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CM . . . .
Volume V Number 3 . . . . October 2, 1998
The subject of this video is the painted turtle. Starting with
the words: "Over 200 million years ago...they were watching,"
this well-researched video takes viewers through the entire life-cycle of the painted turtle.
We begin with a female turtle getting ready to rest on the bottom
of the pond for the winter. You also see baby turtles in their
nests. They actually freeze for the winter and thaw again in the
spring. Emerging from the bottom of the pond, the turtles bask in
the sun to speed up their metabolism. Courtship and mating are
covered, and there is excellent footage of a female painted
turtle laying her eggs in the nest. What turtles eat [and how
they manage this action under water without drowning - they can
close off their windpipes with their tongues], who eats them and
man's impact on turtle life are also discussed.
While useful for anyone doing research on the painted turtle, the
subject matter fits the elementary science program exceptionally
well. All information that students need to know is covered in
this video, including explanations of terms when necessary. For
example, turtles do not hibernate but spend the winter in
"torpor." This concept is then explained in a manner that does
not intrude. The information flows easily and logically from
point to point.
The narrator, Macha Grenon, has an excellent, well-modulated
voice. Her pacing allows students to follow along and understand
what they are seeing and hearing. The photography follows the
turtles and the life in their pond. Excellent shots of pond life
help the students understand what the narrator is explaining.
Because most shots are at turtle level, the audience sees what
the turtle sees. The music, never intrusive, complements the
narration and does not overpower either the images or the
narration.
Science consultant Dr. Roger Bider is listed in the credits. The
facts of the video have been well researched and presented.
Viewers are not left feeling that they have been "presented" with
facts but rather that they have learned much more than they
previously knew about painted turtles.
Documentation accompanying this video includes "turtle facts," questions for further study, classroom activities, and a list of suggested readings.
Creatures of the Sun is heartily recommended.
Recommended.
Katie Cook is a social studies teacher and teacher-librarian at
the Steinbach Regional Secondary School in Steinbach, Manitoba.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - OCTOBER 2, 1998.
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