Show Me Science: A Trip Through the Circulatory System

Gr 4–9—The title of this program is misleading. Rather than being a trip through the circulatory system, it focuses on cell respiration: how oxygen and glucose get to the cells that need them by way of the circulatory system, how oxygen and glucose are processed by the cell, and how carbon dioxide and water from cell respiration gets out of the body. While the heart is briefly discussed, there is no mention of the other parts of the circulatory system. The format is question and answer, with a child asking questions, and an adult responding. Sometimes the answers don't really address the question. There is a short review at the end of the program. Graphics are simplistic, dated, and sometimes inappropriate. For example, an unnecessary female anatomical model is displayed without skin, but with breasts, nipples, and external reproductive area fairly obvious. The DVD features a paralympic athlete talking about efficient cell respiration, but is somewhat preachy about healthy eating and exercise. Purchase only where a simple review of cell respiration is needed.—Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University