All Titles

The Standard Deviants - Chemistry (3 Pack)

Whether you need help with high school chemistry, need to review for a college chemistry class, or you're studying for the AP Chemistry Exam, the Standard Deviants can help! The Standard Deviants will help you bond with the material as this chemistry tutorial demonstrates the states and properties of matter, atomic and molecular weight, thermochemistry, Lewis structures, VSPER Theory, molarity and molality, and much more. The Chemistry DVD 3-Pack includes Chemistry Parts 1-3.

The Standard Deviants - Learn Writing Basics

Writing Basics is a great DVD for anyone - students and non-students alike - who wants to write a terrific paper or polish his or her writing skills. This DVD will teach you everything from how to state and support a position, to collecting supporting information and writing a thesis statement. The Standard Deviants will help you become a better writer in no time!

Standard Deviants: Grammar For All - Learning English Grammar - The Parts of Speech

English grammar is serious stuff, and there's only so much that can be done to make it entertaining. But the Standard Deviants, an energetic troupe of young performers whose specialty is making serious academic subjects engaging, happily dive into what they call "The Split-Infinitive World of English Grammar." The lessons on this DVD have been prepared by a panel of serious academics, but flashy graphics abound. And the performers do their best to liven up presentations of basic concepts. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech are explained with some offbeat examples (for instance, a film of a lizard is used to demonstrate why "gecko" is a common noun). While introducing a section on verbals, a young woman mentions that a "funky thing" verbs can do is function as other parts of speech. Eventually all parts of speech are covered, and basic sentence structures are introduced. At the end of each set of lessons a quiz is presented, which a student can either take or skip. After proceeding through all the lessons on this DVD (which contains about two hours worth of material), a student can take the "Gram Slam," a comprehensive exam. English grammar will never be a barrel of fun, but the Standard Deviants deserve credit for making this review course as engaging as the subject is ever likely to get. --Robert J. McNamara

Understanding the fundamentals of grammar is the first step to impressive writing. A few of the topics covered in this DVD include: the parts of speech, common nouns and pronouns, verb tenses, conjugations, and compound sentences. The Standard Deviants provide you with a fun, effective way of learning with their unique blend of helpful study tips and comic relief. (Formerly titled "English Grammar 1 DVD")

The Standard Deviants - Learn Public Speaking

Does the idea of speaking in front of an audience fill you with dread? Relax! The Standard Deviants will help you overcome your fear of public speaking and help you deliver your message with style and flair! Using proven attention-getters, illustrations and delivery suggestions, this DVD will help you organize your thoughts and present them in a clear and persuasive manner.

The Standard Deviants - Learn Biology

The Standard Deviants, a troupe of energetic young performers whose specialty is presenting serious academic subjects in an offbeat manner, turn their attention to the study of life itself in The Dissected World of Biology. Fervently believing that a truly atrocious joke is so memorable that it's a brilliant mnemonic device, the Standard Deviants gleefully ham it up in this production while managing to make solid points about the subject matter. For instance, a presentation on a chemical principle transforms into a James Bond parody in which the protagonist, after a fight with three people playing a water molecule, reveals his name as "Bond... Covalent Bond." Ouch! A skit about proteins takes place in a beauty shop, and a truly horrendous rock singer moans about being "stuck in the middle of a cell." All this foolishness has a purpose, of course, and there is a serious curriculum hiding just beneath the unorthodox presentation. Cells, DNA, RNA, metabolism, and other concepts of biology are all covered, and a solid academic panel approved the presentation. While this video doesn't intend to be a substitute for a course in biology, it does make the basic concepts easier to remember. --Robert J. McNamara

Most living organisms are pretty complicated. That's where we come in! The Standard Deviants help break Biology down with an easy-to-understand, entertaining format. Learn about amino acids, DNA, RNA, cell structures, mitosis, meiosis, photosynthesis and much more!

The Standard Deviants - Habla Espanol? (Learning Spanish)

The first hint that this isn't your normal, staid Spanish review course is the subtitle that's flashed across the screen: the "Salsa-riffic World of Spanish." The Standard Deviants, a cast of ebullient young performers who believe no joke is too bad as long as its memorable, bring their talents to a course in introductory Spanish in this video. Lots of flashy graphics keep things lively, but the course material itself is rock solid--it's been approved by an academic panel. Following some basic information on where Spanish is spoken, the real lessons begin with instruction on pronunciation and the Spanish alphabet (which, of course, uses some typographical symbols not used in English). A bit of vocabulary is imparted as the pronunciation lessons progress, and after some pointers on capitalization, simple lessons in practical conversation begin. The video proceeds to the inescapable bane of many language students, conjugating verbs. While this production won't be a substitute for an actual course in Spanish (and the cast specifically points out that it doesn't intend to be), the presentation is consistently energetic, with the lessons easy to remember. Someone who is interested in learning (or reviewing) basic material will no doubt gain from watching it. --Robert J. McNamara

Learning how to speak Spanish is easy with ¿Habla Español? Learning Spanish: The Basics! The Standard Deviants will begin by introducing you to the Spanish alphabet, vocabulary, and pronunciation. You will also learn greetings, punctuation, the gender of nouns and pronouns, some essential verbs, and much more. This DVD will give you the essentials to help you begin to understand the Spanish language. (Previously titled "The Salsa-Riffic World of Spanish, Part 1 DVD")

The Standard Deviants - Parlez-vous Francais? (Learning French - The Basics)

In this tutorial, you will master the French alphabet, learn lots of vocabulary and how to conjugate verbs. This CD-ROM is full of examples and mnemonic devices to help you retain what you learn as you begin to speak and understand this amazing language!

The Standard Deviants: French, Part 1
If you're looking to really learn the French language, as opposed to briefly memorizing a few phrases to help you find a bathroom or complain to the doctor of your traveler's stomach, the Standard Deviants have the video for you. Their French, Part I is a language lesson for the MTV generation. Short segments, funky graphics, and personable youthful teachers make watching this tape entertaining, rather like Sesame Streets for grownups. Using the functional approach (making sure people can communicate and accomplish tasks in the new language), the video introduces French with phrases and full sentences, introducing ideas through demonstration. The idea is to help you think in French. Dialogue is clearly transcribed on the screen, so you can see what the words look like, and two cards are included with the tape that give translations of some of the dialogues and useful vocabulary. Note, though, that all of the explanations are given in English, as opposed to an immersion program (meaning all in French, including explanations), such as French in Action. Which style works best is purely a matter of personal preference. Skits put the conversations into context and provide levity. Yet, as is clearly stated in the beginning of the lesson, this series is intended to be a supplement to a class, and French really needs to be practiced through speaking and writing. The benefit of video, though, is you can rewind as much as needed to master pronunciation and to let the concepts sink in. The video opens with pronunciation, with close-ups of faces as they pronounce the alphabet to help you learn how to shape your mouth around the French letters. The video then covers a range of topics including -er verbs, gender, articles, adverbs, être, adjectives, pronouns, avoir, numbers, aller, and faire. While the video could benefit from more native French speakers, this is a delightful introduction to the language and a fun complement to a high school or college French class. Don't miss the flubbed lines during the credits. --Jenny Brown

The Standard Deviants: French, Part 2
French, Part 2 picks up, not surprisingly, where the Standard Deviants French, Part 1 leaves off. Using the same functional approach to French, this tape uses fun graphics, humorous skits, transcriptions, and translations to help you learn the language (and once again the video begins with the caveat that these videos are intended to supplement, not replace, a class). Two cards are included with the tape that give translations of some of the dialogues, conjugations, and useful vocabulary. Beginning with a subject near and dear to le français, we visit a café where we learn about food while also discovering le partif, prendre, and different ways of asking questions. Three more sections cover describing yourself, shopping, and morning and evening rituals, covering topics such as irregular verbs (including décrire, vouloir, and dire), regular verbs, more adjectives and adverbs, conjugations, the past tense, direct and indirect pronouns, and reflexive verbs. Occasionally dialogues are repeated with the English translation beneath them, which seems superfluous given that the translations are provided on the enclosed cards. While the video could benefit from more native French speakers, this is a delightful introduction to the language and a fun complement to a high school or college French class. --Jenny Brown

The Standard Deviants - Learn World Geography

The Standard Deviants troupe makes the daunting study of world geography fun and manageable in this 90-minute presentation. Three distinct programs explore the physical and human geography of North America, Europe and Russia, and Africa. The format is modern and fast paced, featuring young actors and comics, clear computer graphics, concise explanations, and a healthy dose of cornball humor. Hip young hosts present a basic overview of each geographical area followed by a deeper look at factors like climate, topography, historically significant events, and a glimpse at modern life. Fast facts are labeled "Geo-Neat-O's," seemingly old-time curmudgeons relate modern facts, and computer-generated classical philosophers add their own succinct wisdom. Each episode concludes with a nicely outlined, concise review of topics covered. Much like the Schoolhouse Rock! series popular in the 1970s, the Standard Deviants embrace popular culture as a significant educational tool. (Ages junior high school through college) --Tami Horiuchi

See the world with the Standard Deviants! The award-winning Standard Deviants will be your tour guides as they study the diverse histories, cultures and physical characteristics of distant (and not-so-distant) regions of our world - from North America to Europe and Africa! This DVD includes: North America, Ho!!!, Russian Around Europe & Africa: Safari, So Good.

The Standard Deviants - Learn Nutrition

This Telly Award winner for Best Educational Video is presented by the Standard Deviants academic team, which includes professors from major universities. Presenting the subject of human nutrition, this video is a useful resource for high school or college students in their academic success. It provides a comprehensive overview of nutrition basics and study techniques, including mnemonics and memory builders (it also comes with quick reference cards). Its humorous, off-beat format encourages confidence and the fun of learning. The Standard Deviants' Human Nutrition is also the perfect resource for instructors of fitness, health, and nutrition as a supplement to their classroom curriculum. Topics discussed and reviewed include the six basic nutrients and their functions, the RDA, the food guide pyramid, the digestive system, water balance and function, weight control and metabolism, immunity, and disease prevention. The engaging teaching format, in which a complex, challenging subject is broken down into clear, basic, accessible information, is also entertaining. The Standard Deviants staff and comedy writers create 90 minutes of entertainment, from jazz-club musicians to rap singers, presenting "The Nutty, Nougat-Filled World of Human Nutrition." --Christine Aiken

Human Nutrition will teach you how to care for your body! Learn about the materials your body needs and what foods are rich in which vitamins and minerals. Topics covered include nutrients, calories, protein, metabolism, and so much more. This DVD is a terrific tool for anyone who cares about their health.

The Standard Deviants - DVD English Pack (Composition, Punctuation, Grammar)

The 3-disc set, The Standard Deviants English Pack contains:

The Standard Deviants - English Composition
As with other Standard Deviants videos, this one begins with the warning that English Composition is meant to be used in conjunction with a class, not as a replacement. Well, for once, ignore them. Sure, nothing can replace an English comp class, and everyone should take one, but this video is probably the most valuable one you could watch before beginning your high school or college career. In fact, even for those in the real world, English Composition can help you brush up on your writing skills. Whether you need to write a lab report, a critical review, or a case study or summarize professional articles, this video gives you the know-how to write an effective paper from brainstorming through revision.

Nathan is your typical college freshman. Through confessional-style interviews, we learn of his traumas and achievements writing his first university assignment. From the moment his teacher gives him his assignment, we watch Nathan as he churns out--and rejects--a number of ideas. We share his satisfaction when he narrows his choices down. We share his pain at his not-great critique. We share his joy at his final rewrite. Okay, so maybe we're getting a little carried away--but using Nathan, humorous skits (including a genie who grants wishes), and clever graphics, the Standard Deviants cover characteristics of academic prose, getting started, collecting information, outlining, rough drafts, feedback, and lots of revision in a jocular way. Included with the tape is an insert that shows not only Nathan's assignment but the three versions of his paper, which incorporate the changes he's made. --Jenny Brown

The Standard Deviants - English Punctuation, Part 1
The rules of punctuation may not seem enjoyable or entertaining, but the Standard Deviants can at least help out in making the rules memorable with a cast of enthusiastic young performers who specialize in lighthearted but academically sound treatments of serious subjects. In The Untamed Worlds of English Punctuation, the troupe dons costumes (such as the uniform of a traffic cop) and hams it up while presenting lessons that begin by answering the basic question "What is punctuation?" The major "end marks" are then covered in a series of lessons that focus on the rules for employing periods, questions marks, and exclamation points. The uses of commas, semicolons, and colons are covered in a similarly lively manner, with useful tips, such as the "Furthermore Rule" to test the suitability of a semicolon. Following each set of lessons is a quiz that the student can take or skip, and the "Exclamation Exam," a comprehensive test covering all the material on the DVD, can be taken at the finish. There's only so much that can be done to make punctuation exciting, but the Standard Deviants do offer a multitude of offbeat examples. And fear not, the material included has all been approved by a serious academic panel. --Robert J. McNamara

The Standard Deviants - English Grammar, Part 1
English grammar is serious stuff, and there's only so much that can be done to make it entertaining. But the Standard Deviants, an energetic troupe of young performers whose specialty is making serious academic subjects engaging, happily dive into what they call "The Split-Infinitive World of English Grammar." The lessons on this DVD have been prepared by a panel of serious academics, but flashy graphics abound. And the performers do their best to liven up presentations of basic concepts. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech are explained with some offbeat examples (for instance, a film of a lizard is used to demonstrate why "gecko" is a common noun). While introducing a section on verbals, a young woman mentions that a "funky thing" verbs can do is function as other parts of speech. Eventually all parts of speech are covered, and basic sentence structures are introduced. At the end of each set of lessons a quiz is presented, which a student can either take or skip. After proceeding through all the lessons on this DVD (which contains about two hours worth of material), a student can take the "Gram Slam," a comprehensive exam. English grammar will never be a barrel of fun, but the Standard Deviants deserve credit for making this review course as engaging as the subject is ever likely to get. --Robert J. McNamara

Save money! The Standard Deviants English DVD 3-Pack contains English Composition DVD, English Grammar 1 DVD and English Punctuation 1 DVD. You get all three DVDs at a discounted price.