About the Author

Benjamin Lewin originally trained as a geneticist at Cambridge University. He founded the journal Cell in 1974 and was Editor until 1999. He also founded the associated journals Neuron, Immunity, and Molecular Cell. When he left Cell, he founded Virtual Text. George Plopper is a Senior Lead Scientist at the management, information technology, and strategic consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton in the Washington, D.C. area. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of California, San Diego and his Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to joining Booz Allen Hamilton, Dr. Plopper was a professor of biological sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. During his 20-year career in academia he received four teaching awards and was named an Education Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences.

Reviews

Gr 3-5-In a very interesting and scientifically correct manner, the series addresses four essential components of elementary physical science: application of the scientific method, electricity, magnetism, and the three states of matter. These foundation concepts of physical science are the backbone of every curriculum, and elementary grade science teachers will welcome these videos. Each video combines live demonstrations, examples of everyday applications of the concept, bright graphics, and lots of elementary students in the live-action segments. The series is narrated by a young girl with a pleasant voice who maintains an upbeat tempo. Each video includes some historical information as background material and has students demonstrating the experiments. Everything that youngster need to learn about these topics is clearly explained, such as the differences between static and current electricity, how magnets can produce electricity, and the differences between series and parallel circuits. The excellent teacher's guide includes background information, the script, four to nine activity sheets (with answer keys) for pre-, during, and post-viewing. These worksheets alone are worth the price of the video. A must buy for elementary schools as well as public libraries serving large home schooled populations. This is educational video instruction at its best.-Linda R. Skeele, Western Elementary School, Georgetown, KY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.