Ask Oscar: Water

Targeted towards the primary-3rd grade audience, this entry in the delightful Australian children's science series Ask Oscar introduces Oscar the Mole, an inquisitive puppet who asks the probing questions that engage young minds--like, why do some things sink in water while other things float? Using a combination of animated sketches and live action film, Oscar demonstrates the properties of water: its origin (the entire water cycle), ice and steam, the processes of condensation and evaporation ("big words" says Oscar), and how water is used to power electricity plants. Elementary schools would benefit from this and the two other programs in the series (Air and Light). Public libraries with limited budgets will have to stick with Mr. Wizard. Recommended. (Available from: Landmark Films, 3450 Slade Run Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042; 1-800-342-4336.)