The Earth is like a living, breathing organism. From its molten core to the upper reaches of the atmosphere, nothing is still. How was the planet formed, and what are the forces that continue to sculpt it? This program uses animated topographical maps, a broken pane of glass, a fortune in diamonds, a floor-sanding machine, stalactites, flowing glaciers, a merry-go-round, a greenhouse, and more to help students visualize the structure and composition of the Earth and the processes that shape our world. Dangerous impacts of humankind -- most notably pollution and deforestation -- are also considered.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on Oct. 11, 2009. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware. Teacher guide available under Additional info tag.

Overview of Planet Earth (2:40) -- Plate Tectonics (3:09) -- Processes that Shape the Earth: Rocks (3:25) -- Freshwater Forces Shape the Earth (3:20) -- Historical Geology (3:38) -- Earth Processes: Glaciers (3:06) -- Wind Processes that Shape the Earth (2:58) -- Processes that Shape Earth: The Shoreline (2:47) -- Humans Shape the Earth (3:52) -- Powerful Forces Shape the Earth (0:30).