Seven Reasons to Integrate PBS LearningMedia into Science Curriculum

Multimedia as a tool can enhance and strengthen the impact of activities in the field and in the science classroom.  PBS LearningMedia videos, audio and interactives engage students and can be used to effectively demonstrate science concepts as well as to reinforce media literacy technologies as part of a core science curriculum.  Here are 7 reasons (with resource examples) to intergrate PBS LearningMedia into science curriculum.

1.Visually demonstrate scientific ideas and concepts

Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through This interactive feature illustrates the movement of some materials through the cell membrane and describes the structures that make it possible.

Newton’s Laws of Motion  In this video from KQED’s QUEST, a scientist demonstrates how Newton’s three laws of motion affect all movement in the universe.

2. Instill a sense of wonder and excitement in students about the world around them

Nascar Goes Green Enhance geography and economics curriculum with this video which profiles the green initiatives being implemented by Nascar.

Amusement Park Physics  How do physics laws affect amusement park ride design?  Find out by designing a  roller coaster.

3. Present local relevant case studies

Albino Redwoods, Ghosts of the Forest In this video from KQED’s QUEST, find out how albino redwoods survive and unlock some of the mysteries of how redwood trees live.

The Probabilities of Problems: A Look at Inheritance Differentiate dominant, recessive and sex-linked forms of inheritance, calculate the probabilities of passing on certain genetic disorders and then evaluate case studies involving genetic testing.

4. Provide examples of real people practicing science

The Science of Taste As scientists decode how our taste and olfactory receptors work, see how top California chefs are using that knowledge to create alchemy in the kitchen.

Designing a Roller Coaster  This video adapted from DESIGN SQUAD profiles a mechanical engineer who uses his knowledge of energy transfer to design roller coasters.

5. Generate student interest in science careers

Ocean Careers Exploration Investigate careers in oceanography and marine exploration.

6. Offer current research theories and perspectives on a topic

At the Core of Climate Change Find out how scientists use data collected from ice cores to study climate change.

As Global Temperatures Rise, So Do Health Risks Ray Suarez reports that, while there may be debate over what’s causing global climate change, there is increasing evidence of the effects of a warming planet on human health.

7. Connect students with far away or inaccessible places 

Darfur Stoves Find out how researchers have engineered a stove that is helping the women of refugee camps in Darfur, Sudan.

And those are reasons to incorporate multimedia into science curriculum with  examples from PBS LearningMedia. Thousands more resources are available in PBS LearningMedia.