Secondary Catalogue

Filmed in the Amazon and Borneo, this resource illustrates and explains the key environmental and land use changes occurring in tropical rainforests and explores the effect they're having on the carbon ad hydrological cycles. We accompany scientists up flux towers as they monitor CO2 emissions and find out why they're digging soil pits to examine decomposition rates. A fantastic case study to deepen students' understanding of carbon and water cycles. Show Less

With stunning footage shot in the Canadian tundra, this title identifies and explores the physical and human factors, including climate change, that affect carbon and water cycles in the tundra We see the research and monitoring techniques scientists are using to identify and record these changes and look at the reasons this data is gathered. The resource shows how these same techniques can be used by students as part of their own fieldwork investigations. Show Less

This dissection of a bovine male reproductive tract explores the physical structure of the penis, scrotum and testes, and the various muscles and tissues that allow the organs to move, extend and retract during mating. The video describes the process of sperm production and the path it travels to eventual ejaculation. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

This dissection of a bovine female reproductive tract explores the physical structure of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries, describing the process of reproduction from hormonal triggers, to ovulation, to the path of sperm as fertilisation occurs. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Pluck refers to the internal organs of an animal, including the tongue, larynx, oesophagus, heart, lungs and diaphragm. In this dissection, these organs are studied in detail to show their roles in supporting the body’s many systems including the transportation of air, blood and food through the body. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

This dissection looks at the external and internal features of the testis of a male pig, describing how the testis and its two main types of cells – germ cells and Leydig cells – function in sperm and hormone production. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

A comprehensive exploration of the internal organs, this dissection of a piglet that did not survive the birthing process studies the full animal from top to tail. Describing the physical mechanics of dissecting a whole animal as well as the notable features of each organ, the video is a comprehensive and practical guide. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

The squid is a distinctive ocean-dweller belonging to the group known as cephalopods. This dissection shows the number of features and adaptations that makes the squid so well-suited to ocean life, including its camouflaging chromatophores, toothed suckers on its tentacles, superior eyesight and ink sac which together make the squid both an excellent predator and unattainable prey. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Looking at the respiratory, digestive and reproductive organs as well as some bone and muscle groups, this comprehensive dissection of a cane toad reveals some of the unique features of amphibians. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science alongside or in place of a hands-on dissection. Show Less

The Redclaw Crayfish, found in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, is a decapod (ten-legged) crustacean. This dissection covers the main bodily systems of the Redclaw, including the reproductive, nervous, circulatory and digestive systems, with a focus on the features that are particular to certain crustaceans, such as its unique gastric mill that assists digestion. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Osteichthyes, or bony fish, make up approximately 95 per cent of all fish species. This dissection of an Australian Mullet reveals the specialised internal and external features that make life underwater possible, including its fins, gills, scales and swim bladder, as well as the many organs that bony fish share with mammals, such as those of the digestive system. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Acting as the body’s control centre, the brain is responsible for all the essential functions of the body. This dissection of a sheep’s brain, complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, looks at the brain’s two hemispheres and their four distinct lobes, explaining the unique features and functions of each. This video is informative viewing alongside or in place of a hands-on dissection. Show Less

Homeostatic imbalances, which occur when feedback loops are broken or altered, can have very serious, or even fatal, consequences. This video covers diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, explaining in detail how they result from malfunctions of homeostatic processes and discussing the impact they have on people suffering from these conditions. An informative, curriculum-relevant video for senior secondary Biology students and above. Show Less

Body systems, particularly the nervous and endocrine systems, play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and they are highly developed in mammals. This video investigates the role of body systems in maintaining a steady state, detailing how different systems work together in the homeostatic mechanisms of thermoregulation and osmoregulation. An informative, curriculum-relevant video for senior secondary Biology students and above. Show Less

The word pandemic comes from Greek and means “pertaining to all people”. At the end of 2019, the infectious disease covid-19 was discovered. It then spread all over the world, which had enormous consequences for millions of people. In this educational clip, we go through what characterizes a pandemic. You will learn about known pandemics such as the Great Death, the Spanish flu, the Asian, the Hong Kong flu and the swine flu. You will also learn concepts such as infodemias, as well as the importance of credible sources in times when false rumors spread quickly. Show Less

Forming part of the nervous system, the eyes are complex organs responsible for receiving light from the environment and conveying this information through nerve signals to the brain. This dissection of a cow’s eye shows the optic nerve, cornea, pupil, iris and retina, and explains the process of how the eye communicates with the brain to achieve sight. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Homeostasis is required for healthy functioning and is achieved when the conditions within the body are in a steady state. This video looks at homeostasis and dynamic equilibrium in the human body, explaining step-by-step how homeostatic processes ensure that blood glucose and carbon dioxide levels are maintained at normal levels. An informative, curriculum-relevant video for senior secondary Biology students and above. Show Less

Homeostasis maintains internal conditions so that cells can function normally, fundamentally contributing to survival and good health. This video looks at homeostatic processes in single-celled and multicellular organisms, explaining the critical role that homeostasis plays in the functioning of cells, organs and body systems by regulating temperature, nutrients, electrolytes and oxygen. An informative, curriculum-relevant video for senior secondary Biology students and above. Show Less

The central component of the circulatory system, the heart plays a vital role in moving nutrients and waste around the body. This dissection of a sheep’s heart shows the structure of the organ, including its chambers, veins, arteries and passages, and explains the role it has in ensuring blood flow around the body. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

The kidneys play a vital role in the body by filtering blood, removing wastes and producing urine. This dissection of a pig’s kidney shows the structure of the kidney, including the renal artery and vein, the renal pelvis, cortex and medulla, nephrons and renal pyramids, and explains its function as part of the urinary system. Complemented by clear, illustrative diagrams, this is a valuable resource for secondary students of science. Show Less

Homeostatic processes occur in a range of organisms, enabling them to withstand a wide range of changes in the external environment. This video covers the basic facts about homeostasis with a focus on thermoregulation in the human body, explaining key terms such as steady state, negative feedback loop and set point. An informative, curriculum-relevant video for senior secondary Biology students and above. Show Less

With a team including a chef, chemist and dietician, this fun and fascinating 2-part series take a closer look at the foods we all love, with some surprising results. Exploring the latest scientific research behind how they are grown, processed or cooked, the series illustrates that understanding how food works can help us eat healthier (and tastier!). The first episode profiles a variety of one of the world’s most popular fruits, the banana, currently under threat of extinction from a fungal disease. Visiting the scientists cultivating new varieties of disease resistant bananas, it appears that the perfect combination of flavour and texture is within their sights. The traditional craft of fruit preservation is supersized in the production of canned baked beans – and the team uncovers whether or not the process can actually increase the nutritional value of some canned goods. Physics and biology come into play in the science behind cooking the perfect medium-rare steak. A world of cascading chemical reactions is unveiled in a revolutionary new experiment that looks at how to get the flavour and texture of your steak just right. Show Less

With a team including a chef, chemist and dietician, this fun and fascinating 2-part series take a closer look at the foods we all love, with some surprising results. Exploring the latest scientific research behind how they are grown, processed or cooked, the series illustrates that understanding how food works can help us eat healthier (and tastier!). In the second episode, cutting edge science helps us to freeze fish so that they taste almost as good as when fresh. To see how far technology has come, a panel of sashimi lovers are subjected to the ultimate taste test: to see if they can taste the difference between fresh and cryogenically frozen kingfish. The scoop on why humans are hard-wired to desire junk food could be answered by the gelato-making process and a simple, mathematical formula. A specific ratio of carbohydrates, fats and salt can deliver the ‘bliss point’, targeting our brains’ reward system, and releasing the endorphins that makes us feel good. In stunning vineyards, sparkling wine is put under the microscope in the hope that every year will deliver a good vintage, and the chemistry of different hot and spicy foods provides some startling insights. Finally, a better understanding of some unusual crops could see them become the supermarket produce of the future. Show Less

The Great Southern Reef is dominated by a canopy forming seaweed species, Ecklonia radiata. This kelp, sometimes called common kelp or golden kelp is known as a foundation species as it provides food, shelter and habitat for hundreds of species. Seaweeds also play an important role in slowing climate change by taking carbon out of the atmosphere. Show Less

Every year SARDI aquatic sciences send a team of scientists to Pt. Lowly SA, to assess the population of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation. Divers swim 50m transects counting the cuttlefish to calculate how many animals per square meter there are. On a single transect they can count hundreds of cuttlefish. In the late 90s the population estimate was around 180,000 and appeared stable. In 2005 the population decreased a little, but from about 2009 onwards the scientists started to see a concerning reduction in the population, dropping to just 13,000 animals in 2013 - less than 10% of earlier estimates. Many questions were raised about what was causing that decline. Was it pollution, disease, aquaculture, fishing? Because the area is highly utilised by many different people and organisations, there was a lot of speculation. Scientists tried to assess each potential driver, but did not find a clear link or relationship to any one driver in isolation. Show Less