About this season
The Nature of Things is a Canadian television series of documentary programs. It debuted on CBC Television on November 6, 1960. Many of the programs document nature and the effect that humans have on it. The program was one of the first to explore environmental issues, such as clear-cut logging. The series is named after an epic poem by Roman philosopher Lucretius: "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" — On the Nature of Things.
Episodes (10)
1. Puffins, Predators And Pirates
Aired 26 November 1973
This, was filmed on Great Island, off east coast of Newfoundland, site of puffins' nesting grounds in North America.
2. The Club Of Rome
Aired 3 December 1973
This group of thinkers, Club of Rome, thinks western society is on verge of chaos, social and political.
3. Ellesmere Island
Aired 10 December 1973
On Ellesmere Island, located 600 miles from North Pole, oil has been discovered. Island inhabitants, new and old, are seen in this half-hour film.
4. Anybody's Child
Aired 17 December 1973
Documentary about emotionally disturbed children living in a family environment as an alternative to institutional treatment.
5. A Comet's Tale
Aired 7 January 1974
Czech astronomer Dr. Luboš Kohoutek, discoverer of the current heavenly phenomenon Comet Kohoutek 1973 f, is among the participants in this full-hour special. Roy Bonisteel is host of the program which examines comets from a scientific viewpoint, and heavenly signs and portents of doom from psychological and historical perspectives.
6. The First Inch
Aired 14 January 1974
What goes on in very top layer of soil is often too small to see with naked eye. When photographed under a microscope.
7. The Serious Business Of Play
Aired 21 January 1974
Play is nature's method of learning about environment and about life for young. This explores our world of play and its importance for survival.
8. Out Of The Mouths Of Babes
Aired 28 January 1974
Little children learn languages, especially their own, with astonishing ease. Why this is so is subject of this film.
9. The Joy Of Effort
Aired 4 February 1974
How laws of physics are being applied to athletic endeavors, and coaches being taught how to use science rather than just "common sense" to help athletes get most out of their bodies.
10. The Cree of Paint Hills
Aired 24 March 1974
Documentary of the Cree inhabitants of Paint Hills, on the eastern shore of James Bay in Quebec.