GEOTHERMAL ENERGY "A DOWN TO EARTH ADVENTURE" Your host, the amiable G. Arthur Mole, takes you on a delightfully different and thoroughly informational journey into the realm of one of nature's renewable energy sources. Character illustrations, colorful graphics and photography combine to make this an excellent educational tool as well as good entertainment. $20.00 each Click here to go to order form.

A REVIEW OF THE VIDEO NEW EDUCATIONAL TAPE AVAILABLE, by Thomas Flynn, UNLV (December 1992) The Geothermal Education Office proudly released its most recent production at the October 1992 Annual Meeting of the Geothermal Resources Council in San Diego, CA. G. Arthur Mole is the furry and congenial host of the 16 minute educational DOWN-TO-EARTH-ADVENTURE. Mr. Mole takes the viewer on an informative, well-placed, "animated" tour of geothermal resources and developments throughout the world. The original purpose of the video was to provide younger students, elementary through middle school, with an introduction to geothermal energy. A quick review of the existing geothermal education material will quickly convince that even the most resigned skeptic that Ms. Nemzer and company have not only defined a niche, but have also developed the perfect vehicle to carry the flag - a cartoon character. In an uncertain world, it is ironically reassuring that complex issues such as energy, economics and the environment can be adequately addressed by a talking rodent, who is also a retired school teacher. Willfull-suspension-of-disbelief notwithstanding, witness yourself the undeniable success of the Flintstones, the Jetsons, the Muppets, ALF, Dinosaurs, and yes, Bart Simpson. There is no question that cartoon characters can effectively spearhead important social issues. without the excess baggage and posturing of humans. Who among us would dare question the innocent curiosity, dignity, and daring of Kermit the Frog. Mr. Mole continues this fine tradition. And that is the strength of the video. The narration of Sydney Walker provides our hero with a deep, kind, grandfatherly voice that resonates reassuringly to a class of eager beavers, turtles, frogs and squirrels. Monsieur Mole treats his charges to a well structured lesson that examines the global distribution of geothermal resources, the geological components of volcanism, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Graphics are used to show everything from drill rigs, to steam turbines, to cooling towers. There is time for a quick historical digression to examine the roots of direct use of geothermal energy for agricultural and space heating applications. The economic and environmental benefits of geothermal energy utilization are clearly illustrated by simply looking at the variety and amounts of combustion products. Those with young, impressionable children may want to prevent the Freddy Krueger wannabees, dubbed as the "foul threesome", Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide and Sulfur Oxide. The sight of a frog wearing a gas mask under a menacingly dark cloud may stretch the limits of credibility but hey, burning coal stinks, and if it takes a talking mole to make this point, let it be. On balance, the video is clean, quick, and well edited if you can suffer through the puns.

On balance, the video is clean, quick, and well edited...

Mr. Mole takes the viewer on an informative, well-placed, "animated" tour of geothermal resources and developments throughout the world.

The original purpose of the video was to provide younger students, elementary through middle school, with an introduction to geothermal energy.

Monsieur Mole treats his charges to a well structured lesson that examines the global distribution of geothermal resources, the geological components of volcanism, earthquakes, and plate tectonics.

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March 7 , 1999

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