Physical Geography: Making Sense of Planet Earth an eight part HD series that explores the dramatic discoveries of the forces shaping the planet Earth and provides a blueprint for understanding how place and process combined to shape every aspect of the planet's physical and cultural landscape. Host Dr. Alexander B. Murphy opens the door to a whole new way of seeing and making sense of the world we find ourselves in. Dr. Murphy is a renowned geographer and chair of the National Academy of Science's "Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences."
Eight programs on 4 DVDs. Closed Captioned. Downloadable Instructor's Guides, and maps.
- Program 1: Inventing the Tools of Geography
- Program 2: Portraying the Earth
Alec Murphy focuses on the history of portraying the Earth and the earliest maps of ancient Greece, the 21st century computer-based GIS, Geographical Information Systems. The program includes a visit to the U.S. Geological Survey, the institution that has served as America's center for mapmaking for the past 150 years.
- Program 3: Landforms
- Program 4: The Ever Changing Planet
- Program 5: Layering the Planet
- Program 6: Geographical Regions
Regions are one of the most important tools used in geographical thinking. In this program Alec Murphy shows how the planet is divided into physiographic regions, each with internal dynamic processes. Then he defines the three types of regions: formal, functional, and colloquial.
- Program 7: Physical Geographic Influences on the Development of Human Societies
One of the great debates in geography has been: 'How much does place or physical geography determine human development - cultural and economic?' Using historical examples and present-day case histories, Alec Murphy guides you through both sides of the argument known as environmental determinism. Featured are leading geographical thinkers.
- Program 8: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment
Human beings have become a geographical force. In the 21st century human beings each year bring more change to the surface of the planet than all the natural forces combined. In this final program Alec Murphy presents an intriguing history of how this came to be and what the future holds for the planet and the 7 billion people living on its surface.
Clip Length: One minute & eight seconds
"This eight-title, four-disc series, hosted by Alexander B. Murphy, "explores the dramatic discoveries of the forces shaping planet Earth" and explains the role of physical geography in the twenty-first century and beyond. The sampled first title, Inventing the Tools of Geography, introduces the three laws of geography, discusses the earth's formation, and talks about advances in technology, including satellite maps and guidance systems...the presented information is detailed, informative, accurate, and solidly paced. Color resolution and sound balance are high...Recommended for young adult readers."- Booklist