The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

new-born bees have just emerged, while the second may be helping to feed the larvae or turning nectar into honey and storing it. Tasks are then further divided to include the gathering of pollen and nectar, the guarding of the entrance to the hive, the nursing of the larvae and newborn bees, the secretion of beeswax and gathering of tree gum for hive construction and repair, and attendance on the queen. In the late spring, after the construction of special cells for the hatching of ten or twelve queen bees, which come from regular eggs but receive special food and care, the hive waits excitedly for the emergence of a new queen. The old queen and as many as three-fourths of the other bees leave the hive and swarm elsewhere, establishing a new hive and thus maintaining the bee population. In the original hive, two queen bees are born almost simultaneously, resulting in a fight to the death. The victor immediately locates the other queen bee cells and stings the larvae to death, since only one queen bee is allowed in a hive. The young queen bee soon leaves on her mating flight, returning to repeat the life cycle by laying up to a million eggs during her lifetime of from three to ten years. When the hive itself is endangered by the intense heat of the sun, combined with the heat generated by the bees working within, workers immediately use their wings to form a ventilating system for cooling the air. If part of the hive disintegrates, the workers gather gum and secrete beeswax and begin reconstruction, forming sturdy six-sided cells. The summary emphasizes the perfection of hive construction and community life which the bees carry on entirely by instinct. Committee Appraisal: Fascinating close-up photography and a wealth of interesting information presented in the commentary make this an unusually important film in the science area. It contains ideas suitable for various age levels from intermediate to adult without sacrificing interest or clarity. Films Encyclopaedi.'i Joan and Jerry get ready to fly a kite in "Spring on the Farm." Spring on the Farm ( Encyclopaedia Britannica Films. 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago 6, Illinois) 11 minutes, 16mm, sound, color, 1947^ $100 less 10% educational discount. Description of Contents: This film follows the activities and observations of Joan and Jerry Johnson as they work and play around their farm home in the spring. Apple trees bud and blossom, a pair of robins warm four blue eggs and care for their ravenous offspring, and baby chicks hatch and thrive in a brooder. Pussywillows, frogs, spring birds, and small plants reappear, and Joan and Jerry fly a kite, go to the pasture to get the cows, admire the wildflowers, observe a moth just emerged from its cocoon and a baby rabbit hiding in the grass and watch the new lambs with their mothers. Meanwhile Mrs. Johnson cares for her flock of chickens and plants a garden, with Joan's help, and Mr. Johnson plows and plants corn. Committee Appraisal: The first in a series covering the four seasons, this film should be invaluable for stimulating observation and discussion of the changes in nature and in man's activities during the spring months. Its contents correlate with science, social studies, and language arts on both upper and lower elementary levels and could well be used as a basis for art activities. Excellent color photography, a variety of scenes of especial interest to children, and much incidental information add to its effectiveness. Sewing Fundamentals (Young America Films, 18 East 41st Street, New York 17, N. Y.) 10 minutes, 16mm, sound, black and white. 1947. $38.50. Description of Contents: The first of a series on the techniques of sewing, this film stresses the importance of good sewing tools and correct posture to the seamstress. In a simple room setting, a woman demonstrates the selection and use of the following tools: thimble, straight pins, needles, thread, tape measure, measuring gauges, marking chalk, scissors, shears, pinking shears, electric iron, electric steam iron, pressing cloths, pressing pads, sleeve board, and ironing board. She also shows correct pressing techniques. The importance of the sewing machine is mentioned, but its use is not demonstrated in detail. Committee Appraisal: This excellent demonstration of sewing tools should be suitable for any group interested in elementary sewing techniques, regardless of age level or educational background. The skillful use of the camera and well-presented narration are very helpful in overcoming the usual weaknesses of such a demonstration before a group. Other films in the series deal with the use of patterns, the handling of materials, and the seams used in garment construction. Yuung America Films "Sewing Fundamentals" stresses the importance of good sewing tools and correct posture to the seamstress. March, 1948 131