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CM . . .
. Volume VIII Number 15 . . . . March 29, 2002
The Cosmic
Link begins with a view now familiar to those of us who have seen
humans orbit the Earth and walk on the Moon: a view of our planet from
space. Almost immediately, the perspective returns to earth, and we see
herds of wild animals cross the African plains that are said to be amongst
humankind's earliest home. The question is posed, "What do we know of
our presence on Earth?" For a long time, the two commonly accepted answers
have been those accepted by science - the doctrine of evolution - and
those of faith, the doctrine of Biblical creation by a divine spark. However,
this film suggests another possibility: the answer lies in nature, not
just on this earth, but in the solar system. Given that all life on earth
shares some of the same genetic code, and that the elements and organic
compounds which are the substance of life -- hydrogen, water, nitrogen
-- exist elsewhere in the cosmos, is it not possible that life on earth
may have originated from a kind of organic cosmic dust? Did it form on
earth, or elsewhere? And if it formed elsewhere, is it possible that life
really does exist in other parts of the solar system, or in other solar
systems?
These are fundamental questions, philosophical,
as well as scientific, and the video explores the possibilities through
interviews with scientists from various disciplines, by presenting currently
known facts about what constitutes a living/non-living organism, examining
the branches of the tree of the species, and by posing or challenging
a variety of theories. In the end, we are left still wondering about
life in other solar systems: What form might it take? What directions
has it taken? What is our cosmic link with it?
The Cosmic Link is a beautifully-photographed,
highly polished production. It certainly would be a useful supplementary
resource for senior high biology classes, although its cross-disciplinary
nature makes it challenging for some viewers. One really needs to have
a solid general science background in order to completely assimilate
all of the concepts presented. As well, in its attempts to link together
so many scientific disciplines - biology, astronomy, paleontology, biochemistry
- sometimes too much is presented. A possible instructional strategy
would be for teachers to preview the film and then show it in segments,
with recap/recall activities to help bring it together for students.
One more caution: communities in which
discussion of evolutionary theory is challenged might not be open to
the premise of the video. Preview before purchase, and get a second
opinion from the science teachers in your school.
Recommended. Joanne Peters is a teacher-librarian at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this
title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal
use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other
reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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