TERRA Guides are a new approach to learning about nature and nature activities. These videotapes are structured as courses enabling the viewer to learn basic skills such as species identification more quickly and easily than by using books alone. They should be seen as complements to field guides and are not meant to replace field guides. They provide more high quality full motion video and audio than CD-ROMS. They are upbeat, fast-paced, and fun to watch!
The tapes are produced using professional broadcast quality video and audio equipment and the latest digital editing equipment. The full potential of the video medium as a teaching tool is used, including computer animations, slow motion and split screen views. The location of all topics is shown in an included printed insert to permit the viewer to quickly go to a specific section. All tapes are made by professional biologists well versed in teaching techniques. Footage is of wild and free animals with special precautions taken to avoid disturbance to the animals and the environment.
TERRA Guides are being produced and planned at three different skill levels: Introductory Level (assume no prior knowledge and are suitable for beginners including children from age 9 on); Intermediate Level (assume some knowledge about the subject, such as that gained by viewing the Introductory Level tapes); Advanced Level (assume more knowledge and specific interests).
Series under production or being planned include:
The "Taxon" series. This series will give complete coverage of all of the species within a specific group in an area.
The "Geo" series. This series will discuss a specific area from the perspective of a visiting naturalist with detailed information on what to see, where to see it, and how to see it.