Eye of the Cyclops: Protozoans and Algae

Oh, the world contained in a cupful of pond water! Just because you can't see protozoans with the naked eye...wait, I'll get a microscope...no, really, it's fascinating...hey, WAKE UP! Is this a familiar response to slide after slide of wiggling microscopic creatures? Well, thanks to excellent 3-D animation and microphotography and a clever concept involving a tiny submarine-type vehicle named the Cyclops, manned by a micro-sized crew that documents all the life it observes, this innovative video stands apart from the pack. Yes, the view of a euplotes swimming around could indeed be snooze-inducing, but when you see it from a crew member's point-of-view, looking through a computer-generated window, it becomes surprisingly fascinating. Backed by this simple, but effective, framing device, this episode from the Eye of the Cyclops series features a lively script providing plenty of factual information about tiny organisms while also emphasizing the process of scientific research and discovery, and the formulation of principles and theories. Including seven other titles (series price: $215)--Decomposers Everywhere, Food Chains Begin with Photosynthesis, Predators of the Shallows, White Water Adventure, Discovering a Forest Microcosm and Backyard Biodiversity--this affordable series is highly recommended. [Note: Teacher's guides are available for free download at www.ebiomedia.com.] Aud: I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)