties of nanoparticles, the gecko and lotus effects, carbon nanotubes, surface energy, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Special sections on the use of lasers in nanotechnology and issues raised by nanotechnology are included, along with short interviews on various aspects of nanotechnology, like nanoscale chemical analysis and careers in the nanotechnology field. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (26 minutes)

Preparing and Processing Foods

ClickView Pty Limited

Since prehistoric times, the preservation of food has played an essential role in human survival-providing the stability and cultural traditions needed to create societies. This program looks at motivations and methods for preserving and processing food, how these take shape in various cultures, and the health considerations which present-day food suppliers and vendors must take into account. Viewers will learn about the properties of different foods, food policy and regulations, and the importance of hygiene standards, quality control, processing systems, and monitoring. Social, cultural, and religious meanings are examined. The video includes a case study involving milk production. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (23 minutes)

Just the Facts: Food Safety

VISUALZ

Clean, separate, cook, chill—the key processes to keep food safe! With more than 20 years of kitchen experience, chef Jonathan Locke shares his extensive knowledge of safe food preparation, proper cleanup, and sanitary storage in this video. Food-borne illness is discussed as well. Just the Facts: Food Safety is an essential component of any food-teaching program! Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (15 minutes)

Got a Notion to Sew?

VISUALZ

Get your students ready to sew! This video covers safety in the sewing lab, notions for sewing, hand-sewing basics, and an introduction to the sewing machine. Sewing projects include a pillowcase, fleece hats and mittens, a tote bag, name pennants, pillows, and other easy projects from Haan Crafts and To-Sew. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (23 minutes)

Just the Facts: Microwave Ovens

VISUALZ

Using a microwave effectively and safely is a no-brainer—or is it? In this video, Chef Jonathan Locke promotes the advantages of using a microwave as he explains how one works, what (and what not!) kinds of containers to put in one, how to correctly vent and position a container for best cooking, and how to heat up some basic types of food. He also strongly cautions against potential hazards of microwaving, giving special emphasis to serious burns that can occur from superheated water and foods like pizza that conduct heat unevenly. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (17 minutes)

Nuclear Energy

ClickView Pty Limited

Harnessing the power of the atom is a staggering technological achievement-but how is it done, exactly? This program guides viewers through the complex science and basic operation of a nuclear power station. Outlining the nuclear fuel cycle-including mining, milling, enrichment, fabrication, storage, and reprocessing-the video looks at specific mining procedures; discusses the structure and properties of uranium hexafluoride; highlights two enrichment methods (centrifuging and gas diffusion); illustrates a fission reaction; explains how a nuclear plant uses water in various capacities; and examines the challenge of decommissioning nuclear power facilities. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (27 minutes)

Innovation and Emerging Technologies

ClickView Pty Limited

Technological breakthroughs have taken place since the dawn of human awareness, but 21st-century innovation occurs at an unprecedented, seemingly rapid-fire, pace. This program showcases examples of innovation that are visible in industry today and their implications for the future. Beginning with an exploration of the basic concept of innovation, the video presents several concise case studies. These include the evolution of home video, from Betamax to VHS to Blu-ray, and the introduction of the Aurora 101, a solar-powered race car that is still in the developing stages. Nine widely recognized steps in the innovation process are explained in detail. (26 minutes)

Household Wonders (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

The Industrial Revolution in America began in the 1850s, creating a new middle class and all but eliminating house servants. This transformation was responsible for the invention of today's household wonders including the stove, microwave, sewing machine and refrigerator. Learn how and why these machines became indispensable to modern homes. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Nuclear Tech (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

Nuclear energy gained notoriety from the atomic bomb, but weapons are not the only way to utilize nuclear technology. From powering spacecraft to providing clean energy, the amazing power of nuclear technology has yet to be fully realized. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Phonograph (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

Thomas Edison was not the first to record sound, but his competition with Alexander Graham Bell and other inventors led to the phonograph that created thousands of new jobs and gave birth to the music recording industry. First radio and then electronic recording contributed to the eventual decline in the phonograph's popularity. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Satellites (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

The history of satellites, our eyes in the sky, is detailed by Modern Marvels. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

World War I Tech (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

WWI exposed the dark side of the industrial revolution. Technological achievements that created mass production and new forms of transportation were put to use with devastating efficiency on the battlefield. Learn how tanks, aircraft, trenches, artillery, and chemical weapons were all revolutionized during this global conflict. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Episode 2: 1940-1945 (A&E Classroom: The Class of the 20th Century)

History Education

This program covers the years 1940 to 1945, an era that saw the world torn apart by global conflict—again. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. A part of the series A&E Classroom: The Class of the 20th Century. (47 minutes)

Electric Highway: Has the Era of the Electric Car Arrived?

SW Pictures LTD

In addition to accelerating the depletion of the planet’s oil reserves, gasoline-powered vehicles on America’s roads spew hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. Currently there are two major alternatives to oil-based fuel, both of which result in zero emissions at the point of use: hydrogen—a source of energy that will likely still be unavailable for widespread use for decades to come—and electricity. This program addresses the necessity of reducing vehicular impact on the environment, while considering some of the latest developments in electric car technology. (25 minutes)

The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant

HBO

On December 23, 2008, the General Motors assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, shut its doors, leaving 2,500 men and women without jobs. This program follows the final months of the plant through the eyes of workers cast adrift. Interviews reveal the emotional toll of losing not just a job, but a sense of self—as Kathy, a body shop employee and mother of three, mourns the loss of her GM family; as Popeye, a toolmaker, views the plant’s demise as the end of American industrial power; as Kate, a forklift operator, conjures the metaphor of a “gentle dragon” taking its last breath; and as Kim, an electrician, echoes the communal farewell that unfolds as the last truck rolls off the line. An HBO Production. (41 minutes)

Safety in the Commercial Kitchen

ClickView Pty Limited

Food establishments must adhere to strict procedures and guidelines to protect workers and customers from injuries and illness. This program presents basic health and safety rules for the average commercial kitchen as it covers the three main causes of accidents, the four main types of heat, the “hot behind rule,” how toxic bacteria are transferred, the three types of contamination, dealing with spills, knife use and storage, and proper clothing. The commercial kitchen is an exciting place to work—and it can be a safe one, too, as long as staff members stay alert and follow the rules. Produced in Australia. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (25 minutes)

Blogging in the Classroom

Carmelina Films

Blogs may be driving print journalists out of business, but they're doing wonders for the teaching profession. This program helps educators learn more about blogging and the best ways to integrate it into the classroom. Showing how blogs help communicate ideas and connect readers worldwide, the video focuses on the benefits of blogging for both teachers and students. Specific topics include blogging strategies for increasing student motivation, reading comprehension, writing skills, collaboration, and healthy social interaction. Viewers will also learn about blogging for course announcements, reading assignments, professional development networking, student journalism, and other purposes. (24 minutes)

Episode 1: Harvesting the Wind (e2 |energy)

PBS

Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world, yet it has struggled for acceptance in the United States. In southwest Minnesota, however, wind energy is a burgeoning source of local power and income for farmers. Some have joined forces in wind cooperatives to invest in larger farms and reap bigger profits. In the absence of a strong renewable energy policy at the federal level, the state government plays a key role in wind policy, begging the question: Will the rest of the U.S. follow Minnesota's lead?A part of the series e2 | energy. (26 minutes)

Combating Climate Change and Improving Air Quality

Cambridge Educational

This video spotlights Pennsylvania, where a regional transportation authority is using hybrid buses to reduce emission levels (Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Cluster), a legal firm is practicing environmental law (Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Cluster), and a company is making storage batteries for solar and wind farms using clean manufacturing practices (Manufacturing Cluster). The program also travels to Colorado, where the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is pursuing research into the development of alternative energy (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster). A Cambridge Educational Production. A part of the series Green Careers. (27 minutes)

Deadly Driving Distractions: Texting, Cell Phones, and Other Killers

Meridian Education

According to insurance statistics, distracted drivers are responsible for almost 80 percent of all car crashes and 65 percent of near collisions in the United States. In this Telly Award–winning video, celebrity psychology researcher David Strayer, a driving instructor, and other experts underscore the hazards of driving while texting, while talking on a cell or using an MP3 player, while eating, and while drunk—clinically speaking, a cognitive form of driving distraction—as they advise on safe driving techniques. In addition, young adults add extra credibility to the “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” message by expressing concern about their own distracted driving behaviors. The program concludes with the story of a young man who died behind the wheel because he was texting: “yeah t” were his last words—the unsent message at the time of impact. Poignant; persuasive. Viewable/printable discussion questions are available online. A Coproduction of Meridian Education and MotionMasters. (20 minutes)

Effective Communication in Business

ClickView Pty Limited

When a person has to rush to work in his pajamas because he’s overslept (and, incidentally, his house was demolished by accident while he was asleep in it), it’s the start of what can only be a very bad day. This humorously surreal dramatization tracks “pajama man” around the office to make serious points about verbal vs. nonverbal and formal vs. informal communication; how communication can break down due to misunderstanding or distraction; why failures of business communication can be so detrimental, whether they are internal, B2B, or customer-facing; and the liabilities of unethical communications such as spamming and inappropriate texting. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (20 minutes)

Slaves of the Cyberworld

Java Films

It goes by many names—digital outsourcing, micropayment, or an assortment of other harmless monikers. But when the hungry and desperate supply round-the-clock online labor for pennies or nothing, the term “slavery” starts to gain validity. This program examines the issue on a global level as it reveals the human cost of exploitative Internet businesses. Viewers meet struggling Serbian camera slingers who supply image after image to avaricious stock photography sites; a French waitress trying to make ends meet as an online translator, despite earning only a fraction of the minimum wage; and Chinese teenagers who, after working brutally long shifts testing video games, wait for paychecks that may never come. (54 minutes)

20,000 Cables under the Sea: The Internet and the Physics of Fiber Optics

German United Distributors

The Internet’s mind-boggling flow of data that circulates so freely “in the cloud” does much of its real-world traveling beneath the sea in bundles of fiber-optic cable. This program sets sail on the Leon Thevenin as a repair team identifies a damaged length of cable on the floor of the North Sea and then painstakingly splices in a new section. In addition, the program discusses high-bandwidth digital developments such as naked-eye 3-D video and describes the principles of applied fiber-optic physics, cable-manufacturing processes, and cable-laying techniques that are making such advanced Internet technology a reality. (46 minutes)

Mysteries of Matter: Chemistry and the Elements, from Hennig Brandt to Humphry Davy

BBC Worldwide Learning

Until the 17th century, the building blocks of the natural world were a mystery. Of elements there were believed to be four—air, earth, fire, and water—and the science of chemistry had yet to be born. This program identifies some of the first chemical elements to be discovered by spotlighting the work of Hennig Brandt, Robert Boyle, Henry Cavendish, Joseph Priestly, Antoine Lavoisier, and Humphry Davy. Experiments re-created in the video include Brandt’s isolation of phosphorus from urine, Cavendish’s isolation of hydrogen from zinc and hydrochloric acid, Lavoisier’s isolation of oxygen from mercuric oxide, Davy’s isolation of potassium from potash, and more. Johann Becher’s Phlogiston Theory—arguably the most colossal error in chemistry history—is discussed as well. Original BBC broadcast title: Mysteries of Matter. A part of the series Elements: Making Sense of Matter. (51 minutes)

Woodworking Safety

Shopware

Woodworking can be a fun and very rewarding hobby or profession. However, the technology behind it can be dangerous without proper training and attention. This video summarizes the most critical safety measures to observe when using table saws, radial arm saws, planers, routers, lathes, jointers, large belt sanders, and other woodworking technology. The bottom line? Woodworking tools and equipment are very powerful machines that must be understood and respected. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act). A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A Shopware Production. Part 3 of the Safety and Technology Series. (19 minutes)

Aqueducts: Man-Made Rivers of Life (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

Man-made rivers quenched the thirst of millions in the American west and around the world. Without these aqueducts some of the world's largest cities would turn into gigantic ghost towns. Their technology has been in use for over 2,000 years, but today these engineering marvels cost billions of dollars to build, requiring thousands of men to toil for years on end. Aqueducts have made some men famous and others fabulously wealthy. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Computers (Modern Marvels)

Modern Marvels

This program takes a detailed look at the evolution of computers as it traces their development from the days of the ENIAC to IBM’s awesome ASCI White, which can perform 12 trillion calculations per second. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes)

Hand Tools for Woodworking

ClickView Pty Limited

Even though there are plenty of machines and portable power tools available to undertake most woodworking tasks, there will always be a place for hand tools in the modern workshop. In this program, woodworking enthusiast Stuart Lees shows how to use a variety of saws, planes, and chisels. In the process, he explains how to measure and mark out a project and then safely secure it. Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act). Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (24 minutes)

Automotive Design: CAD/CAM Case Studies

ClickView Pty Limited

This program looks at two examples of innovative automotive design that were created with the help of computer-assisted drafting (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM). In part one, a design student who won the prestigious Transportation Design Forum award for his “Tribe Car” explains how he invented the vehicle with CAD/CAM software. In part two, a Drew Price Engineering manager describes the development process behind DPE’s go-kart fuel tank, highlighting the advantages of using CAD/CAM instead of paper. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (33 minutes)

Health and Safety Issues in ICT

ClickView Pty Limited

Information and Communication Technology is used so constantly for both work and play that it’s easy to forget about the dangers it can pose in the form of back pain, eye strain, or simply tripping over a tangle of cluttered cables. This program discusses health and safety issues pertaining to the use of ICT, covering topics such as ergonomics, the positioning of computer hardware, keyboarding and mousing, and problems that can arise from not stopping to take breaks. The video includes a range of exercises designed to prevent injury. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (19 minutes)

The History of Computers

ClickView Pty Limited

This program traces the development of the electronic computer, from the valve-based devices of the mid-20th century to the invention of silicon-based technology and through to the manufacture of the first personal computers. The constant phenomenal growth in computing power and speed and the resulting reduction in costs are central themes. The video ends by examining what the future might hold in relation to computing technologies. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (29 minutes)

Commercial Printing Processes

ClickView Pty Limited

This program examines common commercial printing processes in use today, including offset lithographic, digital, screen, and flexographic. Types of binding and finishing that will be used for books, food wrappers, plastics, and other applications are also discussed. In addition, industry experts explain how commercial printers can help clients decide on the best way to present their product by considering choices in paper quality, cost, and printing and finishing methods. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (25 minutes)

Integrating ICT in the Curriculum

ClickView Pty Limited

The task of successfully integrating Information and Communication Technology into the classroom raises a number of questions. What is the role of this tool? Does it enhance the educational process? Are students engaged by technology, or intimidated? Through interviews and case studies, this program assists viewers in coming to some conclusions about the use of ICT at the elementary and secondary school levels. Produced in Australia. A viewable/printable worksheet is available online. (29 minutes)

Printed Circuit Boards: Uses, Design, and Manufacture

Pumpkin TV

As technology progresses, printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are becoming ever more central to daily life. As such, an understanding of basic circuitry and how to apply it to PCB assembly is vital to almost any engineer or technical designer. This program highlights the importance of PCBs and follows their industrial manufacture from design brief to completion. It illustrates the benefits of new technologies such as prism component placing machines, minute quality control cameras, automated connection checkers, and CAD/CAM packages. The video will aid in developing a working knowledge of basic IT packages and an awareness of more complex ones. It will also help students consider chemistry issues which play an important part in the board manufacture process. Part of the series Understanding Electronics. (20 minutes)

Being... Italian: A Language Primer

Pumpkin TV

Danyal and Buki, both 10 years old, live in Rome. In this program, they visit some of their favorite places in the city, introducing viewers to many of their friends and activities. The children speak Italian to each other and to the camera, helping to illustrate the meanings and usages of many Italian words, phrases, and expressions. Made up of eight instructive and entertaining stories, the video is a great learning tool that mixes fun, facts, and real-world situations to reinforce language comprehension. English narration sets up each segment. (Portions in Italian with Italian subtitles, 30 minutes)

The Big Picture: Pictorial Report No. 30

Nat'l Archives & Records Administration

This classic episode of the U.S. Army’s The Big Picture television series showcases Army activities around the world. The first story highlights the U.S. Armed Forces Code of Conduct, dramatically represented in a series of six posters. The next story covers “Operation Red Corpuscle,” the story of an entire company in Germany donating their blood. A third is about how milk, taken for granted here at home, reaches Army personnel 5,000 miles away in the Far East. The final feature, which takes place in the United States, is the story of men who are learning to operate the power derived from the atomic reactor. (30 minutes)

The Cost of Cloth: Ethical Textiles

Digital Rights Group Limited

Filmed in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most active textile-producing countries, this program explores the social cost of the textile industry, which benefits mostly Western consumers and capitalists while creating oppressive environments in the developing world. Using eye-opening footage shot inside a number of Bangladeshi textile factories, the film explores issues of sweatshop labor—including poor working conditions, unfair wages, and the right to unionize—and asks viewers to consider where the responsibility for improving industry practices should lie. The program then compares the social impact of mass-scale textile production with the benefits brought to a small rural community in Bangladesh by a fair trade textile initiative. A part of the series Ethical Textiles: Sustainability and Fair Trade. (30 minutes)

The Cyber War Threat Has Been Grossly Exaggerated: A Debate

Open to Debate

The American edge in digital technologies—upon which our financial, communications, and defense systems are built, and on which they depend—may also represent a serious American Achilles' heel. This technological prowess also provides one great big and sprawling target to enemies determined to discover the choke points that can cripple us in a time of war. It’s alarming to contemplate—but possibly, also, alarmist? In this debate, the team arguing for the proposition claims that interest groups hype the threat of cyber war to increase the power of the NSA. The opposition team argues that the threat is very real. (98 minutes)

More Clicks, Fewer Bricks: The Lecture Hall Is Obsolete: A Debate

Open to Debate

Is the college of the future digital? With the growing popularity of massive open online courses known as MOOCs, and the availability of online degree programs at a fraction of their on-campus price, higher education is undergoing a major transformation. Does the traditional classroom stand a chance? Will virtual colleges be the great equalizer, offering education to millions of people? Or is a campus-based college experience with face-to-face contact and communication still necessary? Will online courses render the lecture hall obsolete?

Bunny Chow

Filmrise Inc.

In director John Barker's debut feature, up-and-coming comedians Kags, Joey and Dave make clear that life in the 'new' Johannesburg is not just about hardship and townships. It's also about finding humor in relationships, hanging out with friends and celebrating life on a raucous roadtrip to Oppi Koppi-South Africa's largest music festival. Shot in a cinema vrit style and using the street food 'bunny chow' as a metaphor for contemporary Johannesburg's mix of races, cultures and attitudes, Barker's edgy, urban comedy asks us to envision a nation through the eyes of its future, rather than the tragedy of its past. SAFTA Golden Horn-Directing, South African Film and Television Awards, 2007. Silver Montgolfiere, Nantes Three Continents Festival, 2007. Nominated for Contemporary World Cinema Award-Best Film and Discover Award-Best Film, Toronto International Film Festival, 2006. Best Director, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 2007. Nominated for Best Film, Dublin International Film Festival, 2007. . In Afrikaans and English with English subtitles. Directed by John Barker. South Africa. Some World Cinema titles may contain mature themes or content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Kabala

Filmrise Inc.

Magic spells lend a helping hand in this debut feature about a young man's troubled relationship with his native village in Mali. Because of ancient prejudices, Hamalla was banished. He returns four years later versed in modern technology at a time the village's future is precarious because the holy well of the ancestors, symbol of the spirituality of the entire community, is contaminated. In the face of epidemic, the villagers resist all of Hamalla's attempts to convince them of the need to purify the water. Assane Kouyaté's poetic vision cleverly bridges the film's themes of the necessity of accepting technology, while at the same time leaves no doubt of the power of traditional ways. Jury Prize, FESPACO, 2003. In French, Mandingo, and Bambara with English subtitles. Directed by Assane Kouyaté. Mali. Some World Cinema titles may contain mature themes or content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Mourning

Filmrise Inc.

From a black screen, a man and a woman are heard arguing and hurrying away from a house. Afterward, the screen radiates brilliant green countryside, traversed by a small black car. Subtitles relay a conversation by another man and woman, but now we hear no voices. Kamran and Sharareh, a deaf couple, are driving Sharareh’s young nephew, Arshia, back home to Tehran. Something terrible has happened. But the couple keep the news from Arshia, debating his future in a language not as private as they believe, and turning a car trip into a subtly humorous and deeply compassionate meditation on communication and emotional disability. Also released as Soog. Best Film, Deauville Asian Film Festival, 2012. Nominated for Sutherland Trophy, British Film Institute Awards, 2011. In Persian with English subtitles. Directed by Morteza Farshbaf. Iran. Some World Cinema titles may contain mature themes or content. Viewer discretion is advised.

India: The Baby Makers

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Surrogacy is big business in India. It’s now worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year—fueled by tax breaks for medical tourism, childless couples around the world trying to start a family, and young Indian women desperate for money that could set their families up for life. But are ethics and adequate regulation being dismissed in the rush to supply thousands of foreigners and rich Indians with babies? We follow the paths of two Australian couples navigating India’s booming baby-making industry, paying and doing what it takes to succeed and bring a baby home. As we’ll see, results seldom play out according to hopes and dreams.

Financing the Green Transition to the Coming Solar Age: Ethical Markets 5

Ethical Markets Media

In this program, Hazel Henderson and veteran solar energy investor Peter Lynch discuss the transition to the next industrial age, based on capturing free photons instead of mining our energy sources. Solar, wind and efficiency stocks are now a well-established asset class and the growing movement to divest from fossil fuels and the success of fossil-free mutual funds is accelerating the transition, despite the opposition of entrenched sectors and special interest lobbying. Part of the series Ethical Markets 5: Transforming Finance 3.0. (28 minutes)

Quantum Energy Project—Storing Wind Energy: The Science Squad

Network Ireland Television

Energy sources have changed dramatically over the last few years with a move towards sustainable energy from renewable sources. The Science Squad episode investigates the Quantum Heating System that stores surplus energy generated by wind farms and then releases it as heat as needed.

The Future of Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) Technology: The Science Squad

Network Ireland Television

Production of Photo Voltaic (PV) technology has been doubling every two years, making it the world's fastest-growing energy technology. In the consumer electronics and wireless sensors markets alone, powering solutions is a multi-billion dollar industry. In this Science Squad episode we meet the team at SolarPrint, a company specializing in the area of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technology which involves printable solar cells that can be applied to a variety of surfaces.

Amnesty

Filmrise Inc.

A new national law allowing conjugal visits for inmates brings together a man and woman visiting the same prison to meet their incarcerated spouses. Elsa’s dutiful contact with her husband is part of a routine consumed with job searching, raising her two sons, and getting along with her father-in-law. When she meets Spetim, a quiet man visiting his imprisoned wife in equally passionless encounters, they slowly find the sympathy and companionship missing from their lives. A prisoner amnesty, however, soon threatens their fragile bond in this closely observed, sensual and contemplative drama highlighting a period of subtle but profound social transformation. Also released as Amnistia. C.I.C.A.E. Award-Forum of New Cinema, 2011. Audience Award, Black Movie Film Festival, 2012. Cineuropa Award-Best Film, FIPRESCI Prize-Best Film, and Special Jury Award-Best Film, Festival del Cinema Europeo, 2011. In Albanian with English subtitles. Directed by Bujar Alimani. Albania. Some World Cinema titles may contain mature themes or content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Cleaner Coal = Cleaner Environment

Inside Science

Chemical engineers find a way to make coal more environmentally friendly.

Geothermal Heat Pump Could Reduce Energy Bills

Inside Science

Engineers refine heat pump that taps temperatures below the ground.

Inside the Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC: Museum Secrets (Series 3)

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of "Museum Secrets," visit the Smithsonian Institute and learn about WWII Japanese Zero fighter planes, why Japanese squadrons ruled the skies, and how they were defeated. Meet military and civilian amputees who have been made whole by transplantation and learn about a homing pigeon who saved American lives in WWI. Witness the successful test of a rocket that could take humans to Mars, then reconstruct the bad-boy image of the Harley Davidson. And finally, meet aspiring vocalists who hope to perform the national anthem before a football game to discover why the Star Spangled Banner is so hard to sing. A BBC Production. A part of the series Museum Secrets (Series 3).

App World

ORF

Apps are available to everyone and each smartphone user has the ability to own a countless number of these mini-programs. The college in Hagenberg in Upper Austria is considered one of Austria’s most imperative training grounds for young talent in the app world. With the growing influence apps are having on our everyday lives, how long will it take for apps to operate our refrigerators and replace our wallets? Which also leads us to the question of whether in fact we need these apps? (27 minutes)

Full Signal

Journeyman Pictures

As our obsession with mobile technology has taken hold, cellular antennae have sprouted up like forests and scientifically-backed concern about health risks can no longer be ignored. Speaking with leading scientists, activists, and the businessmen who hold the decision in their hands, this documentary captures a battle to take on the mobile phone companies and covers the debate surrounding global health risks they pose. (52 minutes)

Whittle While You Work

ABC News

The average office worker loses up to two hours of productivity due to distractions and disruptions. This ABC News report with Susan Solovic examines how employers and employees can limit distractions from the Internet, phone calls, and coworkers. Broadcast date: August 9, 2012. (4 minutes)

Upgrading a Forced Air Furnace: Residential Energy Efficiency Projects

Shopware

Because heating and cooling utilizes the most energy in a home, one of the best decisions a homeowner can make to improve efficiency and lower bills is to upgrade these systems. This program lets viewers know how to install a new residential forced air furnace, with segments on disconnecting and removing the existing unit, inspecting and testing components, and details of the actual installation—all with an eye toward safety. Information is also given on putting in a digital thermostat, adding a humidifier and HEPA filter, and testing the entire system once it’s complete. Smart tips are offered throughout, and the video closes with suggestions for homeowner training. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A Shopware Production. A part of the series Residential Energy Efficiency Projects. (14 minutes)

IT Networks

ClickView Pty Limited

Computer networks are at the foundation of information and communication technology. A thorough understanding of network design and function is therefore crucial. This program provides a helpful overview of the world of networks for those who are exploring the IT field. Topics include wireless LANs, mobile devices, hardware and software components, wired and wireless protocols, the strengths and limitations of wired and wireless systems, and network security. Whether viewers are embarking on a career in information technology or business, the video is suited to burgeoning professionals who want a better grasp of the infrastructure that drives 21st-century communications. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (20 minutes)

Deep Space Disasters (The Universe)

History Education

This program explores the most dangerous aspects of space travel, from the controlled explosion of launch to the fiery crucible of reentry and everything in between. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. A part of the series The Universe. (45 minutes)

Co-op Education

Hedrick Smith Productions

It’s one thing to educate youngsters. It’s another thing to re-educate adults, especially after a traumatic layoff. But the unexpected jolt of a career shift has become the norm in the turbulent new American economy. And so millions of people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are going back to school. By the mid-1990s, nearly 40 percent of those enrolled in two-year colleges were over age 30. All too often, however, retraining programs offer those in need an update of new technologies and an upgrade in their skills, but then have trouble placing their graduates in good jobs. One notable exception is Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The key to its success is its blending of classroom assignments with entry-level co-op jobs, which prepare students both academically and psychologically for the work. (28 minutes)

Film History

Planet Pictures

The Lumiere brothers and Thomas Edison would definitely be impressed if they could see how far the medium created with the invention of the movie camera has evolved. This program examines the history of film, from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the invention of VCRs. Filmmaking's roots as an entertainment and storytelling medium are examined, along with the emergence of Hollywood, the studio star system, and birth of the talkies. Film industry regulation, including censorship, is also discussed, along with the blacklist and competition from cable and broadcast television. (28 minutes)

The Cost Of Oil

Green Planet Films

The pressure to drill for oil in the Arctic has intensified with the increasing prices of crude oil. But the potential for lower oil prices is at what cost? In this feature-length documentary the Alaskan Inupiat show how oil drilling in their nearby seas will forever alter their subsistence-living lifestyle and multiply the struggles of preserving their rich cultural history. Members of the oil industry and expert scientists also highlight the predicted effects of oil drilling on the delicate Arctic ecosystem, and in turn, the effects on a society dependent on that ecosystem. Through this film viewers discover the irony of drilling for oil in order to become a more self-sustaining nation, and in doing so, likely destroying one of the last remaining self-sustaining cultures.

Anniversary of Three Mile Island

NewsHour Productions

In the wake of the Fukushima Meltdown, Antonio Neves reports on the continued monitoring of the site, past nuclear power disasters, and future policy implications. (6 minute)

Shape It Up: Virtual Pottery

Inside Science

Some people are born with a natural artistic ability. But if your creative talent is limited to drawing stick figures, there’s new hope for you. See how technology developed by mechanical engineers allows simple hand movements to create amazing works of art.

SudoGlove Points Remote Controls Towards a More Natural Future

Inside Science

Electrical engineering students designed a special glove that can act as a simpler, more natural remote control for a variety of different devices.

LCD Sunglasses Block Glare with Moving Pixels

Inside Science

A physicist has developed electronic sunglasses that blot out blinding spots of glare from the sun.

American Sign Language Goes Mobile

Inside Science

Engineers have enabled sign-language video chats over ordinary-speed cellphone networks

Unlocking the Secrets of Mercury's Surface

Inside Science

Livermore's gamma-ray spectrometer is helping determine the elemental and mineral composition of Mercury's radioactive surface.

My Dear Robot

Deutsche Welle

Ongoing research could turn robots from devices good for repetitive tasks into intelligent, life-like machines.