In How David Bowie Broke Boundaries and Redefined Identity, host Kathleen Turner explores how David Bowie transformed the music world with his bold personas, including Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. Through his music, fashion, and openness about his sexuality, Bowie empowered society’s outsiders and pushed for greater inclusivity. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Go Jetters Join the Carnival Parade, the Go Jetters crew goes dancing in Brazil for the Rio Carnival, a big celebration that has been happening every year for over 250 years! The Carnival is filled with music, dancing, and colorful floats that are made by samba schools. People come from all over the world to join the fun and see the amazing parade! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
In What Is Acquired Savant Syndrome? hear the incredible story of Derek Amato, a man who developed the ability to play the piano overnight after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. A concussion transformed his brain, unlocking a rare phenomenon known as acquired savant syndrome. Students will learn about the science behind savant syndrome, the changes in Derek’s brain, and how he describes his newfound musical talent as an unstoppable flow of notes. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In JoJo and Gran Gran Celebrate Lunar New Year, JoJo and her grandmother learn about the Lunar New Year from their friends. A real-life family shares how they make their own lion dance. This video is excerpted from BBC’s JoJo & Gran Gran, a children's animated television series following JoJo, an inquisitive and cheerful 4-and-a-half-year-old girl and her loving Gran Gran, who always has something new to teach her.
In Billie Holiday, a Voice Against Injustice, host Kathleen Turner explores the early struggles of the legendary jazz singer, Billie Holiday. Rising from a tragic childhood, Holiday overcame unimaginable hardships to captivate the world with her unique voice, even as she faced overt racism. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In How Polyphonic Singing Works, explore the fascinating phenomenon of polyphonic singing. The video features Wolfgang, a singer who can produce two notes at once. Using an MRI, Wolfgang and researchers uncover the mechanics behind this rare ability, revealing how changes in the shape of the tongue and larynx allow the vocal apparatus to create distinct tones simultaneously. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Rapping in a Refugee Camp, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces Hiba and Rama, two sisters who live in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. The sisters use rap as a creative outlet to express their struggles, dreams, and experiences of growing up in a refugee camp. Their music addresses the challenges they face as refugees, including the loss of their home, displacement, and the lack of education. The video also highlights their aspirations for the future and the power of youth empowerment through creativity. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Charlie Chaplin and the Road to Global Superstardom, host Kathleen Turner explores how Chaplin created his iconic character and became a global superstar. Drawing on his music hall roots and personal experiences of poverty, Chaplin's physical comedy revolutionized early cinema. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Story in Song introduces students to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through music, humor, and powerful historical images. Told as a song, the video shares key moments from Dr. King’s life and his leadership in the fight for equality in a way that is clear, memorable, and engaging for students.
Excerpted from BBC’s Horrible Histories — a multi-award-winning musical and sketch comedy series — this short video uses a familiar, student-friendly format to help make an important part of U.S. history easier to understand. The combination of lyrics, visuals, and real moments from the era helps students connect with the ideas of fairness, courage, and peaceful protest.
At just two and a half minutes, this video is ideal for classrooms. Use it as a quick introduction to Martin Luther King Jr., a lively entry point into the Civil Rights Movement, or a meaningful way to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It works well as a lesson opener, a review tool, or a discussion starter about how people have worked together to create change in a democracy.
In Hong Kong's Stunning Victoria Harbour, the Go Jetters crew visits Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, one of the busiest harbors in the world. Here, there are thousands of boats, from colorful junk boats to giant cargo ships bringing goods from all over the world. At night, the harbor lights up with a dazzling show, complete with music, making it a magical place to visit! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
What country is home to the world’s highest waterfall, mysterious flat-topped mountains, and animals found nowhere else? Meet Venezuela, a country of spectacular landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity.
From Angel Falls and the tepuis to jaguars, tapirs, manatees, and the tiny Roraima bush toad, Venezuela is filled with natural wonders. Explore the Indigenous peoples and events that shaped the country’s history, learn about its government and oil-rich economy, and discover the foods, music, festivals, and traditions that make Venezuelan culture unique. You’ll also learn why Venezuela’s isolated tepuis are home to species that have adapted to life high above the surrounding landscape.
Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
In How David Bowie Broke Boundaries and Redefined Identity, host Kathleen Turner explores how David Bowie transformed the music world with his bold personas, including Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. Through his music, fashion, and openness about his sexuality, Bowie empowered society’s outsiders and pushed for greater inclusivity. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In The Go Jetters Join the Carnival Parade, the Go Jetters crew goes dancing in Brazil for the Rio Carnival, a big celebration that has been happening every year for over 250 years! The Carnival is filled with music, dancing, and colorful floats that are made by samba schools. People come from all over the world to join the fun and see the amazing parade! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
In What Is Acquired Savant Syndrome? hear the incredible story of Derek Amato, a man who developed the ability to play the piano overnight after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. A concussion transformed his brain, unlocking a rare phenomenon known as acquired savant syndrome. Students will learn about the science behind savant syndrome, the changes in Derek’s brain, and how he describes his newfound musical talent as an unstoppable flow of notes. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In JoJo and Gran Gran Celebrate Lunar New Year, JoJo and her grandmother learn about the Lunar New Year from their friends. A real-life family shares how they make their own lion dance. This video is excerpted from BBC’s JoJo & Gran Gran, a children's animated television series following JoJo, an inquisitive and cheerful 4-and-a-half-year-old girl and her loving Gran Gran, who always has something new to teach her.
In Billie Holiday, a Voice Against Injustice, host Kathleen Turner explores the early struggles of the legendary jazz singer, Billie Holiday. Rising from a tragic childhood, Holiday overcame unimaginable hardships to captivate the world with her unique voice, even as she faced overt racism. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In How Polyphonic Singing Works, explore the fascinating phenomenon of polyphonic singing. The video features Wolfgang, a singer who can produce two notes at once. Using an MRI, Wolfgang and researchers uncover the mechanics behind this rare ability, revealing how changes in the shape of the tongue and larynx allow the vocal apparatus to create distinct tones simultaneously. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In Rapping in a Refugee Camp, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces Hiba and Rama, two sisters who live in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. The sisters use rap as a creative outlet to express their struggles, dreams, and experiences of growing up in a refugee camp. Their music addresses the challenges they face as refugees, including the loss of their home, displacement, and the lack of education. The video also highlights their aspirations for the future and the power of youth empowerment through creativity. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
In Charlie Chaplin and the Road to Global Superstardom, host Kathleen Turner explores how Chaplin created his iconic character and became a global superstar. Drawing on his music hall roots and personal experiences of poverty, Chaplin's physical comedy revolutionized early cinema. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Story in Song introduces students to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through music, humor, and powerful historical images. Told as a song, the video shares key moments from Dr. King’s life and his leadership in the fight for equality in a way that is clear, memorable, and engaging for students.
Excerpted from BBC’s Horrible Histories — a multi-award-winning musical and sketch comedy series — this short video uses a familiar, student-friendly format to help make an important part of U.S. history easier to understand. The combination of lyrics, visuals, and real moments from the era helps students connect with the ideas of fairness, courage, and peaceful protest.
At just two and a half minutes, this video is ideal for classrooms. Use it as a quick introduction to Martin Luther King Jr., a lively entry point into the Civil Rights Movement, or a meaningful way to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It works well as a lesson opener, a review tool, or a discussion starter about how people have worked together to create change in a democracy.
In Hong Kong's Stunning Victoria Harbour, the Go Jetters crew visits Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, one of the busiest harbors in the world. Here, there are thousands of boats, from colorful junk boats to giant cargo ships bringing goods from all over the world. At night, the harbor lights up with a dazzling show, complete with music, making it a magical place to visit! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Go Jetters, a series that follows the adventures of four plucky international heroes as they travel the globe visiting the world’s most famous landmarks with their friend and mentor, Ubercorn, a disco-dancing unicorn.
What country is home to the world’s highest waterfall, mysterious flat-topped mountains, and animals found nowhere else? Meet Venezuela, a country of spectacular landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity.
From Angel Falls and the tepuis to jaguars, tapirs, manatees, and the tiny Roraima bush toad, Venezuela is filled with natural wonders. Explore the Indigenous peoples and events that shaped the country’s history, learn about its government and oil-rich economy, and discover the foods, music, festivals, and traditions that make Venezuelan culture unique. You’ll also learn why Venezuela’s isolated tepuis are home to species that have adapted to life high above the surrounding landscape.
Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)