The Blackfooted Ferret

Wildlife biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service explain how they are making great strides toward saving this endangered species that was once thought to be extinct. From breeding ferret offspring to preparing them for release back into the wild, the recovery effort of these cute carnivores is rich in math and science.
Running time 5:25 minutes.

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Coral Reefs

Biologist Joanie Kleypus studies the living coral that protects coastlines and provides miles of underwater habitat for the abundant marine animal and plant life.

Running time 2:26 minutes.

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The Forester

For Tami Sabol, the forest is her office. As a Forester for Plum Creek Timber Company, she is responsible for the health of hundreds of thousands of acres of trees. Using math and science is a routine part of her work.
Running time 5:10 minutes.

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Growing Bugs

Organic farmers depend on Jan Dietrick to supply them with good bugs that attack bad bugs. She depends on her knowledge of ratios to get the job done.

Running time 1:19 minutes.

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Lightning

Over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes strike the U.S. every year. How do meteorologists keep track of when and where they will strike?

Running time 1:00 minute.

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Making Sparks

How it Works

Solar panels are a practical source of electricity for an individual or a nation.

Running time 4:53 minutes.

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New York City Subway

$New York City Subway$ The New York City subway moves millions of people every day, thanks to the skills of a team of remarkable people.

Running time 2:18 minutes.

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Predicting the Weather

From tornados to hurricanes and thunderstorms to climate change, these nine scientists from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) are using math and science to better understand and predict severe weather systems.
Running time 5:19 minutes.

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Recycling Computers

Every year over 250 million computers and 100 million cell phones are tossed aside in the US alone. Go inside Electronic Recyclers, the largest “e-waste” facility in California, to see how they break down millions of pounds of electronics every month. Everything from computers to cell phones, TVs to Xboxes, comes through their doors to be crushed, shredded, melted down and reused.
Running time 5:14 minutes.

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Types of Oceanography

With over 70% of the earth covered by the ocean, there are many kinds of oceanographers to study it.

Running time 1:05 minutes.

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Understanding Hurricanes

Scientist Kevin Petty, of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, studies hurricanes. He is helping to improve hurricane forecasts and warnings by learning how to better predict the intensity and duration of hurricanes.
Running time 2:43 minutes.

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Water Supply

$Water Supply$ The water that comes out of your tap has traveled a long way to get there.

Running time 3:19 minutes.

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A Wildlife Refuge

Near the Gulf Coast of Texas extends a 44,000-acre refuge full of alligators, armadillos, coyotes, and lots and lots of birds. The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for nearly 350 different bird species that migrate south for the winter every year. Show your students the science and math wildlife biologists use to maintain a safe haven for these animals.
Running time 5:37 minutes.

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The Wind Business

The business of wind farming is booming but, as these three professionals explain, it's not as simple as sticking a pole in the ground and watching the turbines turn. It can take years to plan and engineer these state-of-the-art wind farms. It’s a problem-solving process that draws on an understanding of algebra, geometry, kinetic energy, electronics and just about everything in between in order to turn one of our most abundant natural resources into a viable business.
Running time 5:55 minutes.