Frozen Planet

Gr 7 Up—This seven-part series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, features stunning scenery, magnificent animals, superb musical background, and striking camera work. One-third of our planet is frozen and it is the last true frontier. Cameras travel to both poles, to Greenland, and to lands of the far north in Canada and Russia to film conditions in all four seasons. Changing weather and temperatures affect the lives of polar bears, penguins, whales, seals, wolves, birds, musk ox, bison, owls, voles, moths, and ermine—all portrayed here. Most often it is prey versus predator and survival of the fittest. These bloody encounters are discerningly presented and will not upset young audiences—yet the message is clear. The conclusion of each program features "Freeze Frame," a segment that describes the making of the feature. "The Last Frontier" program examines the indigenous people of the Arctic regions in Greenland and Siberia with a look at their lifestyles and how they adapt to the cold, snow, and ice. While Antarctica has no native peoples, hundreds of scientists live on and study the continent for months at a time. There is a look into their labs and discussion of their research projects. The final program, "On Thin Ice," addresses climate change but does not ask what causes it and what we can do to prevent it. This dazzling series can be utilized by classes across the curriculum.—Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel