Jonathan Bird Productions: Marine Science Videos, Lessons, & More
(www.blueworldtv.com/)
This was designed for students in grades 6-8, but there is something of educational value and entertainment for everyone, with parental supervision.
Jonathan Bird’s Blue World website is an offshoot of a PBS television series by the same name. The website offers free “webisodes” of the underwater science/adventure series online for free WITHOUT advertising – and it’s all accompanied by free study guides and classroom lessons and activities based on National Science Standards (that can be tweaked for home use by families).
The idea is to generate interest in protecting the underwater world by increasing awareness of this realm and the creatures that live there. The episodes and learning materials are packed with information and presented in a way that makes marine biology fun to learn.
When you get to the site, you’ll see a sliding display that highlights current features. (I watched a fascinating, 7-minute video on “Sea Snakes,” one of the ocean’s most venomous critters.) Use the menu at the top of the screen that includes:
- Watch Webisodes – View about 75 different videos covering topics such as coral spawning, dolphins, learning to scuba dive, shark biology, crustaceans, venomous fish, sea turtles, stingrays, killer clams, sea cows, whales, and much more. You’ll also find “Extras” that include interviews with cameramen, videos on tools of the trade, etc. While all of the webisodes offer downloadable study guides, in the “Curriculum Based” section, you’ll find six videos (so far) that also offer free, downloadable lesson plans.
- Behind The Scenes – Meet underwater cinematographer Jonathan Bird and the rest of his award-winning science and research team. Peruse a “Photo Gallery,” read “Sea Stories” about incidents that occur behind the scenes, and explore “Other Resources” that contain links to educational websites.
- For Educators – Access the free Study Guides and Lesson Plans. Learn about National Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and find a direct link to the “Curriculum Based” webisodes.
This is a terrific learning resource that the whole family will find educational and entertaining!
