Nature Works

Featuring sixteen 15-minute programs on one tape, Nature Works, hosted by student Patrice Forrester and Senior Naturalist Dave Erler of New Hampshire's Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, explores the ways living things interact with the environment. Four main subject areas (with several programs devoted to various aspects of each subject) are covered: adaptation, communities, interdependence and diversity, with the "adaptations" grouping, for example, looking at adaptive techniques both structural and behavioral, such as coloration, communication and migration. Each segment includes an introduction to the topic, followed by an example of an animal or plant that uses the concept, a trip with the naturalist to see the animal in action, and a final review. Developed by New Hampshire Public Television, this excellent series is chock-full of terrific live nature photography, and the comparisons of human behavior to that found in nature will help young viewers gain a better appreciation of the world around them. A quality bargain, Nature Works is highly recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (L. Stevens)