Videos circulate on two week loan. They must be reserved in advance and be picked up and returned in person. A $3 non-refundable circulation fee is required to borrow a video. To reserve a video, please call (314) 577-9501.

We have videos on the following topics:

Biodiversity (National Academy of Sciences, 1988, 50 min.) A videotape of highlights edited from the 2-hour teleconference on Biodiversity relayed via satellite to more than 100 campuses and other locales throughout the United States and Canada. Through a telephone connection to some of the downlink sites, students ask questions of a panel of experts.

The Diversity of Life (National Geographic Society, 1993, 25 min., Teacher’s Guide available) The video documents why it is important to preserve species and habitats and explores possible solutions to the global threat of species destruction. Rain forests of Costa Rica and the plains of Montana are highlighted. (CC)

The National Teleconference on Biodiversity: Part I (Smithsonian Institution, 1988) The teleconference on Biodiversity relayed to more than 100 campuses and other locales throughout the United States and Canada.

Variety-The Key to Life (Botanic Gardens Conservation Secretariat, 1990, 22 min.) Students are introduced to the concept of Biodiversity by examining the amazing variety of plants that exists on Earth. While considering the factors responsible for the decline of Biodiversity, the video outlines the essential role botanic gardens are playing in its conservation, for purposes such as agriculture, medical research and education.

Web of Life: Exploring Biodiversity (World Wildlife Fund, 1995, 120 min.) Video and accompanying materials will help motivate students to find out more about what biodiversity is, why it's important, and how it enriches our lives.

Alaska Rain Forest: The Tongass (KTOO-TV, Juneau, 1993, 27 min.) Learn about the Tongass and its people in this video produced by Juneau's award-winning public television station in cooperation with the Alaska Natural History Association.

Amazon: Land of the Flooded Forest (National Geographic, 1990, 60 min.)

Arabia: Sand, Sea and Sky (National Geographic, 1991, 80 min.)

Baka: People of the Forest (National Geographic, 1988, 60 min.) People of African rain forest.

Braving Alaska (National Geographic, 1992, 60 min.)

Creatures of the Namib Desert (National Geographic, 1977, 60 min.)

Eyewitness: Desert (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1996, 35 min.) This video treks across the Earth’s most parched places to find some of the greatest stories of adaptation and survival. Meet the extraordinary inhabitants of the desert, and witness their startling strategies to capture and conserve that most precious of all commodities-water.

Eyewitness: Jungle (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1994, 35 min.) Home to a variety of animals, the jungle fascinated scientists. Learn about current research on the complex ecosystem.

Eyewitness: Mountain (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1997, 35 min.) Mountain explores the formation of mountains, and the diverse creatures that inhabit them. For many people, mountains are holy places, a bridge to the heavens. Above all, they are a treasure trove of unique forms of life that don't exist on the plains below.

Hawaii: Strangers in Paradise (National Geographic Society, 1991, 60 min.) Explore the Hawaiian Islands, an archipelago born of volcanic eruptions tens of millions of years ago. Since the arrival of man 2,000 years ago, 70% of all native species have disappeared.

India: Land of the Tiger (Nature, Thirteen-WNET, 1998, 360 min.) Filmed over a span of more than three years, this epic six-hour miniseries presents not just the mesmerizing stunningly photographed beauty and astonishing diversity of wildlife on the Indian subcontinent, but also how humanity is entangled with nature. Hosted and narrated by Valmik Thapar, world-renowned tiger expert, wildlife conservationist and author.

• Volume 1: The Tiger’s Domain
• Volume 2: Sacred Waters
• Volume 3: Unknown Seas
• Volume 4: Desert Kingdom
• Volume 5: Mountains of the Gods
• Volume 6: Monsoon Forests

Our Threatened Heritage (National Wildlife Federation, 18:50 min.) This video presents an excellent summary of the demise of one our most important ecosystems, the rain forests. Images of fascinating wildlife and towering trees are vividly presented, along with comments from global experts about the causes and potential solutions to the destruction.

Touring Alaska (1986, 52 min.)

What’s It Like Where You Live/Terrestrial Biomes (Missouri Botanical Garden & MBG Learning Network, 1996) Videos covering six major terrestrial biomes geared to grades 4–8.

• Exploring the Temperate Deciduous Forest (25 minutes) The team begins by mapping the forests of the world. In the very same week in March, the kids take an “electronic trip” to a school in Washington, Vermont, and to another in Austin, Texas. What do you think they found at these two locations in the Temperate Deciduous Forest? Snow in one state, and blossoms in another? In a lab experiment, the kids remove chlorophyll from a green leaf, which helps them understand why leaves change color in the fall. They take a trip to the zoo and find that the Temperate Deciduous Forest has some animals that migrate, some that hibernate, and others that keep active all winter.
• Exploring the Desert (26 minutes) The student research team takes an electronic trip to the North American desert-the Great Basin, the Sonoran, the Mojave, and the Chihuahuan. They find out what it’s like there from kids in four real elementary schools, each located in one of those deserts. Students learn where deserts are located and why they’re found there. Rainshadows are also illustrated. As the team gathers its research, it conducts experiments on plants with Team Leader Roderick. The kids see how animals such as the sidewinder rattlesnake have adapted to the hot and dry environment.
• Exploring the Grassland (28 minutes) Christine and Sam investigate a large prairie after it has burned. They learn that grasslands receive more rainfall than deserts, but less than forests. Team Leader Roderick points out that fire is one of the ways the grasslands are maintained. Lightning often ignites the dry grasses. In prairie restoration programs, fields are intentionally set on fire. In the season following fire, the tops of prairie plants grow bigger and more seeds are on the plant. Animals are recognized as vital to the health of the grasslands too. The kids discover that the grazing herds common to the prairie keep woody seedlings from becoming trees and shrubs. The find that burrowing animals help rejuvenate the rich soil.
• Exploring the Rainforests (31 minutes) Did you know that there are two kinds of rainforests? Team Leader Robyn and Sarah visit the Temperate Rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Upon their return to St. Louis, they discover that their friends have been busy researching Tropical Rainforests. By comparing the data each has collected and investigating tropical plants, team members are able to make comparisons of the two distinctly different rainforests. In a lab experiment, team members analyze the decomposition rate of leaves in both rainforests.
• Exploring the Tundra (31 minutes) Team Leader Tyler flies to a native Alaskan village where the caribou make their annual migration. He is met by local students who help him investigate life found at the top of the glove. Meanwhile, team members back in St. Louis contact other schools in the Arctic Tundra. They find that very few trees grow in the tundra because roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. Everyone discovers, too, that plants and animals have many identifiable adaptations which allow them to live in such a harsh environment.
• Exploring the Taiga (31 minutes) Team Leader Tyler visits the Hayden family living on Lake Minchumina in the Alaskan interior. Their log lodge is 100 miles from the nearest road. Fortunately, Jack Hayden is a bush pilot and Tyler is able to get a fantastic glimpse of the taiga as they fly together over the vast coniferous forest. He investigates bogs and muskegs too. Back at home base, team members compare leaves from coniferous trees with those from broad leaf trees. Using microscopes, the kids discover that a secret lies within the cells. Later, during a hike, they find out why so many trees with needles are found in the taiga.

What’s It Like Where You Live/Exploring Aquatic Ecosystems (Missouri Botanical Garden, 1997) Videos covering six aquatic ecosystems geared to grades 4–7.

• Exploring Ponds & Lakes (23 minutes) The kids take a road trip with Robyn to investigate a pond. They test for water temperature and dissolved oxygen level and carefully collect pond critters for examination back in the lab. They study the relationship between their data and the life in the pond. They learn more about the water cycle and contact a school near the shores of Lake Michigan to find out how a lake is different from a pond.
• Exploring Rivers & Streams (27 minutes) The student researchers float down the mighty Mississippi River, collecting data on temperature, velocity, and turbidity. They learn how these abiotic factors affect the plant and animal life in both rivers and streams. They compare clear stream water with muddy river water. The concepts of confluence, delta, and mouth are explained. Reports from team leaders on location in Belize and school kids in Kentucky and the Amazon are included.
• Exploring Wetlands (25 minutes) The student researchers learn about the crucial role wetlands play as a stopping place for migrating birds. They discover that wetlands-marshes, swamps, and bogs-are natural water filters. The kids rendezvous with peers living near the Florida Everglades, paddle through a swamp in southern Missouri, and check in with Team Leaders Stacey and Tyler, who are exploring a gigantic marsh in Central America. There’s a flight over Alaska, too, where Tyler surveys bogs from the air.
• Exploring Temperate Oceans (34 minutes) The team begins with an investigation of several abiotic factors of marine ecosystems. They concentrate their study on currents and salinity, “El Niño”, and how ocean temperatures affect climate. They discover certain organisms have adapted to life in the shallow waters and others to the deep, dark sea. Team Leader Tyler discusses adaptations seen on a trip along the Pacific coast as well as organisms on display in aquariums. Stacey tells of adaptations along the Atlantic.
• Exploring Tropical Oceans (34 minutes) Reports from the tropics! Stacey is on location in the Bay Islands of Honduras; Robyn, on the coast of Belize. Both are in Central America to explore the largest coral reef in North America. They find many interesting creatures as they dive below the waves and examine life in and around the reefs, as well as the mangrove cayes. They learn about several symbiotic relationships found in these warm waters. There’s e-mail, too, from a school in Australia, home of the largest barrier reef in the world.
• Exploring Shorelines (34 minutes) The kids learn what causes tides and waves and how the rivers meet the seas. They investigate rocky shores, sandy shores, estuaries, salt marshes, and mud flats. Team Leader Stacey travels to Bald Head Island, a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina. She also visits a beach at night and finds a big loggerhead turtle laying eggs in the sand. Tyler is on location in California and reports on life in tide pools and other rocky shore environments.

The Wilds of Madagascar (National Geographic, 1988, 60 min.)

Backyard Composting (Missouri Botanical Garden, 1992, 26 min.) This video outlines an easy step-by-step process of turning yard waste into usable and highly valued compost. Horticultural staff of the Center for Home Gardening and Master Gardeners share their knowledge and experience in successful composting.

Worm Bin Creatures: Alive Through a Microscope (1998, 30 min.)

Wormania! (1995, 15 min.)

Cyclone! (National Geographic, 1995, 60 min.)

A Dance of Sea and Sky (NOAA, 2000, 10 min.)

Eyewitness: Mountain (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1997, 35 min.) Mountain explores the formation of mountains, and the diverse creatures that inhabit them. For many people, mountains are holy places, a bridge to the heavens. Above all, they are a treasure trove of unique forms of life that don't exist on the plains below.

Geologic Time Scale

A Geologic Tour of US Route 66 (1950, 45 min.)

Nature’s Fury (National Geographic, 1994, 60 min.)

Volcano (National Geographic, 1989, 60 min.)

Acid Rain: The Invisible Threat (Scott Resources, Inc., 1992, 20 min., Teacher’s Guide available) The water vapor in the earth’s atmosphere that reaches the surface as rain, snow, mist, or fog is essential for all life. Paradoxically, this life-sustaining water also may pose a threat to the environment and life. This program, designed for Grades 7–12, describes the invisible threat of acid rain and explores possible solutions to the problems of air pollution and acid deposition.

Bottom of the Barrel (Children’s Television Workshop/3-2-1 Contact, 1991, 30 min.) Investigation of oil leads to good news and bad. From the creation of plastics to transportation problems and polluted waters, learn why we're getting closer to the bottom of the barrel. (CC)

Critical Habitat (KCTS-TV, 1993, 90 min., Teacher’s Guide available) This documentary and guide were developed to help you understand the many issues surrounding Washington and British Columbia’s ancient forests and inspire you to become more informed about the region’s fascinating and controversial forest issues.

Down the Drain (Children’s Television Workshop/3-2-1 Contact, 1991, 30 min.) Travel along the water cycle to find out how water gets dirty, how it gets clean, and what we can do to help conserve and preserve it. (CC)

The Ecosphere: Where All Life Exists (Chariot Productions, 1992, 23:40 min., Teacher’s Guide available) This live-action video introduces high school students to the concept of the ecosphere—that unique realm where all life exists. This program is divided into two parts and can be viewed on two different days if desired.

The Environment Series (Missouri Botanical Garden & Herb Halpern Productions, 1995, 30 min. each):

• The Case of the Mysterious Neighbor Students learn all about the water cycle, conservation methods and water pollution.
• The Lost Book Report Caper Our four young detectives learn that trash disposal is a vital element in our environment.
• The Missing Ingredient Why are biological resources valuable? Does the absence of an extinct or endangered species (Plant or animal) really affect us personally?
• The Mystery of the Dead Fish Students learn what elements make up a healthy ecosystem and what can happen to an environment when one of its parts is damaged or missing.
• The Mystery of the Statue Our young sleuths learn that the atmosphere contains gases, dust particles and pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources.
• The Power Puzzle This mystery begins when the power suddenly goes out one night and the four young detectives get left in the dark. The lights come on for them and will so for your students as the concept of energy is explored.

ESA: Endangered (National Wildlife Federation, 1994, 30 min.) This video intends to correct some of the myths and misconceptions that threaten our most important environmental law. But it’s useless if people don’t see it and take action.

Forest for the Future (Missouri Department of Conservation, 1991, 22 min.) Forest provide many riches, including wood, water, wildlife, wilderness, and recreation. This film shows how Missouri forests are managed with multiple uses and long-term conservation in mind. (CC)

Grandin: the Big Mill & Tall Timber (Missouri Department of Conservation, 1991, 20 min., Teacher’s Guide available) In the late 1880s, the Ozarks were home to the largest sawmill in the nation. This story shows the people who worked there, how they lived, and what they left behind. (CC)

Interface ’98: Conservation Showcase (Missouri Department of Conservation, 1998, grades 5–8)

Managing Missouri’s Natural Resources (Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 13:30 min.) An overview of Missouri’s DNR and its five divisions.

My First Green Video: A Kids’ Guide to Ecology & Environmental Activities (Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. and Dorling Kindersley, 1993, 40 min.) Find out about the treasures of the rain forest, grow a wildlife garden, start a green campaign, and much more with the handy tips, exciting experiments and step-by-step activities. You will find out that it’s easy to have fun while making the earth a cleaner, greener place to live.

Our Threatened Heritage (National Wildlife Federation, 18:50 min.) This video presents an excellent summary of the demise of one our most important ecosystems, the rain forests. Images of fascinating wildlife and towering trees are vividly presented, along with comments from global experts about the causes and potential solutions to the destruction.

Ozone: Double Trouble (U.S. EPA & North Carolina State University, 1992, 30 min.) This video discusses the two ozone problems—the formation of too much ground-level ozone, and the deterioration of the protective upper-level ozone layer.

Planet Earth: Fate of the Earth (WQED/Pittsburgh & the National Academy of Sciences, 1995, 57 min.) This video examines humankind’s capacity for destruction and our newfound concern for preservation.

Recycle This! (Dow Chemical Company, 1990, 30 min.) Rock ‘n’ Roll Recycling…science class was never like this!

Recycling with David Suzuki (Recycling Advisory Committee, 9 min.) Ontario, Canada produced this review of the steps to recycling.

The Rotten Truth (Children’s Television Workshops/3-2-1 Contact, 1991, 30 min.) Learn what it takes to be a garbologist, visit the world’s largest landfill and witness what happens to the stuff we put out to be picked up for recycling. (CC)

Saving Our Soil (Missouri Department of Natural Resources & the Soil and Water Conservation Department, 30:18 min.) An uninformed teacher get the “dirt” on the importance of soil conservation. This, fast-paced, fun video is shot in three parts, covering soil formation, erosion, and what people can do to protect and conserve soil. (CC)

Special Report: You Can Make a Difference (The Discovery Channel, 1990, 28 min.) A home video that shows what each of us can do to protect our environment.

A Stitch in Time: Saving the Last Great Places (The Nature Conservancy, 1992, 12 min.) This video will take you to many of our planet’s “Last Great Places,” communities where living on the land and protecting natural diversity have become a way of life.

Stream Sense (Missouri Department of Conservation, 1990, 19 min.) Explore the complex nature of streams, how they function, and how to improve them. Successful and unsuccessful methods designed to solve stream problems are examined.

Tomorrow’s Energy Today (U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1993, 23:05 min.) This video showcases exciting new energy options that were once considered futuristic but, in fact, are in use today. Highlights the use of corn and other plants to produce ethanol—a reliable alternative transportation fuel.

The Two Faces of Ozone (Colgren Productions, 1993, 15 min. Teacher’s Guide available.) Ozone is both good and bad. This program designed for junior high and high school grades explains why we must keep from destroying the natural ozone but also rid ourselves of the pollution ozone.

Your Water Your Life (1988)

Bill Nye—The Science Guy (Walt Disney Productions, each 52 min.):

• Chemical Reactions/Phases of Matter Have a blast watching the explosive examples Bill Nye uses to explain that everything is made of chemicals. In this program, Bill Nye takes viewers on a tour of a steel mill to help demonstrate that matter exists in three phases—solids, liquids, and gases.
• Food Web/Ocean Life Watch Bill Nye become tangled in a complex food web in his quest to demonstrate that all living things depend on other living things to survive. The Science Guy goes underwater to talk about ocean ecosystems and the importance of small organisms such as coral, plankton, and kelp.
• Heat/Energy Way cool scientist Bill Nye radiates as the lab heats up. This spirited program is sure to rev things up when it covers water, muscles, heat, light, sound, and other types of energy that makes things go, run, or happen.
• Plants/Forests Science Guy Bill Nye branches out and gets to the root of the matter to explain wild things about plants. Follow Bill Nye out on a limb when he goes swinging through the trees to bring viewers close to the tallest and possibly oldest living things in the world.
• Water Cycle/Oceanography Did you know that most of the water on the planet is the same water that’s been here since the world was formed? Get the current information as Bill Nye explains why oceans are salty and explores the ocean currents.

Clockwork Genes: Discoveries in Biological Time (2000, 240 min.)

Eat and be Eaten (3-2-1 Contact!, 1991, 15 min.) Food chain.

Exploring with a Hand-Held Microscope (1992, 18 min.)

Go with the Flow (3-2-1 Contact!, 1991, 15 min.) Water cycle.

The Meaning of Sex, Genes and Gender (2001, 2 tape set, 120 min. each, also available on DVD)

Powers of Ten (Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 1978, 21 min.) Long considered the finest science film ever made, Powers of Ten delivers a powerful adventure in magnitudes. Take a journey from Earth to the outer universe, each ten second frame removed from the last by a factor of ten. Then return to examine the same sense of scale as you travel to the nucleus of a cell within the human body.

Senses and Sensitivity: Neuronal Alliances for Sight and Sound Series (1997, 60 min. each):

• Sensory Transduction: Getting the Message
• The Science of Sight: Getting the Picture
• The Science of Sound: How Hearing Happens
• Neural Processing: Making Sense of Sensory Information

The Shape of Things (WGBH Educational Foundation, 1985, 60 min.) Take your students on a thrilling visual journey into the microscopic world, and marvel at the unique shapes and patterns of cells!

2000 and Beyond: Confronting the Microbe Menace Series (1999, 60 minutes each, also available on DVD):

• Microbe Hunters: Tracking Infectious Agents
• Microbes Strike Back
• Outwitting Bacteria’s Wily Ways
• Emerging Infections: How Epidemics Arise

The Wonderwise Experience (1999, 13 min.) A look at the kit series about women in science. (Kits also available for rental.)

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard (Nature Science Network, Inc., 1993, 1986, 52 min.) Join Roger Tory Peterson in a unique visit to his personal bird garden. America’s best known birdwatcher and author of the landmark “Field Guide to the Birds” reveals secrets of how he attracts birds to his own yard. Find out about food, shelters, birdbaths and plants that feed and protect your birds year-round.

Attracting Butterflies to Your Backyard (Nature Science Network, Inc., 1993, 58 min.) Learn about the natural history of butterflies—their needs, their survival strategies, their flight times and reproductive cycles. Plants and flowers that are irresistible to butterflies are discussed. Visit butterfly centers and gardens across the country.

Life Habitats Series (Missouri Botanical Garden, about 15 minutes each, geared to grades K–3):

• Down on the Forest Floor How does the forest floor get a new carpet every year? Why do spring wildflowers come up so early and disappear so quickly? This video answers these and other fascinating questions as our group explores the forest floor.
• Life in the City Habitat While cities and towns were built for people to live in, a number of other organisms have come to share their space. Some, like cats, dogs, squirrels, trees, shrubs, and other plants are easy to find and observe. Many others, such as falcons, nighthawks, chimney swifts and bats live in the city, too.
• The Puzzle of the Rotten Log This video follows a group of youngsters through the woods as they discover the pieces to the puzzle, and learn about decomposition, the decomposers and nature’s recycling system.
• The Secret of the Pond A lively group of eight-year olds visit a pond and discover a number of interesting and unique life forms and one of the oldest secrets in the world—the food chain. This video combines the natural curiosity of real children with computer animation and lively music to deliver a captivating view of the pond habitat.
• The Story of the Woodland Stream Where does the water in streams, rivers, and lakes come from? Where does it go? What kinds of effects does the water have on the earth and its inhabitants? Out group of children have fun finding the answers as they explore a woodland stream, learning the basic facts about the water cycle and erosion.
• What’s In Your Backyard? Exciting facts about birds, insects, plants and animals can be found in locations as close as your own backyard.

The Harriman Alaska Expedition Retraced 1899–2001 (2002, 120 min., Teacher’s Guide Available)

Incas (Public Broadcasting Associates, 1980, 58 min.) From the spectacular heights of Manchu Pichu to jungle valley and desert floors, this video travels the awesome world of the ancient Incas.

Lewis and Clark: Corps of Discovery in Missouri (Missouri Department of Conservation, 2001, 27 min.)

Maya: Lords of the Jungle (Public Broadcasting Associates, 1981, 58 min.) This video offers an exotic adventure into the lush tropical rain forest of Central America to find the secrets of a lost civilization. Expert guides tell the tale of an enormously successful empire which disappeared, swallowed up by the jungle centuries ago.

Missouri 1804: Lewis and Clark Expedition (Missouri Department of Conservation, 2001, 27 min.)

Backyard Composting (Missouri Botanical Garden, 1992, 26 min.) This video outlines an easy step-by-step process of turning yard waste into usable and highly valued compost. Horticultural staff of the Center for Home Gardening and Master Gardeners share their knowledge and experience in successful composting.

Backyard Secret Garden (Nature, 60 min.)

Bonsai: The Art of Training Dwarf Potted Trees (Brooklyn Botanic Garden & Ian Clark, 1990, 22 min.) A Brooklyn Botanic Garden instructor demonstrates all the techniques basic to the art of bonsai. Featuring the most part, the famous bonsai collection of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the film is not only an outstanding guide to technique, but also gives the subject appropriate mood and excitement.

Down-To-Earth Gardening: Queen of Flowers—Roses (Missouri Botanical Garden & The Eden Group, 1996, 40 min.) Experts from the Missouri Botanical Garden explain all you need to know about raising healthy, beautiful roses. From the fundamentals to the finer points, they’ll show you how to put their ultimate inside tips to work in your rose garden.

From Pencil to Park: Preserving Olmstead Landscape (1992, 17 min.)

GrowLab: A Growing Experience (National Gardening Association, 1991, 14:09 min.) Students share how the GrowLab indoor gardening program helps K-8 educators use classroom gardens to stimulate the scientist in every student.

Horticultural Career Training at Longwood Gardens (1994, 19 min.)

Indoor Gardening: Advice From GrowLab Classroom (National Gardening Association, 1991, 40 min., Teacher’s Guide available) This video guides you through the basics of successful indoor gardening. Experienced classroom gardening teachers demonstrate how to engage students in everything from planing to pollinating. Student-produced segments reinforce concepts from light needs to watering.

Integrated Pest Management: A Basic Concept for Better Gardening (University of Missouri & Missouri Botanical Garden, 1995, 27:40 min.) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was originally developed as a management program for agricultural and horticultural crops, but today it is used successfully on a variety of plants in almost every setting. IPM is a method of managing pests in the garden and landscape by using the least disruptive methods possible.

Introduction to the Missouri Botanical Garden

Living Soil: An Introduction to Nature Farming (42 min.)

Longwood Gardens: A Video Visit Throughout the Year (1991, 29 min.)

Plant A Question: Using the GrowLab Teaching Cycle (National Gardening Association, 1991, 30 min.) Using live classroom footage, this video illustrates how to create engaging plant-based science lessons. Using lessons from “GrowLab: Activities for Growing Minds” classroom teachers highlight the four phases of the GrowLab Indoor Gardening Program Cycle: Laying the Groundwork; Exploration; Making Connections; and Branching Out.

The Savage Garden (National Geographic, 1997, 60 min.)

The Story of Kew Gardens (40 min.)

The Victory Garden (WGBH Educational Foundation, 1986, 60 min.) The basics of gardening from double-digging a garden plot to transplanting seedlings.

Plants/Forests (Walt Disney Productions, 52 min.) Science Guy Bill Nye branches out and gets to the root of the matter to explain wild things about plants. Follow Bill Nye out on a limb when he goes swinging through the trees to bring viewers close to the tallest and possibly oldest living things in the world.

The Biology of Plants Series (Missouri Botanical Garden, about 15 minutes each, geared to grades K–3):

• How Plants Grow Children discover that all living organisms have common characteristics. Plants and animals need many of the same things to grow and to survive. The children investigate how seeds germinate and what they need in order to do so.
• How Plants Get Food Children investigate the ways that plants get water and other nutrients from the soil and air, and use those nutrients to make food.
• What is Pollination? The program demonstrates the basic structure and function of flowers. It introduces children to the ways that flowers are pollinated and shows important interactions between plants and animals.
• How Seeds Get Here and There Plants are dispersed throughout the world by seeds. The children study seeds and seed dispersal, and discover there is a great deal of difference in seed structure.
• How Plants Live in Different Places Children discover how plants are able to survive in different habitats. The program contrasts two extremes; the desert habitat, where water is scarce, and the tropical rain forest, where water is plentiful, to show that plants have adapted in order to survive in different areas.
• Plants and Life on Earth A lot of good ideas about plants and their role in the ecosystem are presented in a single format. Children learn that plants play important roles in making food, producing oxygen, providing habitats for animals, helping make and preserve soil and providing useful products to people.

Edible Wild Plants (Meuninck and Duke & Media Methods, 1988, 60 min.) Renowned botanist, Dr. Jim Duke and Jim Meuninck take us afield, foraging for useful wild botanicals. Learn to identify 100 edible wild plants, discover new recipes, make herbal teas, sample berry-delicious desserts, uncover Amerindian and folk uses, identify poisonous plants and more…

Eyewitness: Plant (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1997, 35 min.) Plant is a colorful tour of the world’s most dazzling flora—from the most magical to the most bizarre. Watch buds burst, flowers bloom, and discover the myriad ways plants struggle to survive.

Eyewitness: Tree (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1996, 35 min.) Tree roots out the most amazing facts about these silent sentinels of our hectic planet. Although they stand vulnerable to every attack from forest fire to fungus, they remain invincible. Whether tiny bonsai or giant sequoia, trees enrich every corner of our world.

Fire and the Longleaf (Laurel Hill Press, 1999, 12 min.) This video explores the nature of one very special habitat, the Longleaf Pine Savanna with its amazing stories of biodiversity, interdependence and dependence on fire.

In Celebration of Trees: The World’s Oldest Living Things (Discovery Communications, 1991, 50 min.) Here is a stirring and poetic vision of the many-faceted relationship between man and his ancient protector: the venerable tree.

The Man Who Planted Trees (Canadian Broadcast Company, 1987, 30 min.) A parable for all ages and a triumphant testament to one man’s indomitable spirit.

Little Medicine: The Wisdom to Avoid Big Medicine (Meuninck & Media Methods, 1995, 60 min.) This video provides splendid insight into the technology and philosophy of Native American herbalists.

Our Flowering World (2000)

Pollination (National Geographic Society, 1983, 16 min., Teacher’s Guide available) A vivid example of nature’s ingenuity and an essential part of plant reproduction—pollination is both of these. This video introduces students to this intriguing process.

The Private Life of Plants (BBC, Inc., 1995, 50 min. each) Sir David Attenborough’s dramatic, fast-paced six-part series is a dazzling kaleidoscope of the essence of life on Earth. Explore the intriguing world of the plant kingdom through breathtaking time-lapse photography in exotic world-wide locations.

• Part 1: Branching Out
• Part 2: Putting Down Roots
• Part 3: The Birds and the Bees
• Part 4: Plant Politics
• Part 5: Living Together
• Part 6: It’s a Jungle Out There

The Secret Life of Ferns (Dr. Lawrence Jensen, 1999, 38 min.) A three dimensional computer animation film presented in three versions of increasing complexity.

Spring Wildflowers of the Eastern Forests (Laurel Hill Press, 1994, 45 min.) The very first wild flowers that pop up under the leafless dormant trees of our eastern hardwood forests arehe true harbingers of spring. These delicate flowers appear after only a few warm sunny days, then quickly bloom,set seed, and become dormant again as the leafy canopy matures and darkens the forest floor.

Wildlife Tales: Ants and Plants (ABC/Kane Productions International Inc., 1991, 25 min.) To humans they may be just pests at a picnic, but to some plants, ants are crucial to survival. In the natural world this dual-support arrangement is known as “symbiosis.”

Amazon: Land of the Flooded Forest (National Geographic, 1990, 60 min.)

Baka: People of the Forest (National Geographic, 1988, 60 min.) People of African rain forest.

Banking on Disaster (Bullfrog Films, 1987, 78:30 min.) Set in the last frontier of western Brazil, this film deals with the interlinked effects of colonization, road building, and deforestation.

Care: The Last Forest (CARE, 1989, 20 min.)

Eyewitness: Jungle (BBC Lionheart TV & Dorling Kindersley, 1994) Change your perception of this invaluable resource and recognize its significance as a refuge for the richest variety of plant and animal life on earth—and fully comprehend why this mysterious world is vital in maintaining our planet’s ecological balance.

Incas (Public Broadcasting Associates, 1980, 58 min.) From the spectacular heights of Manchu Pichu to jungle valley and desert floors, this video travels the awesome world of the ancient Incas.

Maya: Lords of the Jungle (Public Broadcasting Associates, 1981, 58 min.) This video offers an exotic adventure into the lush tropical rain forest of Central America to find the secrets of a lost civilization. Expert guides tell the tale of an enormously successful empire which disappeared, swallowed up by the jungle centuries ago.

Our Threatened Heritage (National Wildlife Federation, 18:50 min.) This video presents an excellent summary of the demise of one our most important ecosystems, the rain forests. Images of fascinating wildlife and towering trees are vividly presented, along with comments from global experts about the causes and potential solutions to the destruction.

Rescuing the Rain Forest (Missouri Botanical Garden & KMOV-TV, St. Louis, 1992, 30 min.) News anchor, Larry Connors narrates an overview of the work that St. Louis institutions—Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center and the Missouri Botanical Garden are involved in saving the rain forest.

Tropical Rain Forest: A Tribute to the Majesty of Rain Forests (Science Museum of Minnesota, 1992, 40 min.) Filmed in IMAX, Tropical Rain Forests takes you on a 400 million year journey to illustrate the diversity and beauty of the life in the forests. Featuring the birds and primates of the forest canopy and the insects of the forest floor, this film shows the adventures of researchers challenged to understand the forests even as they disappear.

You Can’t Grow Home Again (Children’s Television Workshop/3-2-1 Contact, 1991, 60 min.) Go on location to Costa Rica’s rain forest and get a kid’s eye view of this habitat, meet some animals that live there, and find out what’s being done to save rain forests. (CC)

Rain Forest—Selva Verde: The Green Jungle (PBS Home Video, 1985, 58 min.) Exploring the vast rain forest of Central America.

Exploring Missouri Wetlands (Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 30 min.) (CC)

Fabulous Wetlands (Washington State University, Department of Ecology, 1989, 7 min.) Bill Nye sloshes across wetlands to show us how swamps, bogs, and marshes help control floods, naturally filter water, and provide a good home to a lot of living things.

Africa’s Animal Oasis (National Geographic, 1992, 60 min.)

Animal Oddities Series (1995, 50 min. each):

• Little Killers
• The Termite Zone
• Phantoms of the Abyss

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (National Geographic, 1990, 60 min.)

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard (Nature Science Network, Inc., 1993, 1986, 52 min.) Join Roger Tory Peterson in a unique visit to his personal bird garden. America’s best known birdwatcher and author of the landmark “Field Guide to the Birds” reveals secrets of how he attracts birds to his own yard. Find out about food, shelters, birdbaths and plants that feed and protect your birds year-round.

Attracting Butterflies to Your Backyard (Nature Science Network, Inc., 1993, 58 min.) Learn about the natural history of butterflies—their needs, their survival strategies, their flight times and reproductive cycles. Plants and flowers that are irresistible to butterflies are discussed. Visit butterfly centers and gardens across the country.

Butterflies (Callaway Gardens, 1990, 15 min.) Through this video especially designed for families, students and teachers, you will discover the differences between butterflies and moths, learn how the colorful patterns on butterfly wings are created and unravel some of the mysteries surrounding butterfly behavior.

Cats: Caressing the Tiger (National Geographic, 1991, 60 min.)

Creatures of the Namib Desert (National Geographic, 1977, 60 min.)

Crocodiles: Here Be Dragons (National Geographic, 1990, 60 min.)

Elephant (National Geographic, 1989, 60 min.)

Elephant: Lord of the Jungle (Nature, 1990 60 min.)

Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas (National Geographic, 1992, 60 min.)

Eyewitness: Bird (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1994, 35 min.) From the toucan to the hummingbird, from feathers to nests, this thorough introduction to birds covers all the important facts. Learn about birds’ natural habitats, feeding patterns, family structures, and social orders. This program helps students appreciate and understand the lofty, winged creatures that grace the skies!

Eyewitness: Butterfly & Moth (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1996, 35 min.) An amazing visual presentation of the metamorphosis process. Learn why these delicate creatures have long entranced and inspired us.

Eyewitness: Insect (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley , 1995, 35 min.) Eyewitness presents insects crawling across your screen with pride and tenacity! These purposeful critters always have a mission in mind, from finding construction supplies to weaving a deadly web for their prey. Ounce for ounce, insects are among the toughest, deadliest creatures in nature!

Eyewitness: Mammal (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1996, 35 min.) This video reveals the most amazing facts and folklore about our favorite furry animals. Towering or tiny, ferocious or friendly, mammals trot, hop, swim, and soar. Meet the mammals that make up this huge and varied family.

Eyewitness: Reptiles (BBC Lionheart & Dorling Kindersley, 1994, 35 min.) Why do lizards sunbathe? How do snakes swallow animals whole? How long do reptiles’ eggs take to hatch? Why do lizards stick out their tongues? Learn all about these remarkable cold-blooded creatures.

Giant Bears of Kodiak Island (National Geographic, 1994, 60 min.)

The Great Whales (National Geographic, 1978, 60 min.)

The Grizzlies (National Geographic, 1987, 60 min.)

Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea (National Geographic, 1993, 60 min.)

Land of the Leopard (1987, 60 min.)

Land of the Tiger (National Geographic, 1985, 60 min.)

Lions of Darkness (National Geographic, 1993, 72 min.)

Lions of the African Night (National Geographic, 1993, 60 min.)

The Lion’s Kingdom Series (51 min. each):

• The Plains
• The Deserts
• Forests and Highlands

Leopard: A Darkness in the Grass (1987, 60 min.)

Man-Eaters of India (National Geographic, 1986, 80 min.)

Microcosmos (Disney Enterprises, Inc., 75 min.) This film captures the fun and adventure of a spectacular hidden universe revealed in a breathtaking, close-up view unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

On the Edge of Extinction: Panthers and Cheetahs (1986, 60 min.)

Realm of the Alligator (National Geographic, 1986, 56 min.)

Reflections on Elephants (National Geographic, 1994, 60 min.)

The Rhino War (National Geographic, 1987, 60 min.)

Rocky Mountain Beaver Pond (National Geographic, 1987, 60 min.)

Royal Blood: Life and Death in an African Lion Pride (1993, 52 min.)

Save the Panda (National Geographic, 1983, 60 min.)

Season of the Cheetah (National Geographic, 1989, 60 min.)

The Secret Leopard (National Geographic, 1986, 60 min.)

Sierra Club Series (1988, 60 min. each):

• Beaver
• Caribou: The Incredible Journey
• Mysterious Herds of the Sudan
• Polar Bear
• Sharks
• The Battle of the Bison Forest
• The Leopard of the Wild
• The Lions of Etosha
• The Parenthood Game
• Tiger, Tiger
• We Live With Elephants

The Snake’s Tale (1988, 20 min.)

Survivors of the Skeleton Coast (National Geographic, 1993, 60 min.)

Talbot: Dolphins and Orcas (1992, 30 min.)

Tales of the Serengeti Series (ABC, 1995, 56 min. each):

• The Wanderer’s Tale
• The Scavenger’s Tale
• The Cheetah’s Tale
• The Lion’s Tale

Thirty Years of National Geographic Specials (National Geographic, 1994, 90 min.)

Tiger (1990, 60 min.)

Tigers of the Snow (National Geographic, 1996, 60 min.)

White Wolf (National Geographic, 1988, 60 min.)

Wild About Life (55 min.)

Wildlife of the Ice (1993, 100 min.)

The Wildlife of Yellowstone: A Portrait in Survival Series (1987, 28 min. each):

• Trumpeter Blues
• Song Dog
• Elk of the Northern Herd

Wildlife Tales: Ants and Plants (ABC/Kane Productions International Inc., 1991, 25 min.) To humans they may be just pests at a picnic, but to some plants, ants are crucial to survival. In the natural world this dual-support arrangement is known as “symbiosis.”

The Wilds of Madagascar (National Geographic, 1988, 60 min.)

World of Discovery Series (ABC):

• Crocodile’s Revenge (1990, 60 min.)
• Shark Chronicles (1991, 50 min.)

Zebra: Patterns in the Grass (National Geographic, 1991, 60 min.)

Beyond the Numbers: Population Issues for the 21st Century (Communications Consortium, 1994)

President Clinton at the Population Forum (Population Forum, 1994, 30 min.)

The Silent Explosion (The Population Institute, 14:58 min.)

What is the Limit? (National Audubon Society, 23 min.) A probing discussion of the interrelationships between human population growth, environmental degradation, resource depletion, habitat destruction and the ethical considerations for the future.

World Population (Zero Population Growth, Inc., 1990, 6:30 min.) A graphic simulation of the history of human population growth.