Tuesday, May 7, 1 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature this episode of NOVA: Making North America. After watching, dive deeper with resources about North America’s amazing geology—from the oldest rocks on the continent (3.5 billion years!) to the potential earthquake catastrophe that lies within the Cascadia subduction zone in the Pacific Northwest—on PBS LearningMedia.
In this three-part series, see the epic 3-billion-year story of how our continent came to be. From palm trees that once flourished in Alaska to huge eruptions that nearly tore the Midwest in two, discover how forces of almost unimaginable power gave birth to North America. In the third episode, Human, explore the intimate connections between the landscape, the colonizing of the continent, and the emergence of our industrial world. Beginning with Native American ancestors who crafted hunting weapons from stone traded across hundreds of miles, the program shows how pre-Columbian civilizations developed an expert knowledge of the landscape and its resources.
PBS LearningMedia
NOVA: Making North America collection
Grades 6-12
NOVA’s 3-part Making North America series takes viewers on an epic road trip through deep time to witness the clash of nature’s creative and destructive forces that have shaped our land: tectonic collisions, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, grinding ice sheets, and massive asteroid impacts. In this collection, you’ll find original short-form videos and media resources—including classroom activities, an Educator’s Guide, and Interactive Map—to help educators investigate North America’s amazing geology in detail with their students.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!