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The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science cover image

The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science 2007

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Annenberg Learner, PO Box 55742, Indianapolis, IN 46205-0742; 800-532-7637
Produced by Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Director n/a
DVD, 390 mins. (Consisting of 13, 30 min units)



Sr. High - General Adult
Biology, Environmental Studies, Science

Date Entered: 04/24/2013

Reviewed by Scott S. Richmond, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Daniel A. Reed Library, State University of New York at Fredonia

The Habitable Planet is a multimedia course, divided in to 13 units, covering earth’s geophysical, atmospheric, and oceanic ecosystems. The first 4 units provide a background for each system, followed by 2 units introducing humans as part of the ecosystem and examine what is exactly needed in order to sustain life. The next 5 units address the effects of humans on different natural systems, including land use, air and water pollution, and extraction of resources. The final unit addresses the future of the planet if humans take action to lessen our overall impact.

The course materials consist of a set of four DVDs, containing thirteen, 30-minute videos broken down into two parts per unit, which describe current, on-going research programs; a course text written in an easy to understand format, appealing to a wide audience; a professional development guide, providing information pertaining to each unit’s Learning Goals, Key Concepts, Active Learning Strategies, Discussion Questions, as well as Supplementary Classroom Activities; and access to a website providing additional content, activities and resources. The cinematography and sound quality of the DVDs are superb. This course would make a great addition to any library, public or academic, or classroom collection.