The Biology of Chordates 2002
Distributed by BioMEDIA Associates, PO Box 1234, Beaufort, SC 29901-1234; 877-661-5355
Produced by David Denning & Bruce Russell
Director n/a
VHS, color and b&, 17 min.
High School - Adult
Biology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Tara Hurt, University Archivist, Eastern Connecticut State UniversityThe Biology of Chordates program discusses, in detail, the unique features of the Phylum Chordata. The video highlights the structures that allowed the transition of the chordates from water to terrestrial life and the program includes a guide that provides relevant questions, activities and teaching strategies. The cinematography in the video is excellent; the combination of close up and wide angle views makes learning through a visual/video based medium ideal. The fossil footage in the program is detailed, there is a good balance of microscopic footage in the program, the use of computer generated progression through time is valuable and the use of charts to visually connect the concepts is excellent.
The program transitions from one concept to the next very well. As new concepts are introduced there are review segments that are not overdone. The review segments help to link concepts together, give viewers a “bigger picture” and allow the viewer or instructor to break the program down into further sections. The strength of this program is the well organized presentation and the backing of the complete biology series from BioMEDIA.