Students meet Phil, the famous weather-predicting groundhog from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as they learn about the history of this popular legned. They see how this holiday is celebrated and discover fascinating information about the science behind the change of seasons, hibernation and shadows.

Explores several folk traditions from Costa Rica, Mexico and Ireland to explain some Halloween symbols, the origin of costumes and the custom of trick-or-treating. Children learn that, despite the many rituals surrounding the holiday, Halloween is a time to celebrate and honor the memory of loved ones past, and can be a time to talk about death and other subjects that may be frightening to them. The importance of Halloween safety is discussed.

Two Jewish celebrations--Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and Passover, a holiday celebrating freedom and renewal--are presented to children through illustrated stories, puppets, and songs. At a Hanukkah celebration, youngsters learn about the miracle of the Menorah as they light candles, play games, and sing songs to commemorate the holiday. As part of an introduction to Passover and the traditional Seder meal, a group of children visit a matzo...

Shows the sights and sounds of a traditional Chinese New Year celebration.

Focuses on both the legendary and religious stories of Christmas. Explores Christmas around the world, with emphasis on similarities of American traditions.

"On Columbus Day, we honor the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus as well as the spirit of discovery, but some people wonder whether this is a holiday that should be celebrated at all. Children will learn about Columbus and his voyages, as well as the controversy surrounding his explorations of the Americas. While he opened up the Americas to exploration and settlement from Europe, it was at a great cost to the native peoples already living there....

Combines traditional music, illustrated folk tales, creative animation and interactive arts and crafts segments to teach students about Earth Day. Earth Day celebrates the many things that we can all do to help keep the Earth clean and healthy. Students will learn the story behind the first Earth Day in 1970, and different ways to celebrate it, from recycling to composting to planting trees.

From campaigning and debates to rallies and voting, this program explains the activities that precede Election Day. Different levels of public office elections are reviewed along with the constitutional amendments that gave the right to vote to all groups. Children also explore the history of voting and examine the attributes of a good leader by watching as a group of middle school students elect their class president.

Features many popular traditions that celebrate St. Patrick in Ireland, the United States and Canada. A brief historical biography of St. Patrick is provided as well as an overview of Irish immigration to North America.

Teaches children about the importance of respecting and maintaining the splendor and resources of our environment. Explores the importance of trees to the pioneers. Children can discover their own passion for nature as they learn about the legend of Johnny Appleseed and the real-life sotry of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day.