National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Recommends the Classroom Encounters Series!
National Science Teacher Association Recommends: “The excitement of the classroom environment is supported by objects, charts, and tools that enhance the value of this encounter between students and expert.”
The full review of Snowball Earth (updated as "Thin Ice - Earth in the Time of Climate Change") was published on the NSTA Recommends website at
http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=16743.
School Library Journal Reviews Snowball Earth (updated as "Thin Ice - Earth in the Time of Climate Change"), February 2007 Issue
"...Paul Hoffman, professor and field geologist at Harvard University, visits a high school science class to share his knowledge of climate history and global climate change.... Maps, illustrations, photographs, props, and rock specimens are interjected at key points... Among the topics covered are radiation, the Ice Ages, sea currents, rising water levels, plate tectonics, how volcanoes control temperature, and the lasting effects of Snowball Earth... The students, who are well versed in the subject, ask questions. Students interview Dr. Hoffman about what inspired him to become a scientist. The on-screen teacher also interviews him seeking advice on how to keep students motivated. The DVD has chapter stops which make it classroom and student friendly."
Booklist, December 1, 2008 issue
Thin Ice: Earth in the Time of Climate Change.
Aug 2008. Midwest Tape, DVD, $50.00. (9780980172959).
Similar in format to Freeze, Freeze, Fry: Climate Past, Present, and Future (2007), this new entry in the Classroom Encounters with Gobal Change Scientists series features geologist and Harvard University professor Paul Hoffman visiting a class of high school students in Massachusetts. He presents welldocumented evidence concerning global warming and shrinking ice masses, enthusiastically describing extreme climate changes that previously affected the earth. Hoffman enlivens
the lessons with props (including an “earth beach ball”), photographs, maps, charts, and personal experiences. Students participate and interact with the personable instructor. In a second segment, two students interview Hoffman, asking questions about his choice of profession and other issues. Finally, a teacher talks to Hoffman about the importance of maintaining student interest and involvement. Frequent bookmarks allow viewers to zero in on appropriate sections, making this especially adaptable for both teachers and students.
— Candace Smith
