The importance of error and uncertainty in scientific measurement. Show case studies of students estimating and reporting the uncertainties in their measurements. The program deals with these questions: why is measurement important in science?; why is uncertainty inevitable in scientific measurements?; the importance of multiple measurements and of averaging the results; outliers; how to estimate the range of uncertainty in a measurement; accuracy and precision; how to manage uncertainty when adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing measurements; expressing uncertainty in standard form. The program concludes with a practical exercise: students are shown how to measure the Sun’s diameter, and then estimate the uncertainty in their results.
Grade levels: Adult
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Genetics, Stem Cells and Society
An interview with Professor Alan Trounson covering his beginnings in science, his pioneering IVF work and leading role in embryonic stem cell research.
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Anthony Holland Presents Shakespeare
This is a great program for people studying Shakespeare and those who enjoy his work. Antony Holland is a veteran British actor who has been performing Shakespeare on the stage since the age of 12. He also directs plays and teaches others at his facility on Gabriola Island.
The video includes Holland performing in an intimate setting and interview clips where he discusses techniques for actors and directors. At 86 years young, Holland brings energy and intensity to a one-man show that is simply a joy to watch. -
The Cowichan River Story
This is the story of a heritage river and the man who has spearheaded the campaign to have the river corridor set aside as park. Joe Saysell has lived on the Cowichan River all his life and along with people like federal politician David Anderson, he realized in the seventies that if something wasn’t done the fishery in the river would be lost. We drift the river with Joe and find out what makes the Cowichan River special. The history of the river is also featured: from the first wealthy European fly fishing tourists, to the early settlements and growth of the forest industry. This is the story of a river that has beaten the odds and the man who made it happen.
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Acid-Base Titrations and Concentration Calculations
Hydrochloric acid is standardized using a sodium carbonate solution of known concentrate. The HCI titrant is used to titrate the ammonia. Data is collected and calculations completed to determine the concentration of the ammonia.
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Acid-Base Technology and Society
Examines and evaluates uses of acids and bases in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Shows how acids, produced directly or indirectly, can lead to environmental problems such as acid rain.
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Buffers and Buffer Systems
Buffers, and how they work, are explained in terms of the Brønsted-Lowry Theory and Le Châtelier’s Principle. Students explore the importance of buffers in biological systems and buffering action is illustrated using chemical reactions and pH curves.
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Explaining the pH/pOH Scale
Provides a definition of pH and how it is calculated. Explains a pH/pOH scale and the mathematical relationship between pH and pOH. Demonstrates the use of pH metres and examines the significance of pH in biological systems.
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Acid Rain and Kw
The topic of acid deposition leads to a calculation of hydronium and hydroxide ion concentrations, pH and pOH using Kw. These calculations demonstrate what happens to pH and pOH during a series of dilutions.
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Explaining the Strengths of Acids and Bases
An experiment comparing acidic solutions in relationship to their pH and conductivity leads to a definition of strong and weak acids. A similar procedure is followed for bases.