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 (11)
1. The People You Never See
Aired 14 December 1977
The series' 18th season starts with "The People You Never See," a report on victims of cerebral palsy.
2. The Evolution Of Flight
Aired 21 December 1977
Pedestrian malls, car-free zones and multipurpose subway systems are examined in a study of urban planning and urban renewal.
3. The Geese Of Wascana
Aired 28 December 1977
Visit to marshes of Regina where Canada Geese spend winter on open water.
4. Radiation: In Sickness And In Health
Aired 4 January 1978
5. Radiation: Nuclear Power
Aired 11 January 1978
A look at advantages and dangers of nuclear energy, focusing special attention on problem of waste disposal.
6. The Cry Of The Gull
Aired 18 January 1978
The Cry of the Gull examines the effect of chemical pollutants on Lake Ontario wildlife
7. Space Shuttle
Aired 25 January 1978
A look at the next development in space research: establishing a space colony supporting 10,000 people in an Earth-like environment.
8. Twins: And Then There Were Two
Aired 1 February 1978
This is first of a two-part report which looks at both scientific and human side of twins.
9. Twins: Matching Genes
Aired 8 February 1978
Part two of a two-part study of twins and the research being conducted. This program shows how scientists use the phenomenon of twins to discover more about mankind in general, particularly in the field of genetics.
10. When Men Play Gods
Aired 22 February 1978
he creation of new organisms using a technique called recombinant DNA
11. Patterns of Pain / The Gannets of Bonaventure
Aired 11 March 1978
Two films featured: Patterns of Pain explores the perception of pain in our nervous systems; The Gannets of Bonaventure looks at the largest breeding colony of gannets in North America, on Bonaventure Island; and informs of threats to the colony from pollution and tourist traffic