The Big Aircraft Carrier

The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, casting a warm glow on the flight deck of a massive military aircraft carrier. A roar fills the air as a Tomcat fighter jet comes in for a heart-stopping landing, going from 150 mph to 0 mph in less than 3 seconds. It's just a small event in the ongoing activity aboard the USS Nimitz, a floating city of over 6,000 people. This fascinating film designed for children (but captivating for adults!) takes us from an aircraft carrier's beginnings in a naval shipyard through everyday life on board. Narrated by very articulate children, every aspect of the carrier is explored, from mess halls, air traffic control, and the crammed hangars, to the command bridge, flight deck, and never-ending training. Every new concept or visual is labeled with entertaining graphics, helping reading skills, and frequent size and speed comparisons are great for math development. The production values are high, with excellent camera work, sharp editing, and clear narration. At this price, this highly recommended video is a steal. Editor's Choice. Aud: I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)