Film animation and a knowledge of outer space bring to the screen this spectacular, awe-inspiring view of our solar system. Staggering distances are eliminated through the art of film: before our eyes is displayed the wonder of the universe. Moon, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Earth and all the other satellites and lesser matter in space are seen in amazing detail and perspective in their eternal orbits around the sun.
For more background info on this film, visit the NFB.ca blog.
The Science Please! collection uses archival footage, animated illustrations and amusing narration to explain various scientific discoveries and phenomena.
This short film depicts what happens to all that paper we put in our recycling boxes.
This short animation transports us from the farthest conceivable point of the universe to the tiniest particle of existence, an atom of a living human cell. The art of animation and animation camera achieve this exhilarating journey with a freshness and clarity. Without words.
This short animated film delves into the mysteries of time: how calendars came to be; why the seasons change; why the year is divided into days, etc. From Babylon to 16th-century Europe, this film presents the history of the measurement of time.
The Science Please! collection uses archival footage, animated illustrations and amusing narration to explain various scientific discoveries and phenomena.
In this short documentary, watch sparks fly and molten metal run white hot as it goes from scrap metal to fresh steel.
How Do They Braid Rope? is a fascinating visual voyage through the twists and turns of rope-making. The How Do They...? series is comprised of short films that reveal the mysteries behind how everyday things are made. A film without words.
Iris is about to greedily devour her lunch—a mountain of fries—and her friend gives her a lecture. In Cathon’s opinion, fries are not a balanced meal. And yet they’re in Canada’s Food Guide. Or are they? Maybe not.
Iris and Cathon are at the beach, and they both have new swimsuits. Cathon makes fun of her friend’s choice of beachwear. You’ll learn a lot about the origins of the bathing suit.
Cathon has a new best friend—Ruben the goldfish. Iris’s latest hobby is fishing. A fine kettle of fish to be sure. The fishing rod is an amazing piece of gear, but where did it come from?
Iris believes that every time you turn the lights on or off in a room, it costs 25 cents. Cathon sets her straight, and then explains where the light in lightbulbs comes from.
Ages 12 to 16
Science - Space
For younger students: Build a scale model of the solar system. Label all planets and their moons. For older students, stage a debate arguing whether Pluto should or shouldn't be considered a planet.