Customer Reviews

Nova: In Search of Human Origins [VHS]

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I have used these tapes in a sixth grade setting with learnig disabled and non-learning disabled students. The host allows the viewer to see science as solving mysteries using intreging clues and the knowledge of experts to help with the discovery. It was a great framework to build lessons around and to engage students to ask insightful questions about the past and our changing views of human development. Beautifully filmed.

This is a series that virtually anyone can enjoy. Not only is it educational, but it is entertaining. It is in no way stuffy or academic, but can be used in the classroom with no problem as well. The host, Don Johanson, is a well-known fossil hunter who discovered "Lucy", one of the earliest human ancestors. Probably appropriate for ages from high school to adult.

Returning to college @ 48, I took an Anthropology course. We viewed this series and I was hooked! This is not only Don Johanson's personal story of how he found "Lucy," but also OUR story....well, at least a good piece of it.
Dr. Johanson leads us thru human evolution honestly...with the humility to tell us he doesn't have all the answers and the whole story can change as new discoveries are unearthed. Plus, it has been my great fortune to meet and visit with Don and he is so unlike the typical professor...very down to earth and fun! This 3 hour Nova series should be your first step to a greater understanding of our distant anscestors. I recommend it highly!