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The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa

Play Video
Image of EO Wilson and Tonga Torcida from the film

Topic

  • Environmental Science
  • Human Population & Impacts
  • Conservation
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Science as a Social Process

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Short Films

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
46 Users
Share This
View in Spanish

Description

This film is set in war-torn Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, a protected area that has been the subject of a large-scale restoration project. The film tells the story of a young man from the local community who discovers a passion for science after meeting world-renowned biologist E.O. Wilson.

Growing up near Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, Tonga Torcida dreamed of becoming a tour guide at the park. But when he meets ant biologist E.O. Wilson, his views of the world around him, and of his future, change drastically. Tonga decides to pursue a career in science and work to ensure that the park is enjoyed by future generations. The film weaves themes in conservation biology and environmental science, the value of scientific mentorship, and the social and economic realities of wilderness restoration.

The accompanying article, written by Gorongosa National Project staff, explains the project’s history, mission, and future goals.

The “Abbreviated Film Guide” provides a short summary of the film, along with key concepts and connections to curriculum standards.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Key Terms

Africa, bioblitz, careers in science, wildlife

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria. Spanish files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 07.07.14
Date Updated 05.14.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2.A, HS-LS2.C, HS-LS4.D, HS-ESS3.A, HS-ESS3.C

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-1, ENE-4, SYI-1, SYI-2, SYI-3

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.1, C.3, C.4, C.5

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.1, 9.10

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, 3.4, 8.2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5

Materials

HD (M4V) 1.21 GB
HD (WMV) 1.01 GB
SD (M4V) 272 MB
SD (WMV) 260 MB
Transcript (PDF) 102 KB
Spanish Dub (Español) 525 MB
Transcript - Español (PDF) 329 KB
Article: Restoring Mozambique's National Treasure (PDF) 279 KB
Abbreviated Film Guide (PDF) 1 MB

Use This Resource With

Activity Resource
Activity for The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa
Activity Resource
Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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1-Minute Tips

The Guide

David Hong describes how he uses the short film "The Guide" with his AP® Environmental Science students to introduce the topic of conservation biology and challenges faced by nature reserves, such as Gorongosa National Park.
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1-Minute Tips

The Guide

Amanda Briody describes two BioInteractive resources focused on Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. She uses the short film "The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa" to introduce students to the park and its scientists.
View Article
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1-Minute Tips

Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships

Sheila Smith explains how she uses the "Creating Chains and Webs" BioInteractive activity to teach her students about the direction of energy flow in food chains and webs. She also uses the short film "The Guide" to introduce the topic.
View Article
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Varias cebras sobre un pastizal.
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Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships
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Gorongosa's Water Cycle
Image of a map from the interactive.
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Gorongosa Timeline
Image of E.O. Wilson from the film
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Activity for The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa

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Activity for The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa
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Think Like a Scientist: Gorongosa
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BiomeViewer
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