Science For All

This first major television series produced by the NIHERST Science Communication Unit explores the scientific principles that govern the everyday lifestyles of communities and their environments. The following are episode synopses of the six features.

 

The Screw Pine plant

“Nature’s Green Gold:  Screw Pine (Pandanus Tectorius)” The episode documents the livelihood of the Toco Handicraft Association. It explores the sustainable use of local resource in this small-scale industry and focuses on the science being used in the handicraft methodology.

 

“Hotter Than A Chula:  The Secret of Angie’s Peppers” The tiny village of Roussillac in South Trinidad took centre stage for this production which tells the story of Angie’s famous roadside pepper stall and the reasons for her success. It also offers several scientific explanations for the peppers’ potency.

Angie's famous pepper sauces

 

Pitch Lake, La Brea

“Healing Waters of Lake Asphalt” This feature on the bathing ponds found on Lake Asphalt in La Brea, Trinidad, reveals the aspects of its popularity among local bathers and the science associated with the healing properties of the lakes.

 

“Lifeline: The Status and Future of Our Freshwater Resources” On World Environment Day 2004, the Environmental Management Authority awarded a Green Leaf Award for excellence in audio-visual work to NIHERST for this programme. The documentary highlights the use of the San Juan River and its watershed by the surrounding communities in the Santa Cruz/San Juan Valley in Trinidad. It examines the integrated impacts of housing, farming and quarrying on this fragile resource.

A stream in the Santa Cruz Valley

 

Christo Adonis, traditional herbal healer, shows us a wild cane plant during a trek through the forest in Blanchisseuse

“Herbal Therapies, Modern Medicine, The Link” This episode features the use of herbal medicine by the public and the medical community in the Arima/Blanchissuese area in Trinidad. The benefits and drawbacks of the use of “bush medicine”, as well as its future role in the global and local health arenas are highlighted.

 

“Tobago Seamoss: Cultivating a Sustainable Industry” Set in the Lowlands district of Tobago, the segment addresses the use of seamoss, a natural resource, by the local communities. It explores the ruin of the local industry and efforts being made to restore it and to establish a sustainable path for the future.

Recently cultivated Seamoss