Daily Planet in the Classroom

Gr 7 Up—Topics ranging from biodegradable cell phones to global dimming as a cause of drought in Africa are covered in this fast-paced, entertaining program. There is no introduction and no set focus on any specific aspect of the environment. The short segments introduce environmental problems and some possible solutions from around the world. Clips about a very energy efficient office building in Beijing, floating habitable spheres in an old-growth forest in Vancouver, ancient endangered trees in Australia, green dry cleaning, and water conservation in Las Vegas are interesting but leave viewers wishing for additional information and more critical assessment. The hodgepodge nature of the presentation may make it difficult to use with distinct curriculum objectives. Metric measurements are featured throughout. The mention of 2010 as the future dates the production.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY