107. MEDITERRANEAN MYSTERY - Swapping their high-tech labs for a disused prison, five scientists are ferried to a mystery Mediterranean island where they must pool their collective wits. There are exploding bottles, failed experiments, and the occasional difference of opinion - at the same time as some genuine eureka moments. Can they work out their exact latitude and longitude, manufacture an insect repellent from scratch, and improvise a radio from an old saucepan?

108. SIMMERING SHUTTERBUGS - Our scientists have calculated where they are on the globe, but can they now master a series of science-based challenges designed to enhance their existence, using just the natural resources of the island? Can they improvise a low-tech camera and film, make a compass, and dye a flag? Seawater, seaweed, and urine prove to be indispensable ingredients, but tempers begin to flare as things don't quite go to plan.

109. POWER SUPPLIES - In this episode, Jonathan Hare and Mike Leahy go head-to-head in a race to generate power, while Mike Bullivant and Anna Lewington set about building a pharmacy. They extract and dispense a string of natural remedies, including an antiseptic made from myrtle and olives, and an anti-flatulent from fennel seeds - to combat one of Mike Leahy's less appealing habits!

110. SUSTENANCE AND SAYONARA - Wrapping up their spartan stay on an isolated Mediterranean island, the scientists face the ultimate challenge - can they use their science skills to put food on the table? Mike Bullivant experiences an epic struggle to make soap, while Vanessa Griffiths improvises toothpaste from seaweed, seashells, and mint.

The other two DVD discs in the series are:

DISC 1 - 101. All Mapped Out 102. Bugs and Barometers 103. Time and Transmitter

DISC 2 - 104. Feel the Heat 105. Sun and Sea 106. The Science of Celebration



Grade Level: General
US Release Date: 2002     Copyright Date: 2002
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-989-4

Reviews "This entertaining series...succeeds in making science fun and accessible." The Independent "The episodes are remarkable; they realistically show the false starts and problems scientists encounter...Because so many students watch 'reality television' in their spare time, ROUGH SCIENCE will be a high-interest supplement to the curriculum. It would be a great review or extension resource, and it would also be a perfect lead-in to design projects where groups of students are assigned similar tasks. The series demonstrates the application of basic principles in biology, chemistry, Earth science, and physics, so teachers will find many applications in middle and secondary programs." Richard Smith, High School Teacher, NSTA Recommends "Thanks to a genuine sense of purpose and a refreshing lack of condescension, ['Rough Science'] works beautifully." The Scotsman, Edinburgh "ROUGH SCIENCE may be the most fun anyone ever had learning science." St. Louis Post Dispatch "An intelligent variation of the 'Castaway' theme." The (London) Times "I wish they'd had 'Rough Science' when I was in school." Newcastle Journal "ROUGH SCIENCE dares to be genial and collegial, operating on the assumption that intellectual stimulation is not an exclusionary game... ROUGH SCIENCE resembles a 'Survivor' for smart people." Seattle Post Intelligencer