Earth Science for Children: All About Earth's History

When I was in kindergarten we weren't expected to know about evolution. Of course, that was before federally mandated high-stakes standardized testing (but long after the Scopes trial). All About Earth's History, one of 10 titles in the Earth Science for Children series, designed for children from kindergarten through fourth grade, is geared to National Science Education Standards guidelines for earth science knowledge. Pointing out that our “solid” Earth is constantly changing, the program looks at the formation and history of the planet, noting the gradual appearance and evolution of life and ongoing geophysical changes. While the information packed into this 23-minute video would be an incredible amount for any age group, it's particularly the case for those on the youngest end of the age scale recommended here. Unlike other Schlessinger Science Library titles, where the information and design seamlessly flow together, the cartoon narrators here, Iggy and Geo, with their Q & A format, seem clunky and the pacing is awkward. Consider purchasing for fourth grade classes, and third grade if you have a really aggressive science program, but this is very optional for younger students. Other titles in the series include: All About Soil, All About Fossils, All About Natural Resources and All About Volcanoes. Aud: E, I, P. (R. Reagan)