Kilauea

Gr 7 Up—Volcanologists and photographers working from a helicopter, on the island, in the ocean, and in an audio lab are featured in this expertly photographed and fascinating study of Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The film is refreshing because it covers the geography of the volcanic vent, the ecology of the lava fields, intriguing underground sounds emitted by the volcano, and the reaction of the molten rock and sea as they merge. The narrator and scientists, speaking in clear voices, use advanced terminology that is displayed at the bottom of the screen long enough for note taking. Research tools are shown and their use is explained. This enrichment lesson is guaranteed to hold the attention of students with its spectacular natural scenes and probing segments and generate interesting discussions and further research.—Jennifer Ward, Albany Public Library, NY