771. The atom and biological science (11:56)

Date:
1952
Summary:
Shows the advances achieved by biologists through experiments with atomic radiation on plants and animals. Describes the effects of gamma rays on living cells: their growth, rate of reproduction, and hereditary tendencies after exposure. Shows with animated drawings the effects of these rays on chromosomes of living cells and their probable effects on genes. Illustrates how induced cancer is treated with cyclotron bombardment and tells of the search for isotopes which can be administered internally.

772. The bears bargain (15:10)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Hand puppets enact the story of a man and wife who were too lazy to plant their own pear trees. Their neighbor tells them they may have all the pears that fall from the tree on their side of the fence.The husband goes to fetch wood and meets a bear who agrees to carry wood to the wife if he can have some bread pudding. The selfish husband and wife eat all of the pudding before the bear arrives. When he sees he has been tricked, the bear upsets everything in the house and leaves. He comes to the pear tree and decides to take the pears. Just then the wife sneezes, the bear thinks they are shooting at him so he drops the pears and runs away. The neighbor comes by and recovers the pears that were dropped, leaving the lazy man and wife with nothing.

773. The beginning of picture making (05:49)

Date:
1951
Summary:
Examples of tempera painting by children aged three to seven show the development of skill and ability to express ideas in creative painting.

774. The behavior of light (17:20)

Date:
1930
Summary:
Presents the idea of light transmission, shadows, and eclipses; explains the formation of images in plane, concave, or convex mirrors; and demonstrates the cause of refraction.

775. The behavior pattern of Central American army ants (22:26)

Date:
1939
Summary:
Shows field research in the Panama canal zone on army ants. Presents illustrations of bivouacking, raiding, and migrating behavior; shows species differences, and includes views of the rarely observed Ection queen.

776. The benefits of student exchange (27:43)

Date:
1954
Summary:
Students representing Spain, Burma, Denmark, France and Egypt evaluate their visit to the United States. Most of the discussion is concerned with the students' reaction to life in the United States. The students contrast the American culture with their own, emphasizing the fact that each of their cultures is comparatively ancient, and thus, there seems no need consciously to "be'' a member of that culture, while they sense the need of American youngsters to "be" consciously American. The problem of segregation is also considered. "Teamwork," and the way in which competition and cooperation are treated in American schools are quite interestingly examined, as is the question of conformity and individualism. One student was particularly intrigued with what American youngsters mean by "personality," and why such a premium is placed on it.

777. The black soldier (26:54)

Date:
1968
Summary:
Traces the history of the black American's participation in the armed forces of the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the war in Vietnam. Reveals little known facts about blacks such as segregation in the military prior to 1947, the first soldier to fall in the Revolutionary War was black, black soldiers were the first to receive the Croix de Guerre in World War I, and over 1,000,000 Negroes served in World War II. Points out that black soldiers have served in the American wars, whether they were accepted socially or not.

778. The Blood (15:22)

Date:
1961
Main contributors:
Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, George E. Wakerlin, John Walker
Summary:
Summarizes the function of the blood in supporting the work of other cells, pictures how it circulates through the body, and breaks it down into its component parts. Features the laboratory technique of centrifuging, making a blood smear, blood-typing, performing blood counts and determining the Rh factor. Uses animation and microcinematography to explain the circulatory systems and their parts. Presents blood clotting and the structures that are involved, stressing both beneficial and harmful effects which may result from clotting.

779. The book of Ecclesiastes (29:26)

Date:
1961
Summary:
The aphorisms of the “Preacher” in the Book of Ecclesiastes have given laymen and scholars of the Bible considerable difficulty. How do they fit into Biblical literature? When and why were they written? What messages have they for us? Dr. Boyd does his usual fine job of informing the viewer of the background and of guiding him in understanding complicated passages. Among other interesting points is Dr. Boyd’s suggestion that the Book of Ecclesiastes may be understood as the first example of the personal essay, one that contains ideas on the best way to live and the goals to pursue.

780. The book of Hosea (29:37)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Dr. Bernard Boyd, University of North Carolina, discusses the Book of Hosea from the Bible. Analyzes the relationship of Hosea and his wife Gomer as a metaphor for God and the faithless people.