Bush foods - or bush tucker - have been consumed for thousands of years in Australia, and it makes us unique in the world when it comes to cuisine. For most of the time humans have been consuming bush foods they have done so on a non-cultivated, non-commercial basis. In recent decades however, some of Australia's bush tucker is being harvested commercially and sold around the world. Many will be familiar with our native meats - kangaroo, crocodile and emu - but there are dozens of plants and fruits that can form nutritious and very tasty additions to our diet. These foods include bush tomato, Davidson plums, Kakadu plums, macadamia nuts, mountain pepper and pepperberry, native mint, quandong, wattleseed and wild rosella. This highly engaging and interesting learning resource examines a range of Australian bush foods and looks at both traditional and commercial uses.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004401

Biodiversity, why is it so crucial to our survival and the planets? Biodiversity makes up our many interrelated ecosystems and is something we must strive to sustain. This Australian made, curriculum fit program explores what biodiversity is, with a focus on the long term effects in Australia. Key interviews from Victoria University lecturers, the Threatened Species Network Wildlife Fund and a Zoologist highlight the importance and necessity of biodiversity in Australia. This program also offers suggestions on what we can do to conserve biodiversity on a day-to-day basis and gives a real world demonstration of such conservation in action with the recovery and rebuilding of the natural habitats of the endangered helmeted honey-eater.

Duration:      24 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004420

The hospitality industry is alive and growing worldwide. This program provides a well rounded introduction to the industry ideal those interested in a career tourism or hospitality. Discussing the difference between commercial and non-commercial organisations, areas covered include; what is hospitality; working with people; hospitality establishments; key hospitality departments; and careers in hospitality. Throughout the program we speak to hospitality employees, discussing how they as individuals contribute to the organisation as a whole. This program is an ideal learning resource for people interested in career paths in this vibrant and rewarding industry.

Duration:      24 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004436

"We live in a Christian country"… or do we? Christianity might be the religion that most Australians nominate as their faith, but what does being a Christian mean? There are many different ways in which people practise their Christian faith and in this Australian-made, curriculum fit program we meet an average Christian teenager, Caleb Vines, and discover how his faith impacts on his everyday life. We explore the beliefs and principles of Christianity, the importance of the Bible, various forms of worship, and sacred structures. This is a rare opportunity to see through the eyes of a young person living out a faith that dates back thousands of years, in contemporary Australian society.

Duration:      23 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004416

Using physics to build a bridge between design and construction, how we get from point A to B. This Australian-made, curriculum fit program explores how bridges are made, with a focus on the physics used in design and construction. The elements of bridge building are explored step by step, from conception to completion - including factors such as materials used and how costs are governed by environmental, aesthetic and functional elements. These key issues are discussed by Technical Manager Cliff Sagot and Senior Structural Engineer Natalie Balcott from The Robert Bird Group. Their first hand knowledge gives an invaluable look into how these structures bring land and people together but also illustrate the shortfalls of bad design.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004415

As the world increasingly focuses on alternatives to the carbon-emitting fossil fuels that we have relied on for over a century, scientists are continually developing more efficient methods to collect the sun, as harnessing solar energy is becoming more and more viable. This program is an excellent introduction to the principles behind solar energy collection and its various usages such as generating electricity, and for heating space and water. It covers what is solar energy; thermal and electrical uses of solar energy; and catches a glimpse of what the future might look like with current developments that are paving the way for a solar future. The program provides an ideal background for students to research and examine further cutting edge case studies that demonstrate how powerful the potential is for everyday use of solar energy in homes, commerce and industry, and in vehicles.

Duration:      18 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004431

The word 'chemicals' might bring to mind pools of swirling, poisonous mixtures, dangerous acids or secret formulas...but they are far more prominent in everyday life than we might first think. Very little in the physical world around us occurs without chemical reactions being involved. In this way, many of the important processes in modern manufacturing and product use can be summarised with chemical equations. This program takes an in-depth look at five common products that are in use all around us and explores the chemistry behind their manufacture and/or use, including chemical equations. Using graphics and footage from inside manufacturing plants, we see examples of how chemistry is so prevalent in the real world - and examine various reactions taking place. The products are soap, polystyrene, aluminium, paint and car batteries.

Duration:      18 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     003810

The Classification System is the arrangement of living things categorised by their different characteristics - an organised understanding of the natural world we live in. Recently this system has been further refined using studies of DNA. In this program we discuss how the classification system is organised and how scientific names are arrived at. The dichotomous keys used by biologists to classify specimens are demonstrated and the five major groups of living things are explained. An entertaining program that explains how observed characteristics of living things are used to establish a classification system.

Duration:      22 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004427

Attracting both international and domestic tourist dollars is the key objective for any tourism-related business. In Australia, as in many other countries, the industry has to consistently innovate and find new ways of meeting new markets. In this program we investigate four emerging tourism markets: adventure tourism, ecotourism, indigenous tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions). Starting with the definition of a number of industry-related terms, this informative program then examines each of these emerging tourism markets and looks at the typical characteristics of tourists likely to seek these experiences. We also explore various ways in which the Australian industry is positioning itself to cater for growing demand in these niche areas. Our presenter takes us to a number of different locations, including the offices of Lonely Planet, and the program features a range of spectacular footage, illustrating the diversity of experiences Australia has to offer. This enthralling program delivers an excellent overview of these four important growth areas in tourism.

Duration:      25 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004429

This program is entirely in Japanese. Two young native speakers, Yui and Yayoi, introduce themselves to us and tell us about student life in Japan. We gain an insight into their life in Japan, including school and the education system, family life, sports and hobbies, and food. The pair also take us through the making of okonmiyaki (Japanese pancakes), which is a popular activity for LOTE students at school. There is also a demonstration about the correct use and etiquette involved with eating food with chopsticks. This program is an excellent learning resource to assist senior level students of Japanese develop and practice vocabulary and sentence structure – at the same time providing a glimpse of contemporary Japanese culture.

Duration:      13 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004411

Whether you're a culinary novice or a master chef, the rules and tools of the kitchen are the same for everybody. There are hundreds of different appliances and utensils you can use to create a meal, but you have to know how to use them properly. This program is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in working in a commercial kitchen. Chef Hemi Reidy takes us inside the restaurant kitchen where he weaves his magic for the daily dining pleasure of customers, and presents a lively and comprehensive look at using all sorts of tools, utensils and equipment in the kitchen. He takes us through areas including general kitchen safety and a range of OH&S areas; measuring and weighing, cutting, peeling, grating and crushing; mixing, whisking and processing; cooking equipment; and ergonomics and new technology.

Duration:      22 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     003817

Throughout history, there have been many wondrous, unique and important innovations. But never have there been so many technological advances in a specific time period than in the past hundred years. This Australian-made, curriculum fit program examines the concept of innovation and what makes for successful innovation. Through a case study of nanotechnology, we study the application of innovation to the design and development process within an emerging strand of technology. Nanotechnologist, Dr Sarah Morgan, gives her expert insight into the research and development of nanotechnology, how it is used in the present day and its increasing prevalence in years to come.

Duration:      26 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004434

Australia is a democratic society. Treating each other equally and giving each other a 'fair' go' are an important part of Australian culture and identity. However, in practice, are Australians really all treated equally? There are many marginalised groups in Australia, such as the indigenous population, migrants and single parents. Do these groups really have equal access to health, education, legal representation and other resources that society has to offer? Who makes decisions about how Australian society is run? This Australian-made, curriculum fit program examines these important issues, demonstrating that while on the surface Australians appear to have a very fair society and high standards of living; we should not simply accept this on face value.

Duration:      16 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004422

Generation Y are quite different to previous generations. Gen Ys are highly technology driven, seek shorter-term career pathways and jobs that either make a difference in society or are a means to an end based on lifestyle. This program investigates this generation and provides advice on likely career paths and job-seeking skills specific to their needs. Discussed are types of resumes, action plans, and job interviews. Emphasis is placed on developing a digital career portfolio, specific and generic skills, and investigating job opportunities on the internet. An informative, modern approach to job seeking.

Duration:      26 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004438

The Internet has revolutionised our daily lives. But what are the dangers? Remaining safe online is no easy task. Much has been said about what not to do, but how do you unwittingly give away too much about yourself? And why is that a problem anyway? This program discusses ways users can avoid predators, online marketers, and cyberbullies, as well as discussing the role of the internet as a media. Also highlighted are the risks associated with the use of popular social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. An invaluable resource for internet users of all ages.

Duration:      24 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004423

Fashion and food are two of the defining elements of French culture. For students of French as a LOTE, it is important that they not only develop a well-rounded vocabulary, but that they also appreciate how cultural influences flavor daily life for French people. This program looks at fashion (la mode) and food (la cuisine) through the eyes of French people. In a question and answer format, a rich array of information about both significant elements of French culture are discussed in an informal and conversational way, in French – making an ideal learning resource for middle to senior level students.

Duration:      22 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004410

Today interactive whiteboards are being used in a variety of settings; classrooms at all levels of education, corporate board rooms, work groups, and training rooms. But what are their features and benefits? This program provides a solid introduction to interactive whiteboards, using a variety of different classroom settings as examples. Discussed are the learning and teaching advantages of interactive whiteboards and there many uses, applications and features. Examples are shown of ways in which the interactive whiteboards can be combined with traditional teaching methods to improve the learning experience. Essential viewing for both users and potential users of interactive whiteboards.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004439

This Australian-made, curriculum fit program is an excellent introduction to linear functions. Students, with the aid of "Sharpy the Pencil", learn to plot and sketch graphs from linear equations as well as deriving linear equations from existing graphs.

Duration:      21 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004424

Maintaining mental health in a complex, demanding society is necessary for participation in our world. Accountability for healthy choice is good for people and society. This program shows many aspects of mental health at a personal level, with steps and processes for recovering and maintaining well-being. It also explains how community structures play a crucial role in offering resources and systems of living that encourage mental well-being.

Duration:      29 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004432

Whether it’s your first serious job, or just the first day at a new job, settling in and finding your way around a new workplace can be daunting. New employees can be reticent and feel uncomfortable about finding out the information they want and need to know on day one. But this should not be the case. Most workplaces will have formal or informal strategies relating to the induction of new staff and appropriate personnel to oversee it. This program explores a range of areas relevant to starting at a new workplace, including what a new employee should consider and prepare for and ways in which workplaces are typically set up to ensure a smooth induction for new staff. Featuring career coach, Julie Farthing, and Dr Alan Montague from AIT University, the program also covers preparation by the employee, inductions, getting to know your workmates, troubleshooting and surviving the first week.

Duration:      25 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     003819

The choice of foods available to consumers has never been greater with constant development of new and different foods and food products. But what are new foods and why are they developed? Advances in food technology and constant change in consumer and industry demand drive the development of new products in the food industry. New food materials and technologies such as micro encapsulation, gene technology, plant breeding, the emergence of functional and novel foods, and the invention of food based packaging are all investigated. A bright insight into the changing landscape of the food industry.

Duration:      29 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004440

Service providers are essential in our economy. Where would we be without hospitals, cleaning companies, accounting firms and hairdressers? But it can be difficult to apply concepts of operations management to these businesses. Focusing on the operational processes, this program takes you behind the scenes, learning about the four strategic areas of operations; facilities, materials, quality and technology, applying them to a service provider and showing how various strategies can be used to improve business performance. A great insight into the unique aspects of services marketing.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004414

When you're young, all those career options available to you can be confusing. In a world of constant change it can be hard to know what work you would like to do. This program finds answers to common career questions by examining career choice and planning. We study the career planning process, demonstrating how strategies become reality. Methods of updating and renewing your career pathways plan are discussed, along with how to effectively research the job market and develop a career action plan. A must see curriculum fit program for senior students.

Duration:      26 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004437

With a global population of 6 billion and counting, the planet is becoming overcrowded as our current population places strain on the planet's resources. The issue of where and how people live has crucial implications for our planet and is one of the biggest challenges we face as a global community. This Australian made, curriculum fit program explores the study of population geography as a way of understanding the world we live in, as well as a way of working towards harmony with our planet. We look at how population trends eventuate through birth and death rates with the Demographic Transition Model as well as the effect social values have on population growth. This is an excellent program for any student.

Duration:      28 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004421

In this Australian-made, curriculum fit program we discover Pythagoras' Theorem and see how it is used to solve real world problems by finding unknown values in right angled triangles. And who better to introduce and demonstrate the theorem than Pythagoras himself?

Duration:      21 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004417

The workshop is an inherently dangerous place and as such safety and safe work practices must be the first priority in the layout of a workshop, and always in the minds of those who use it. This Australian-made, curriculum fit program examines the main considerations when it comes to safety in the workshop. Using a woodworking workshop to demonstrate universal safety principles, Philip Ashley and Chris Beck from Holmesglen TAFE stress the importance of using safety equipment, setting up a well-designed work area, correct use of hand and power tools, ongoing maintenance and first aid.

Duration:      22 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004408

Solar Sailor clearly articulates the choices that need to be made when designing, constructing and operating a commercial boat. Robert Dane takes us through a personal journey that starts with an observation and a question, and results in the building of a ferry for Sydney Harbour, that utilises a hybrid power system. Interviews with Grahame Parker, Naval Architect, show the importance of planning and testing to produce maximum efficiency. This program is an informative, rich and valuable resource to use when studying the design process, including investigating, designing, producing and evaluating. Students' science knowledge and understanding will also be vastly enhanced, specifically in areas such as energy, power sources and alternative energies.

Duration:      22 Minutes
Published:    2006
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     003848

A business plan is one of the most useful management tools the small business owner can use. It maps out what a business needs to do in a systematic and logical way. In this program we discuss the importance of a well constructed business plan, visiting the three main components; the operations plan, the marketing plan, and the financial plan. Speaking to two successful small business owners, we discuss how they constantly refer to their business plan, and the role it played in their business success. A brilliant overview of this essential business tool.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004413

Applying an effective marketing strategy is essential to the ongoing success of an organisation in today's competitive marketplace. What must you do to stay ahead of your competition? This program focuses on how three different businesses affectively apply marketing strategies, focusing on the 4P's of marketing; product, place, price and promotion. Analysed are common aspects that relate to all markets, and how they come together forming part the marketing mix. Exploring methods which can be applied to a range of products and services, it becomes clear how marketing plans are put into action.

Duration:      26 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004412

This Australian-made, curriculum fit program examines the impact of the Great Depression on Australian society during the late 1920s and 1930s. This period saw levels of poverty and despair on a scale never before experienced in contemporary Australia. A diverse range of opinions and reflections are presented, providing insights to fascinating aspects of Australian society at the time, including the key political figures and government policies and the involvement of politically-driven interest groups including trade unions, unemployed workers, secret armies, communists and fascists. Throughout the program, we hear from notable academics and other prominent Australians, including: historian, author and broadcaster Michael Cathcart, historian Humphrey McQueen, Professor Marilyn Lake, and former Victorian MP Joan Coxsedge.

Duration:      49 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004395

What is pollution? What causes pollution? Where is pollution found? Who will take charge of the big cleanup? This program answers these questions while discussing how pollution impacts on the environment and its disastrous consequences. Studied in detail are substances that constitute pollution in the environment including green house gasses, oil, fossil fuels, plastic, litter, and human waste. We also discuss the problem of pollution in developing countries and what needs to be done to foster a sustainable future. An eye-opening program about the effects of pollution on our planet.

Duration:      33 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004419

The skills involved in making quality timber furniture are sought after and a solid understanding of core design and construction principles underpins a student's future success. This Australian-made curriculum fit program clearly and engagingly demonstrates the design process as applied to the construction of timber furniture. Chris Beck, Applied Design Lecturer at Holmesglen TAFE, shows us around the workshop, demonstrating conceptualization and model making, safe construction of joints, measuring and marking techniques, finishing the piece, and evaluation of the final result.

Duration:      21 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004409

Imagine a world with no food regulations that protected the public from harmful foods and ingredients - products high in harmful chemicals; no use by dates; inadequate packaging - it would be catastrophic. In Australia and New Zealand, the organisation responsible for this is Food Standards Australia New Zealand - or FSANZ. The independent government organisation as we know it today came into existence in 2001. This program looks at the nature and structure of the organisation; its goals; its interaction with the food industry; the development of food standards; and the relationship between FSANZ and other authorities. Various perspectives on the vital and complex work of FSANZ are offered by the organisation's communications manager, Lydia Buchtmann, also Brendan Gillespie the Operations Manager of pasta manufacturing company, Ubaldi Foods, and Moreland City Council's environmental health officer, Vicky Lambropoulous.

Duration:      24 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     003822

This Australian-made, curriculum fit program explores ratio and proportion with the aid of real world practical examples. From mixing paint to using basic ratio and proportion to estimate time, students will be engaged and entertained by this informative program.

Duration:      16 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004418

Microbes are important to us in everyday life for lots of reasons. One of the main areas in which we benefit from their existence and behaviour is in food. Foods such as vinegar, olives, yoghurt and processed meats all rely on the action of microbes to make them palatable, nutritious and suitable for human needs. This program examines the positive use of microbes in foods using four main examples to illustrate their function in the food manufacturing process - they are bread, beer, cheese and salami. But their usefulness does not stop with manufacturing - some microbes are critical to the nourishment of the human body.

Duration:      34 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004428

It affects everything we do, from our day to day plans of what clothes to wear to affecting the way we feel. Weather is a giant continuum of change and is crucial to the planet's survival. But how is it measured and why is it sunny one day and raining the next? This Australian-made, curriculum fit program explores what is weather and how is it measured; how do we forecast weather; weather warnings and finally the global climate. Including interviews from key senior personnel at the Bureau of Meteorology this program gives excellent insight into the recording and forecasting of weather.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004425

Everything in our world is made up of elements of all different combinations. Elements are the purest form of substance there is. This program shows how all the pieces of the puzzle come together, while explaining the structure of the atom and the Periodic Table. We break down the makeup of atoms into protons, neutrons and electrons. The history of Atomic theory is explained, as well as how atoms combine to form elements. Featuring practical demonstrations and graphical examples, this visually appealing program provides an in-depth overview the atom and its properties.

Duration:      27 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004433

This Australian-made, curriculum fit program examines a longstanding series of Australian government immigration policies that, from Federation up until the mid-1970s, favoured white, English-speaking and culturally similar people. A range of interesting insights and views and are presented, exploring how such discriminative immigration was achieved and how, ultimately, Australia moved to the multiculturalism of today. Throughout the program, we hear from notable academics and other prominent figures, including: former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Dr Corinne Manning, Professor Marilyn Lake, Professor Marian Quartly, and Humphrey McQueen.

Duration:      47 Minutes
Published:    2009
Produced by:
Added:         Term 4, 2009
Identifier:     004398