Subject: Science/Careers
Grades: 6-11
Length: 13 episodes @ 30 minutes
Distributors: PMN
Record Rights: Fair Use
Website: www.realscience.org
Who says science has to be dull? Join hip teen reporters as they pair
up with professionals from various scientific fields to explore careers
in science. Real Science! challenges students perceptions of science and
scientists, encouraging adolescents to pursue activities and courses that
could lead to a career in science or a related field (such as science
writing). The programs feature women and minorities as hosts and as professionals
engaged in challenging scientific careers. Real Science! episodes spotlight
fascinating aspects of scientific jobs and feature scientists on the job.
SERIES 7:
701 WEB OF LIFE (SOFTWARE TEST ENGINEER & ZOOLOGY EDUCATOR) The seventh series of Real Science! opens with freeing the net and exploring the free. First, it’s off to Cisco Systems to learn how software engineers keep traffic moving on the Internet. Then, take a walk on the wild side at the San Diego Wild Animal Park to learn from the park’s best teachers - the animals!
702 FROG STUDY (WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS) Frogs make leaps in scientific discovery! First, get nets in hand to catch California red- legged frogs and see how biologists study their behavior with a simple tracking device. Then, wade through the marshy waters of Maryland in search of southern leopard frogs to help scientists determine the extent of environmental pollution.
703 WATER RESCUE (LIMNOLOGIST & VETERINARIAN) Scientists show how water pollution can endanger life. First, board the boat to measure the water clarity of Lake Tahoe and learn why scientists want to keep Tahoe blue. Then, it’s off to see how veterinarians at the international bird rescue center strive to save hundreds of injured birds.
704 INSECT CARRIERS (ENTOMOLOGISTS) Can scientists halt the spread of insect-borne diseases? Discover the difficult task facing entomologists trying to stop the spread of pine pitch canker. Then, it’s off to Maryland to see how scientists are itching to discover the extent to which Maryland’s mosquitoes carry the deadly West Nile virus.
705 FISH POWER (AQUACULTURIST & MARINE BIOLOGIST) It’s fish power on Real Science! First, tour the aquaculture facility at Hubbs-Sea World where scientists are working to assess how to restock depleted marine fisheries. Then, discover how the unique muscle structure of the giant tuna enables it to swim more than forty miles per hour.
706 A VIAL OF KNOWLEDGE ( BIOLOGIST & ARACHNOLOGIST) Scientists get out their syringes to learn about animal stress and venom! First, it’s a boat ride across to Gull Island, Alaska where biologists monitor stress hormones in birds once affected by an oil spill. Then, it’s time to capture orb weaver spiders near Tuscon, Arizona to determine the reason spiders have different types of venom.
707 SNOWY SECRETS (GLACIAL GEOLOGIST & CIVIL ENGINEER) Is there science in snow? Get on your snow boots and sunglasses for a breathtaking hike of Matanuska Glacier, Alaska and discover the environmental significance of this giant beauty. Then, ski out to a site in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and learn how environmental engineers can determine our water supply by measuring the water content of the annual snowpack.
708 MYSTICAL CREATURES (PALEONTOLGIST & MARINE BIOLOGIST) The science of the spectacular! First, it’s off to San Bernadino County, California to unearth the mystery of the Mastodon. Then, get a behind-the-scenes look at rare seahorses brought to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for an exhibit that will be one of the most comprehensive collections of these little-understood animals.
709 DIG IT (ARCHAEOLOGIST & GEOLOGIST) Gold and gems have attracted scientists too! First, discover the secrets of the Alaska Gold Rush as archaeologists unearth a history buried beneath a forest. Then, it’s off to visit the Hall of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian and learn about techniques geologists use to analyze rock specimens.
710 SEEING THE SEA ( MARINE ECOLOGIST & AQUARIST) Scientists monitor the health of animals and the ocean! First, fly over the ocean with a marine ecologist testing new research methods to monitor the ocean’s health. Then, go snorkeling in an aquarium environment near Cape Cod to learn how scientists monitor animal health.
711 SMASHING ELECTRICS! ( PHYSICIST & MANUFACTURING ENGINEER ) Real Science! gets charged up for a look at accelerators and guitars! First, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and learn about its mission to understand what all things are ultimately made of. Then, it’s down to Corona, California to tour the Fender guitar factory and see how the famous instruments are made.
712 POWER TO THE PEOPLE ( PLASMA PHYSICIST & PLANT GENETISIST ) Some scientists have to think alternatively! First, it’s off to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to see how fusion scientists are developing a clean, mean, energy-producing machine to safely power our world. Then, time to check out a new kind of flower power at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC and learn how scientists use genetic engineering to develop healthier plant life.
713 PRODUCT DESIGN (PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEER & INDUSTRIAL MINERALOGIST) What do remote controls and kitty litter have in common? They’re both products that have to be developed and tested to consumer satisfaction. First, it’s off to Microsoft Corporation to see how remote controls are designed, developed and tested. Then, it’s over to the Clorox Company to see how industrial mineralogists develop kitty litter to satisfy its most finicky clientele—the cats!