Human Body in Action - Science DVDs
Product Information
CSH is proud to be the exclusive licensee and sole distributor in Singapore and Malaysia of the following award-winning Science Video-CDs.
Focuses on the human body from cells to systems, including the skeletal & muscular systems, the circulatory & respiratory systems, and much more. Each Video-CD features real world experiences, along with stunning microphotography and clear, colourful graphics. A recurring theme in the series is the hierarchy of the human body: cells, organs and organ systems. Every program includes an easy-to-replicate, hands-on activity and an interview with an expert in a particular area of science. This 10-volume series is based on the concepts outlined in the National Science Education Standards for Life Science: Structure & Function in Living Systems, Reproduction & Heredity, Regulation & Behaviour, and Diversity & Adaptations of Organisms.
The Brain & The Nervous System takes us on a tour of these critical parts of the human body. You will learn about the three key parts of the nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves – all made up of special cells called neutrons that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. You’ll discover the different types of neutrons – sensory, motor and associative – each with a specialized function. Reflex actions are discussed, as well as an in-depth look at the three main parts of the brain: cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. Includes a visit with two neurologists and a fun hands-on activity that allows you to test your ability to learn.
Cells takes a close-up look at the smallest living unit in the human body. You will discover that while most cells are very similar in structure and equipment, each type of cell has its own special function. Colourful, detailed graphics give you a complete rundown of the various parts of a cell. You’ll see various organelles – the individual parts that work together to keep the cell functioning. Cell specialization and the process of cellular reproduction known as mitosis are also covered. Includes a fun hands-on activity that demonstrates the concept of a ‘selective membrane.’
Circulatory & Respiratory Systems takes you to discover how these two vital systems work together to help keep us alive through a process called cellular respiration. A close-up look at the components of our blood – plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets – reveals just how critical blood is to our survival. Pumped by the heart through a vast network of vessels, our blood is the ultimate pick-up and delivery system, providing vital nutrients, carrying away harmful waste, and fighting against disease and infection. A visit to a hospital blood laboratory is included, as well as an interview with a doctor, and a fun hands-on activity in which students can test their lung capacity.
Digestive & Excretory Systems shows us that, in order to be of use to our cells, food needs to be broken down into the bloodstream. This is the job of the digestive system, a complex series of tools that includes teeth, saliva, bile, acids and enzymes designed to reduce nutrients to a form that can be delivered to cells. But just as trash must be taken out at home, waste products and indigestible materials must be removed from the body. You will learn that this is the role of the excretory system, which includes the liver, lungs, kidneys and even the skin. Included is a visit with a kidney specialist and a hands-on activity that tests the digestive action of acids and enzymes.
Genes & Heredity brings us to learn that genes are tiny “instruction manuals” contained in the chromosomes of every one of our cells. Did you know that a combination of about 30,000 genes is what makes you the person you are? Genes are responsible for our characteristic traits – like hair colour, eye colour and height. Heredity is the passing of these traits from parents to offspring. You will discover that genes and chromosomes are made up of DNA – the chemical language that makes up those genetic instructions. Dominant and recessive traits, meiosis and mutations are also covered. Includes an intriguing experiment in which you can actually see the DNA from peas!
Health & Nutrition reminds us that what we eat is critical to our overall health, from our cells to our senses to how we feel. Cells need nutrients to function properly, and we get them from the foods we eat. You will be treated to a complete rundown of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. The concept of a balanced diet is stressed, along with a full presentation of the Food Guide Pyramid and a segment on the importance of exercise for maintaining good health. Includes an interview with a nutrition expert and a fun hands-on activity in which you actually measure and compare the amount of energy stored in different foods.
Immune System highlights to us that infectious diseases are caused by microscopic foreign invaders called pathogens, while noninfectious diseases can be due to a variety of factors that include heredity, environment or lifestyle choices. You get a close-up look at the immune system’s three lines of defence protective barriers like skin and mucus, the inflammatory response and the lymphatic system. Included is an interview with a doctor who explains the special role white blood cells play, plus an easy-to-replicate experiment where you see how hand washing can dramatically reduce the number of bacteria normally found on your hands.
Interrelationship of the Body Systems teaches that the human body is really one large system comprised of many smaller systems. Made up of cells, tissues and organs, each body system has its own specialized job. However, each system must still interact with the others to get its job done. You will explore the functions and major organs of each body system aided by colourful, dynamic graphics and vivid real-life examples. Includes a visit with a critical care doctor and a fun, hands-on activity which reinforces the concept that our body systems can accomplish things by working together as a group, that no individual part could do alone.
Skeletal & Muscular Systems explores how bones and muscles work together to protect our bodies and enable us to move. You will discover that in addition to providing support for our bodies and protecting vital organs, bones are where blood is manufactured! You also learn that bones are classified by shape – long, short, flat and irregular – and that there are three types of muscles – skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Vivid examples and colourful graphics illustrate how joints work with the help of connective tissues like cartilage, ligaments and tendons. An orthopaedic surgeon explains how bones heal, and a fun, hands-on experiment shows how calcium is essential for strong, healthy bones.
Reproductive & Endocrine Systems explores two systems that have unique roles in the function of the human body. You will learn about the amazing way that the primary organs of the endocrine system communicate and produce the hormones which regulate the critical functions of other body systems. Topics including growth, the onset of puberty and sexual maturity are also covered. Includes a presentation of the reproductive organs, along with an explanation of the production of sex cells - eggs and sperm – and the process of fertilization. There’s also a visit with a reproductive endocrinologist and a hands-on activity in which you get to see the effect of hormones on plant growth.
