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These are the companion videos to the BioBlitz Educator Resources for grades 9-12. Students learn how scientists use skills such as observation, recording, identifying species, and mapping when they're working in the field. These free resources include an educator's overview and PowerPoints for each skill. |
What Is a BioBlitz?Wild Chronicles was there as thousands of scientists, naturalists, and volunteers participated at the past two BioBlitz events. Get a glimpse—and then get ready for some fun! |
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BioBlitz 2008: Santa Monica Wild Chronicles teams with volunteers for the Santa Monica Mountains BioBlitz, a 24-hour dash to find, identify and learn about as many plant and animal species as possible. Time: 5:00 |
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BioBlitz 2007: Rock Creek Wild Chronicles works with scientists, explorers, kids and volunteers to conduct a 24-hour inventory of all living organisms in Rock Creek Park. More than 600 species are counted in the diverse wilderness of the nation's capital. Time: 6:47 |
Making and Recording ObservationsWhat techniques and tools do scientists use to observe wildlife? How are observations recorded? Wild Chronicles meets scientists who will fly, swim, and work in the dark in order to observe animal behaviors never before seen or studied. |
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Capturing Tigers on Camera Photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols uses remote cameras set with infrared triggers to photograph tigers in India. Time: 7:07 |
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Fishing With Emperor Penguins National Geographic's Crittercam® dives deep into the Antarctic Ocean to observe the feeding behaviors of emperor penguins. Time: 7:07 |
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A New Perspective on Biodiversity Botanist Mark Olson uses a powered paraglider to gain a fresh perspective on the diversity of trees and how evolution has shaped them to make the most of photosynthesis. Time: 4:19 |
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Seeing Bats in the Dark Deep in the rain forests of Central America, scientists use infrared thermal imaging cameras to study the nocturnal behaviors of bats. Time: 2:47 |
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Swimming With Blue Whales Data from a Crittercam® camera reveals a whale's-eye view of hunting techniques and one of the most breathtaking displays of cooperative feeding in nature. Time: 6:14 |
Identifying SpeciesThere are millions of species on Earth and scientists discover—or think they discover new ones almost every day. |
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Discovered in Madagascar Wild Chronicles joins a National Geographic expedition to Madagascar, where a never-before-seen species of lemur has been discovered. With the help of the locals, the researchers try to protect what was recently found from being lost forever. Time: 5:09 |
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Frog Problems Frogs have managed to outlive the dinosaurs, evolving into a myriad of colorful species. However, despite their evolutionary adaptability, frogs now face a phalanx of modern problems, and some worry that they need human help to survive. Time: 2:48 |
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A New Shrew In Tanzania, National Geographic grantee Francesco Rovero discovers a new species of giant elephant shrew that is almost twice the size of other known species. Time: 1:14 |
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On Top of Great Smoky Scientists discover a new species in the tree canopy of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discoveries like these are yet another reason why ecosystems up, down, and all around are worthy of protection. Time: 5:30 |
Mapping Information |
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Cheetahs Are Back in Town Researchers at South Africa's Mountain Zebra National Park are using GPS collars to monitor Batman and Robin, a pair of cheetahs that have been enlisted to help restore the natural predator-prey balance. Time: 4:36 |
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Into the Trees With Kangaroos Radio collars are helping National Geographic grantee Dr. Lisa Dabek and team track the elusive Matschie's tree kangaroo. These observations offer new insights into tree kangaroo location, range and habitat use—and may help save this endangered species. Time: 5:48 |
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Tagging Humpback Whales Researchers are tagging humpback whales to gain a clearer picture of their underwater habits and foraging strategies. The data collected is used to redirect water traffic and implement safer fishing practices to keep these whales out of harm's way. Time: 4:30 |
