Elementary school teacher Warren Hatch once again (see Video Microscope 4 [VL-1/97]) gives us a fascinating look at the world under magnification. This time, it's the frenetic world of protozoa that is displayed in 2-4 minute segments, with interesting and sometimes quirky commentary provided by Hatch. You may think that protozoa, which make up 30,000 species in the Kingdom Protista, are unimportant or even boring, but wait till you see a disgusting cup of seemingly lifeless puddle water transformed, via a simple microscope, into a world seething with beauty, drama, and activity! Chockfull of vocabulary (flagella, cilia, etc.) and important life cycle functions (reproduction, eating/excretion, etc.), this is a gold mine for any science classroom with a microbiology unit. Segments are clearly titled and easy to find, thanks to an exhaustive listing included. The video format makes it especially useful in classrooms with limited resources, and Hatch also points out that "most public libraries in the U.S. do not have even one videotape which focuses on Protozoa." Recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)
Protozoa Through a Microscope
(1996) 90 min. $20 (index included). Warren A. Hatch Productions. PPR. ISBN: 1-884195-19-9. Vol. 12, Issue 3
Protozoa Through a Microscope
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