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May 9th, 2010

 
Being Human: Video Segments
Using segments from the PBS program: The Human Spark, students explore the question “What makes us human?” These segments may be used alone or in conjunction with the lesson plan, "Being Human."
May 8th, 2010

 
Sticks and Stones: Prehistory Technology: Video Segments
These segments from the PBS series The Human Spark are used to help students understand both the construction and context of some of the prehistoric tools which allowed early humans to survive and thrive.
May 8th, 2010

 
Life As We Know It: Video Segments
These video segments from PBS Series, The Human Spark, explore the evolution of life on Earth, from the earliest single-celled organism to modern Homo sapiens. They may be used on their own or with the lesson plan, Life as We Know It.
May 8th, 2010

 
Journey into the Brain: Video Segments
These segments from The Human Spark explore the human brain, including information about brain regions, brain activity and technologies used to explore brain activity.
May 8th, 2010

 
Social Skills: Video Segments
These video segments from the PBS series The Human Spark investigate the differences and similarities between the respective social dynamics of humans and our closest primate relatives and what they may tell us about what—if anything—may make us uniquely human.
January 19th, 2010

 
Program Three: Brain Matters: Video: Full Episode
Peer into Alan Alda's head as we uncover where our most human abilities reside. Watch the full episode now.
January 17th, 2010

 
Video Excerpt: Social Networks and the Spark
Alan Alda finds out how human social networks compare to those of chimps and watches babies pick cooperative puppets over those that won't play.
January 16th, 2010

 
Video Excerpt: Kermit Loves a Bucket
Cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke tests the representational thinking skills of children by asking them to relate a map to the real world.
January 12th, 2010

 
Program Two: So Human, So Chimp: Video: Full Episode
Alan Alda explores how much humans and chimps have in common, and what sets us apart. Watch the full episode now.
January 12th, 2010

 
Web-Exclusive Video: Mirror Neurons
What in the world are mirror neurons? And why might they be important for humans to possess?
WHAT IS THE HUMAN SPARK?
Alan Alda
What is the nature of human uniqueness?
In a three-part series originally brodcast on PBS in January 2010, Alan Alda takes this question personally, visiting with dozens of scientists on three continents -- even undergoing an examination of his own brain.
» Learn More
TOPICS
Neuroscience
Primates
Human Evolution
Child Development
Behind the Scenes
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Major funding for The Human Spark is provided by the National Science Foundation, and by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Additional funding is provided by the John Templeton Foundation, the Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, and The Winston Foundation.
National Science Foundation Alfred P. Sloan Foundation John Templeton Foundation

Produced by THIRTEEN    ©2025 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.