Social Studies

An environmental scientist providing clean water to the city of Philadelphia explains how this water is used to fight fires and to provide water for our homes, parks, and swimming pools. He shows us that river water provided by rain and runoff from farms is dirty and needs to be purified before human beings can use it.

A family doctor explains that all kinds of people visit him in the medical center for check-ups and referrals to specialists. He recalls that he loved science and math at school and always looked forward to the day when he could make a living helping people of all ages stay healthy.

A fire fighter explains that he often assists in medical emergencies, not just in fires. At the station he puts on his fire gear explaining the purpose of each piece of clothing and the fire station routines that have been developed for a quick response that saves lives.

This program explains that communities can be classified by their geography; that there are forest, river, mountain, and ocean and valley communities. Provides examples of these communities including forestry in Northern California, wineries in the Napa Valley, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Mississippi River communitiesand the port of New york.

Jerry, a pharmacist, and Dr. Dermarderosian, a professor of pharmacology, show children the difference between helpful medicines and harmful substances.

An enthusiastic recycling coordinator steps viewers through the recycling process for cans, plastics and newspapers, emphasizing the useful products and hundreds of jobs that are created by recycling industries. Shows the machinery and processes used at Material Recovery Facilities that produce recycled materials for clothing, benches, chairs, cardboard, and paper products.

A Grade Two teacher explains why she loves teaching and observing the changes in her students over the course of the year. Her students return the compliment, explaining why they love her and how she helps them learn.

In answering the question, "Why do people work," introduces key economic concepts such as wants, needs, money, economy, goods, services, importing, exporting, etc. Provides a contrast between manufacturing and agricultural communities and the representative jobs in each. Explains that Detroit is a typical manufacturing community that exports manufactured products all over the world.

Jimmy Carter aspired to make government "competent and compassionate," responsive to the American people and their expectations. His achievements were notable, but in an era of rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions, it was impossible for his administration to meet these high expectations.

On November 22, 1963 - when he was hardly past his first 1,000 days in office - JFK was killed by an assassin as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. JFK was the youngest man elected to the presidency.

During the administration of Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic wellbeing than at any time in its history. He was the first Democratic president since FDR to win a second term in office.