The West Region: Environment

The western region of the United States, comprised of eleven states, is a region of superlatives--boasting the most national parks, the greatest temperature extremes--from -15° F (-26° C) to 131°F (55° C)--and mountains in every state. Geographical features include volcanoes, tropical islands, both the highest (Mt. McKinley) and lowest (Death Valley) points in North America, and several areas of industrial production. All this information and more is included in this thorough survey of the Mountain and Pacific states that is presented in a somewhat imaginative format, with three kids visiting a “professor” who has lots of fun hi-tech gadgets for exploration. Unfortunately, however, the program falls a bit flat thanks to cheesy acting, and barely audible audio from the professor. However, if you can ignore the technical drawbacks of the framing device, this is a good overview that can easily be adapted to fit elementary social studies or geography curricula. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: I, J. (E. Gieschen)