The Nature of Things — Season 21

Oct 1980

Volcanoes: A look at the geological formation and environmental impact of volcanoes, focusing on the 1980 eruptions of Mt. St. Helens in Washington. Hovercraft: New uses for air-cushioned vehicles, including the possible future use of hovercraft over muskeg terrain. Curve Balls: A demonstration of how baseball pitchers throw curve balls, and the effects which a baseball has when it spins through the air. Windshear: Richard Malcolm, a physicist specializing in aircraft safety, discusses the problems created by different types of turbulence and the recent aircraft design changes to ameliorate the problems. Xerography: A presentation of how a photocopier works.

Oct 1980

A report on cystic fibrosis, a genetic respiratory ailment that afflicts young people; the International Crane Foundation's work to save endangered species of birds is documented; and hypothermia, which involves the impact of very cold water on the human body, is examined.

Oct 1980

Three films are featured: Skin – The Bare Necessity, dealing with the human skin; Manatees, concerning a unique vegetarian creature which lives in coastal waters, and Ludhiana, a profile of an Indian city which serves as the home base for 12,000 different business enterprises.

Oct 1980

The geology and relative impact of the Athabasca Tar Sands are examined, along with the problems involved in the extraction of oil from the deeper deposits

Nov 1980

Going Without Gas: A look at recent developments in designing cars that run on fuels other than petroleum, such as methanol, ethanol, electricity, hydrocarbons and hydrogen. Surface Tension: Observing the molecular properties of surface tension and how soap uses these properties to remove grease. Science Fair: A look at the 1979 Metropolitan Toronto Science Fair, featuring the contestants (ages 12-18), the displays, the judging and the awards presentation

Nov 1980

The lifestyle and culture of modern China are highlighted in a study of the educational system and medical techniques of the country; visits to the seaport of Qingdao and the ancient cities of Hangzhou and Yangzhou are featured.

Nov 1980

The professional and recreational activities of the Chinese people are examined in a tour of their homes, factories and parks, as well as the palaces which were formerly the homes of emperors.

Nov 1980

A magazine edition: Success Story: a film by nature photographer John Carey about the insect world and the ability of insects to survive hostile forces of man and nature. Sickle Cell Anemia: A look at what is known about the causes of sickle cell anemia, how it affects its victims and what progress is being made to alleviate and cure the condition.

Dec 1980

Freak Waves: A report on work at the Canadian National Research Council into wave formations that can engulf oil rigs or large vessels, even when weather conditions are relatively fair. Invisible Astronomy: Host David Suzuki visits the Algonquin Park Observatory and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico as he reports on the use of radio astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligent life. Hildebrand: A visit with chemist and educator Joel Hildebrand of the University of California.[

Dec 1980

Prenatal Diagnosis: Presents new techniques to examine the fetus while still in the womb to determine its sex and detect possible defects. Hearing in Chinchillas: A look at the similarities between the human ear and the ear of a chinchilla, and a study of how noise can permanently damage hearing in both. Chinchillas are subjected to loud tones and their inner ear membranes are examined for damage in an electron microscope.

Jan 1981

AAAS Report: Scientists gathering in Toronto for a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science are interviewed about the role of the scientific community in the nuclear arms race. One of the Family: A Toronto family whose youngest member was born with cerebral palsy is profiled, focusing on their reactions to his birth and his development with the help of doctors and therapists. Oyster Culture: A look at a Japanese oyster harvesting operation and at oyster farms in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Sabah, Malaysia.

Jan 1981

Birds' Eggs: A look at the many ways that egg shells protect and aid embryonic development of birds. Newfoundland Oil: The technical difficulties and possible environmental and social impact of oil drilling off the coast of Newfoundland are examined. John Polanyi: An interview with the University of Toronto molecular scientist who discusses his work, his influences, the responsibilities of a scientist and the centrality of science in the modern world.

Jan 1981

The actions taken by Ontario parents when insecticide spraying at a school proved hazardous to their children's health are examined, and in a repeat showing of the film "Charlie", the work of Canadian paleontologist Charlie Sternberg is highlighted.

Feb 1981

A look at the history of scientific photography from its beginnings in 1837 to the present-day use of high-speed cameras

Feb 1981

A documentary on Sri Lanka, its wildlife and culture and the changes taking place as technological development erodes traditional ways of life.

Mar 1981

Blackfly: A look at the life cycle of the blackfly, and its effects in northern Canada and Africa. Desalination: A practical method of desalination using reverse osmosis is presented. Memory – Come to think of it (repeat): A look at recent research into the brain's memory capacities. Dr. Karl Illmensee: A look at the work being done by Dr. Karl Illmensee [de] at the University of Geneva to study the possibility of causing cancerous cells to revert to normal cells.

Mar 1981

For centuries the people of the village of Huasicancha in Peru lived under the domination of others, from the last of the Inca rulers to the Spanish conquerors and subsequent regimes. How the people finally rose up to reclaim the poor land they farmed at a subsistence level is told in this documentary.