FREE Video Rentals!*

The Magic Metal: Mercury and It’s Hidden Dangers
Produced by the OhioEPA (2002)
Grade 6 - Adult (8 minutes)

This is a MUST SEE for all science teachers! The first 30 copies of the video may be kept free-of-charge, complements of the Ohio Mercury Reduction Group. Despite its’ dangers, mercury has contributed to innumerable technological advances made by science and medicine over the last century. Dangers associated with mercury are addressed, including those associated with vapor exposure and the safest way to clean up a mercury spill.

Toxic Trials
Grade 9 - 12 (45 minutes)

Great for social studies teachers. This PBS NOVA show, which originally aired in 1986, covers the Woburn, Massachusetts drinking water contamination investigation. The video helps students understand why epidemiological studies are rarely able to determine the cause of a cancer outbreak, why the health effects of exposure to some chemicals are easier to trace than others, and the differences in the standard of proof used in civil litigation, criminal litigation, and science. A resource packet highlighting books, websites, vocabulary, discussion topics, and extension activities accompanies this video.

From the Ground Up
Produced by Rumpke Consolidated, Inc. (1999)
Grade 1- Adult (10 minutes)

Take a video tour of Rumpke’s landfill! The video explains the entire landfill construction process, company history, and steps taken to protect the environment. Also discussed are methane gas recovery and leachate collection. Included in this video is a quick glimpse of Rumpke’s recycling center, known as the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Purchased this video for $3 from the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District’s education Department.

Recycling Is Your Future
Produced by Rumpke Consolidated, Inc (2002)
Grade 1 - Adult (9 minutes)
Cost: $3

Learn about curbside recycling! The video discusses the items typically accepted for curbside recycling in Hamilton County and how to prepare the materials for disposal in the bin. Also discussed is the MRF where materials are sorted and processed for recycling.

Special Events

Earth Science Week
October 12 – 18, 2003
Eyes on Planet Earth-Monitoring Our Changing World
To Order a Kit: click here or 703-379-2480 ext. 0

The American Geological Institute has developed an Earth Science Week 2003 Educators Kit ($4.95). The 2003 kit includes:

• Earth Science Week Teachers’ Guide (with classroom activities and ideas for getting involved)
• A classroom set of Earth Science Week bookmarks
• A new Earth Science Week poster
• A USGS/AGI Global GIS CD of North America data and accompanying classroom activities

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Waterfest
April 21, 2004
Register Today! Event limited to 2000 Students
Contact: Gwen Roth at 513-772-7645

The Hamilton County Waterfest is an all day field study designed to help educate 4th and 5th grade students about water quality and other related natural resources. Participating teachers are required to attend a pre-trip workshop. At the workshop teachers learn how to prepare students for the trip. Registration fee is $20. Sliding scale student fee of 25 cents to $2 per student.

Seedling Program
April 22, 2004
Pre-registration Required (Educators Only)
Contact: Sue Magness at 513-946-7736

The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services-Solid Waste Management District and Air Quality Management Division, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Funke’s Greenhouse, Inc. are partnering to provide up to 2,000 free tree seedlings for schoolyards, land labs or neighborhood planting projects. All teachers in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties are eligible for up to 25 seedlings for planting on or near school grounds. The free seedlings are not for students to take home. For take-home projects, seedlings may be purchased for 25 cents each and an adult must “adopt” the tree with the student via permission slip.

Priority will be given to school planting and land lab projects. The seedlings must be picked up on April 22, 2004. Early bird registration deadline December 19, 2003. For more information and for an application form, click here.