Website: American Masters

AMERICAN MASTERS from PBS is a biography series celebrating arts and culture.

This video series features writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have made an impression on the cultural landscape of America. More than 30 years of programming is currently available from this acclaimed series.

Users can watch full episodes and short video clips, view images, and read articles. Podcasts featuring interviews are also available to download. All the resources can be accessed through a keyword search or by name or by topic.

A special section features powerful, creative and innovate women. Users are invited to share stories about women in their lives.

A news blog highlights events and upcoming programs.

Finally, the classroom section provides resources for using the video programs in the classroom. These resources are connected to PBS LearningMedia.

Librarians will find biographies that can be integrated into classroom activities across the curriculum. These resources are particularly useful for video and auditory learners seeking resources for research projects.

To visit the website, go to http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/.

Website Review: Deep Look

DEEP LOOK is an online PBS series exploring science and nature up close.

With episodes published twice per month, this short video series features stories from the edge of the visible world. Macro photography and microscopy are used to present short science videos connected with wildlife, biology, chemistry, and nature. Available as a YouTube channel, playlists include plants, deep look, marine life, creepy crawly, insects, things with wings, come on up to the lab, and behind the scenes.

Librarians will find that both students and teachers enjoy the three-five minute video format. Closed captioning is available. Use the videos to jumpstart discussions or provide a starting point for more in-depth inquiries.

To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/kqeddeeplook.

Technology Review: PBS Digital Studios

PBS DIGITAL STUDIOS is a YouTube Channel containing educational programming on a wide range of topics.

This video channel features short-form videos showcasing the best of Internet and PBS. From philosophy and technology to history and science, the programming incorporates topics across the curriculum. The project features content housed at a number of YouTube channels including Deep Look, PHS Idea Channel, The Art Assignment, It’s Okay to be Smart, CrashCourse, Space Time, Physics Girl, BrainCraft, Cross Science, and more.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful starting point for locating educational videos. Spend some time aligning videos across the curriculum. Or, feature selected videos in a showcase along with selected books and other resources.

To visit the website, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pbsdigitalstudios.

Technology Review: Full Time with Mya

FULL TIME KID WITH MYA is a series of videos from PBS.

This adorable YouTube Channel features videos on topics such as crafts, songs, and learning experiences. From science experiments and math tricks to how-to videos, young Mya shares ideas for children, parents, and teachers. The short, focused videos are quick to watch.

Librarians will find these videos to be a fun way to introduce youth to video production. Get children involved with creating their own short videos on topics of their choice.

To watch the videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/FullTimeKid/.