Browse results: Organisms and Their Environments
| RESOURCE | GRADE LEVEL | MEDIA TYPE |
|---|---|---|
Acid Mine Drainage and PrecipitatesIn this video, environmental scientists measure the pH of water to detect acid mine drainage from an abandoned coal mine and then demonstrate how metals present in acid drainage fall out of solution as precipitates when a basic substance is added to the water. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Controlling Water Run-off
This video shows how the environmentally friendly design of the Visitor Center at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville slows down water run-off and helps to control non-point-source water pollution, conserve water, and prevent soil erosion
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Environmental Impact of Acid Mine DrainageThis video shows how acid mine drainage from an abandoned coal mine has affected Wildcat Branch in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. Because the creek has a very acidic pH of 2.9, most organisms cannot survive there, and Wildcat Branch is essentially dead. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Reusing Wastewater
This video demonstrates how peat filtration beds at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville, Kentucky purify and conserve wastewater and eliminate one cause of non-point-source water pollution.
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
The Geology of CoalIn this video, a geologist describes how coal, a sedimentary rock, was formed when organic materials piled up in swamps millions of years ago. Over time, heat and pressure transformed the buried materials into forms of coal that cause acid mine drainage when exposed to oxygen. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Recycling and Restoration
This video explains how Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville, Kentucky used recycled cypress from pickle vats to build its visitor center and then “paid back” nature by creating a cypress-tupelo swamp at one end of a lake on the park grounds.
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4-12 |
Video |
High-Sulfur Coal and Acidic WaterIn this video, a geologist measures the pH of water after high-sulfur coal from a Kentucky coal mine has been added to it. This test demonstrates that the sulfate salts found on the coal’s surface cause the water to become much more acidic. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Rain Gardens
This video shows how a rain garden at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville, Kentucky slows down the flow of water from the forest’s parking lot and helps prevent soil erosion.
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Mycoremediation
This video explores the process of mycoremediation: planting fungi such as oyster mushrooms to mitigate non-point-source water pollution caused by oil, gasoline, and other toxic substances.
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Restoring Lower Rock CreekThis brief video describes how Lower Rock Creek’s location between two National Wild and Scenic Rivers caused Kentucky environmentalists to choose the creek as a target for acid mine drainage remediation. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Acid Mine Drainage RemediationIn this video, an environmental technologist visits an abandoned coal mine in Kentucky to talk about how a remediation system (a series of settling ponds and treatment cells) is neutralizing the acid drainage flowing from the mine and keeping it from damaging a creek downstream. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Applying the Scientific Method
This video provides a real-life example of the scientific method: testing hypotheses about which plants will grow most successfully on a green roof in Kentucky.
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Results of Acid Mine Drainage RemediationIn this video, a biologist visits Rock Creek in Pulaski County, Kentucky to show how acid mine drainage remediation has increased the stream’s pH from acidic levels to almost neutral. Although the ecosystem has not been completely restored, many species have returned to Rock Creek. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Stream RestorationThis video explores how Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville, Kentucky has restored a channelized or straightened stream to its original meandering path, thereby improving the stream’s water quality and creating a better habitat for wildlife. Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Aquatic InsectsIn this brief video, a biologist talks about the macroinvertebrates (typically aquatic insects) that form the basis of food webs in healthy Kentucky streams. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Detached Wetlands
This video depicts a detached wetland, a small pool that forms beside a shallow meandering stream when it overflows its banks. These wetlands are important breeding grounds for the invertebrates that live in and beside streams
Accessibility features: Caption |
4-12 |
Video |
Amphibian Research This short video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K explains how frogs help biologists study problems in the environment. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Amphibians This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K points out what it means to be cold-blooded. A frog's life cycle is revealed as well as why it croaks, why it hibernates, and how it catches its prey. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
An Alaska Native Community Helps SealsThis video from First Alaskans Institute spotlights the Alaska Native community of St. Paul and its hands-on commitment to care for the land and animals on which it depends. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
An Ancient Legend Teaches Climate Change AdaptationToday’s unsustainable use of natural resources is compared to the legend of the giant Uab, in this video adapted from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Animal Families
How long does a baby elephant stay with her mother? What do you call a baby goat? Young children learn some interesting facts about the lives of baby animals in this original video from KET.
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Pre-K-2 |
Video |
Backyard BirdfeedersThis video from WPSU’s series Outside suggests how to feed birds in winter, a hobby that can foster awareness, care, and respect for birds. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-6 |
Video |
Backyard TurtlesIn this video from the WPSU’s series Outside, learn about backyard turtle habitats, their favorite foods, and why they don’t make good pets.
Accessibility features: Caption |
3-6 |
Video |
Backyard WildlifeSquirrels and chipmunks are just two of the animals you might see. Backyard Wildlife, an original KET video, encourages children to explore the world outside their back door. |
Pre-K-1 |
Video |
Bats of the SouthwestThis video segment from the Nevada Department of Wildlife looks at various species of bats and how they impact the environment. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Bear Research In this video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K tag along with two biological researchers as they conduct their research project about bear movements. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Bears This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K shows bears' adaptations for eating. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Bears' Lunch Counter
This Nature video segment explores how the relationship between humans and grizzly bears has changed over the course of American History, and it describes the closing of the Yellowstone National Park garbage dumps in the 1970s.
Accessibility features: Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
Bears in the SchoolyardLearn about the precautions humans must take in the face of a growing grizzly bear population in this video from Nature. Accessibility features: Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
BeaversThis video segment explores the world of the beaver, including the biology of the species and, more importantly, its ability to transform an ecosystem for its own benefit. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-5 |
Video |
Bighorn SheepThis video segment from Outdoor Nevada explores the adaptations that help desert bighorn sheep survive in their habitat.
Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
Bird Migration This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K discusses the purpose of migration and shows researchers and students working together to study bird migration at the Idaho Bird Observatory. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Birds of Prey This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K defines birds of prey and explains what characteristics they have that identify them as a raptor and help them catch their prey. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Burrowing Owl In this video segment from Outdoor Nevada, learn about burrowing owls, yearlong residents of open, dry grassland and desert habitats, and the only owls that nest underground and are active both day and night. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
ButterfliesThis video from Vegas PBS features colorful insects known as butterflies, and looks at the coloration, species, life cycle, and migration habits within their habitat. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-8 |
Video |
Carnivorous Plants of Texas In this video adapted from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, learn about carnivorous plants that act as both producers and consumers in an ecosystem. See sundews and blatterworts capture and digest insects.
Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
Carnivorous Plants of Cartwheel BayIn this video segment from NatureScene, explore Cartwheel Bay, a wetland in South Carolina, and learn about the variety of carnivorous plants native to this unique landform. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Challenges of IncubationThis video segment from Nature examines American Eagles along the Upper Mississippi River and their struggle to protect their eggs from predators as well as from the cold, extreme weather. Accessibility features: Transcript |
2-6 |
Video |
Collapse of SharksThis video segment from Nature shows the destructiveness of the shark fin and shark cartilage industries. Accessibility features: Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
Contaminants in the Arctic Food Chain The levels of contaminants found in particular animals vary widely depending on where they fit into the Arctic food chain, as described in this video segment adapted from LOKE Films and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme.
Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Contaminants in the Arctic Human Population In this video segment adapted from LOKE Films and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, learn how human populations in the Arctic are affected by industrial contaminants in the food chain.
Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Converting to BiodieselMeet a college student whose class project to turn cooking grease into diesel fuel resulted in converting bus fleets to biodiesel, in this video from Earth Island Institute's New Leaders Initiative. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Desert BiomeThis video segment from NOVA: "A Desert Place" describes the physical characteristics and organisms that define the desert biome. Accessibility features: Audio Description, Caption, Transcript |
3-12 |
Video |
Desert Habitat This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K defines warm and cold (high) deserts, and describes some of the plants and animals found there as well as their adaptations for living in each type of desert. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Desert Tortoise This video segment from Outdoor Nevada examines threats to the desert tortoise population. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
Diversity of Hardwoods at Congaree SwampIn this video segment from NatureScene, observe some methods of plant identification with regards to the diversity of hardwoods at the Congaree Swamp. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Dolphin Reproductive BehaviorThis video segment from the Science and Technology Chat series focuses on dolphin pregnancy, birth, and care of the young, and features Atlantic bottlenose dolphins living in captivity at the Mirage Resort Dolphin Habitat. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Dragonflies in KentuckyThis KET video segment from Kentucky Life explains the differences between dragonflies and damselflies and explores their habitats. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
Dustin Madden: Science Teacher In this video profile produced for Teachers' Domain, meet teacher Dustin Madden, an Iñupiaq who hopes to inspire students to take an active role in protecting the natural environment by giving them a foundation in math and science. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Elk This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K describes the yearly life cycle of elk and follows them from their winter habitat to their summer habitat and back. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Endangered Species This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K explores the many reasons why animals become endangered or become extinct. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Energy Flow in the Coral Reef Ecosystem This video segment, adapted from NOVA, describes the energy flow in a coral reef, including its food web.
Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
An Everglades VisitIn this adapted video segment, ZOOM guest Tommy takes us on a tour of the Florida Everglades. He describes what makes a wetland biome unique, including the soil, precipitation, and biodiversity. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-8 |
Video |
What Do You Get From That?Children learn how farm animals contribute to people’s lives by providing food for the table and clothes to keep them warm. |
Pre-K-1 |
Video |
Zoo SafariTake a trip to a zoo and learn more about some of our favorite animals. |
Pre-K-1 |
Video |
Falconry This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K defines falconry and shows some of the equipment used for training a falcon to hunt. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Fish Research This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K explains the Chinook salmon's life cycle in the Pacific Northwest and why it is an endangered species. A fisheries biologist takes students through some steps of fish research with explanations of the kinds of information biologists gather to perhaps help manage fish recovery. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
FledglingsWitness eaglets begin to fly in this video segment from Nature. Accessibility features: Transcript |
2-6 |
Video |
Flood Plain and Higher Ground HabitatsThis video segment from NatureScene features the area of the Congaree Swamp where the high ground and the flood plain meet. Learn how a few feet of difference in elevation on a floodplain can yield drastic changes in what you’ll find living there. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Climate Wisconsin: Fly FishingLearn how fly fishing and trout are impacted by Wisconsin’s changing climate in this multimedia video produced by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Forests This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K describes rain, temperate and boreal forests and some of the animals that live in them. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
FrogsA boy named Ben learns about the dangers of invasive species—in this case, frogs—in this animated video from LOOP SCOOPS. Accessibility features: Caption |
1-4 |
Video |
From Seed to FlowerWatching plants grow is like watching paint dry: It happens so slowly that the changes are imperceptible from one moment to the next -- and yet the end results are dramatic. This video segment shows just how amazing plant development can be by depicting various phases of the process using time-lapse photography. Footage from NOVA: "The Shape of Things." Accessibility features: Caption |
K-5 |
Video |
From Seed to FruitChildren get a glimpse of what happens underground in the life of a cherry tomato plant in this original animated video from KET. |
Pre-K-1 |
Video |
From Wilderness, to Wilderness
This video segment from Nature: “Radioactive Wolves” examines the evolution of part of the Pripyat Marshes under Soviet rule from wetland wilderness to agricultural and nuclear powerhouse and back again after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. |
5-12 |
Video |
GerminatorThis ZOOMSci video segment teaches you how to germinate seeds in a plastic bag and helps you understand some of the factors that influence the germination process. Accessibility features: Audio Description, Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Gila MonsterThis video segment from Outdoor Nevada looks at the Gila monster's behavior, habitat, and unique adaptive characteristics. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Groundbreaking Pesticide BanLearn how one child's willingness to share her experience of life-threatening exposure to lawn pesticides helped inspire a citywide ban of pesticides for lawn or garden use, in this video segment adapted from Playing with Poison. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Growing IndependentWatch young eagles learn to catch food in this video segment from Nature. Accessibility features: Transcript |
2-6 |
Video |
Guess How Whales Hear!This video segment explores how one marine biologist used the scientific process to discover how whales hear. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-5 |
Video |
Habitat and Diet in Racehorse DevelopmentThis animated segment from KET's Electronic Field Trip to a Horse Farm demonstrates one of the ways calcium, a naturally occurring mineral derived from limestone, enters a horse's diet to give it an advantage in bone strength. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-5 |
Video |
HatchingLearn about eagle parenting techniques in this video from Nature. Accessibility features: Transcript |
2-6 |
Video |
Healing Mother Earth for Future GenerationsIn this video segment adapted from United Tribes Technical College, meet Native Americans who are concerned about climate change and believe that action today can help future generations once again live in harmony with Earth. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-11 |
Video |
Healthy Eating HabitsThis animated video segment adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, featuring American Indian characters, promotes replacing sugary foods with fruits and vegetables. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-2 |
Video |
Horned Lizard In this video from Outdoor Nevada, learn about the habitat, diet, and defense mechanisms of horned lizards. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Horseshoe Crabs and HumansThis video from Nature highlights the horseshoe crab and its immense value to humans. Accessibility features: Transcript |
4-8 |
Video |
Horseshoe Crabs and Red KnotsThis video from Nature describes horseshoe crabs as an essential source of nutrition for migrating birds. Accessibility features: Transcript |
4-8 |
Video |
How to be an Alpha Male Koala
This video resource from Nature: "Cracking the Koala Code" offers ringside seats to a territorial battle for dominance between two male koalas. |
5-12 |
Video |
HummingbirdsThis video segment from Outdoor Nevada explores the traits, behaviors, and habitat of four hummingbird species. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Idaho Fish This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K introduces Idaho's native fish species, and discusses why some populations are doing fine while others are struggling with declining numbers. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Indiana Bats of Carter CaveThis KET video segment from Kentucky Life explores one of the endangered habitats of Indiana bats and describes the benefits of bats to humans. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-12 |
Video |
Is It Alive?What is it that distinguishes a living organism from a nonliving object? This video presents examples that aren't as clear-cut as one might think, enticing students to question what it means to be alive. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-5 |
Video |
The Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle This video adapted from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department describes how humans are helping restore safe nesting grounds for the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle to ensure its successful repopulation.
Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
The Koala Diet
This enhanced video resource from Nature: "Cracking the Koala Code" examines how the koala’s unique diet of eucalyptus leaves affects their behavior. |
5-12 |
Video |
La'ona DeWilde: Environmental BiologistIn this video profile produced for Teachers' Domain, meet La'ona DeWilde, an environmental biologist who integrates her Athabascan heritage and her Western scientific training to help remote Alaskan villages address environmental issues. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Ladybug Pajama PartyThis video segment adapted from QUEST describes certain aspects of the life cycle of a species of ladybug found in the bay area. |
6-12 |
Video |
Life in Florida's SpringIn this video segment from Nature, get a close up look at life in the warm Florida springs and the numerous predators supported by the abundant life. Accessibility features: Transcript |
4-8 |
Video |
The Living FossilIn this video from Nature, learn about the horseshoe crab, a creature that has survived for 350 million years. Accessibility features: Transcript |
4-8 |
Video |
Maple SyrupThis video from WPSU’s series Outside shows how to identify a sugar maple tree by its branches, twigs, buds, and bark, and explains how to produce maple syrup. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-6 |
Video |
Masters of DisguiseIn the face of danger, what's a spineless animal to do? This video segment introduces the concept of camouflage -- how animals achieve it and how this form of disguise benefits both predators and prey.
Footage from NOVA: "Animal Impostors." Accessibility features: Audio Description, Caption, Transcript |
K-12 |
Video |
Mountain Goat This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K introduces us to life of mountain goats on high rocky peaks. It describes the adaptations mountain goats have for living on rocks. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
A Night in the Coral Reef Coral reefs are often portrayed as brightly lit, bustling underwater marvels full of colorful creatures. This video segment, adapted from NOVA, paints a different picture as it explores the nocturnal behavior of organisms in the reef.
Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Night LizardsThis video segment from Outdoor Nevada features the Western banded gecko and the desert night lizard, both members of the reptile family. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-8 |
Video |
North Dakota Tribal Members Talk About Climate ChangeIn this video segment about climate change adapted from United Tribes Technical College, members of several Native American tribes discuss their observations about how the seasons are changing and share their concerns and hopes for the future. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Oil Contaminants Hidden from ViewThis video adapted from KTOO explores why the beaches of Latouche Island and Knight Island, Alaska, contain remnants of an oil spill and discusses its resulting impact on the Alutiiq community of Chenega Bay. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Overstepping Mother Earth's BoundariesHave we overstepped Mother Earth's boundaries? What are the consequences? In this video segment adapted from Haskell Indian Nations University, hear a Native perspective on our relationship with the natural environment. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Owls This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K discusses the physical adaptations of owls for hunting their prey. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Patterns in NatureIn this video segment from Cyberchase, a plant expert shows Bianca the patterns and symmetry found in nature. Accessibility features: Transcript |
3-6 |
Video |
Pearl and Hermes Atoll This video segment adapted from the NOW-RAMP 2002 Expedition documents a research expedition to Pearl and Hermes Atoll in Hawai`i. Watch as biologists assess the bird and plant populations and then work to eradicate invasive species.
Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Peregrine Falcon In this video from Outdoor Nevada, Brian Wignall speaks with an ornithologist about the peregrine falcon, a majestic and endangered species that is one of the fastest animals in the world. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
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