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Rough Science Series 2: Survival on Carriacou - XS003/DVD
This Rough Science Series 2 DVD Pack includes the 6 full programmes from the series. They include:Mapping it Out
Not for these scientists the simple expedient of sending a postcard to show where they have been. They have to develop the means to make a permanent record of the island - from the highest peak to the loudest sound. Sound recording involves producing a mechanical design similar to Edison's original recording device and making a loud noise to record. To make the map, the scientists have first to make instruments including a metre stick, protractor and even a telescope before 'measuring' the island and checking on local rock formations and the environment. They must make paper and ink from local, natural ingredients - which includes fashioning a quill pen from a bird's feather. Their efforts are compared with the 'real' map.
Bugs and Barometers
To cope with life on the island - from mosquitoes to storms - is the challenge. A bacteria-busting cream from the island's plants is needed - and the scientists must prove it works with no animal testing. Growing bacteria from one of the scientist's spit, extracting oils from plants and building a microscope to check on progress, are all part of the test. They also build a weather station to detect storms.
Time and Transmitters
How to keep in touch and when to do it is the challenge. First the team must make a transmitter and receiver able to communicate over half a mile. Their ingenuity with a car battery, spark transmitter, wire and a razor blade is to their credit. They build a clock which chimes on the hour as well as two portable timepieces synchronised to the main clock. The third challenge is to make a kite from plant leaves to carry an aerial.
Feel the Heat
The theme is heat and how to use a variety of scientific methods to measure it, adapt to it, and even to change it. Our scientists struggle with their new environment as they strive to stay cool. We see the team sweat and toil to make a miracle - produce an ice cube for a cool drink in the mid-day sun. By brain power and sheer hard work the main challenge is to transform a tiny region of a desert island into a winter wonderland. To check on the quest for ice, the team also have to make a thermometer. And if they can't keep out of the sun they'll have to keep the sun off their skin by producing some sunscreen.
Sun and Sea
Harnessing the energy of the environment and using it to explore the ocean by night is the challenge. To help them the scientists are given an old car battery but it's not as straightforward as it may seem - the battery needs distilled water and recharging before it can be used to power the torch, which they also have to construct. The torch, too, presents a challenge - not least for the need to make waterproof glue to hold it all together.
The Science of Celebration
Finally the scientists need to celebrate their success and how better than with a firework concert. All they need to do is make the fireworks and the musical instruments with which to accompany the firework display. The successful conclusion is spectacular, even if the musicians could use a little more band practice!
Publication Year: 2001
Length: 180mins
ISBN: 9780749221300