Free, from Cornell University, for a limited time only, is an educational DVD about the innovative national outreach Garden Mosaics Program. It shows footage of educators conducting program activities that range from planning and planting gardens to interviewing elders in the community to implementing dozens of science activities related to gardening.

The free copy is available to the first 500 people who fill out a short evaluation survey on the Garden Mosaics Web site http://www.gardenmosaics.org . From the DVD or the Web site, the public can download the 225-page program manual that includes 37 colorful illustrated science activity and fact sheets, covering topics from aerial photos and insects to unusual plants and their uses, and links to many other educational resources.

"Garden Mosaics, funded by the National Science Foundation and private donors, seeks to connect youth and elders to investigate the mosaic of plants, people and cultures in gardens," says Marianne Krasny, professor of natural resources at Cornell and the principal investigator for the project. She estimates that, so far, about 250 educators and 1,500 youth in 20 cities have participated in the program since its inception six years ago. "Garden Mosaics youth learn to appreciate the diversity of plants and cultures in their community, form positive relationships with adults, learn about science, take action to benefit their neighborhood and participate in a global project to help the environment and food system."

Once the supply of 500 free DVDs runs out, the DVD will be available for $19.95. For more information, visit the Web site or contact Jamila Simon at (607) 254-5479 or by e-mail at jws62@cornell.edu.