FILM REVIEWS for TEACHING EARTH SCIENCE

Photo Source: Jakkarin Manwicha, accessed at Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/users/newexcusive02-15884166/

NALEDI: ONE LITTLE ELEPHANT (PBS, Nature, Season 36, Episode 1). Great clip may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/PBSNature/posts/meet-naledi-one-orphaned-baby-elephant-who-beat-the-odds/10159275627130510/). I fell in love with this film the first time I saw it and when you see the trailer you will know why! It is not only about a very important topic, i.e., the increased number of orphaned elephants in Africa (in this case the country of Botswana) because of poaching but also touches upon the bond between baby animals and their mothers which is something that resonates with everyone. But, in addition to all of this, the film is powerful and exquisite from a purely cinematic point of view, i.e., cinematography, editing and music. It is, therefore, highly engaging for students on a variety of levels!

Having purchased two copies of the video for myself I delighted in showing clips of the film when I substitute taught in Minneapolis. It was surprisingly appropriate for a wide variety of grade levels, was thoroughly engaging and brought on roars of laughter as well as sometimes tears. In addition, however, I was able to supplement the film with satellite imagery from Google Earth as well as climate data for Botswana which the students graphed. Of particular interest to them was the phenomenon of rainy seasonality. As with any film teachers should first preview it and decide what clips meet their own needs as well as create their own narrative. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Stay tuned! More reviews will be posted in early January! 2026!