Looks at the changes brought about by the development of a billion dollar gold mine to the indigenous people of Porgera, in one of the more remote areas of Papua New Guinea. As the government of PNG looks increasingly to mineral resources for its future wealth and development the people are at a watershed. Traditional culture and subsistence lifestyles are giving way to Western economics and culture.
Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)
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Physics of Fun
Topics include PE and KE- roller coasters, trapeze, slides; W=F x Dist – falls into the safety net; vectors – tightrope walkers & cable cars; components of motion- resolving the complex motion in rides, SHM; trajectory – human cannon ball; angular acceleration – merry go rounds, loop the loop, banking; angular momentum – tumblers; pendulum – trapeze artists, swings.
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Plastics in Manufacturing
Topics include INJECTION MOULDING – Items being manufactured. Moulds in two parts, the force and the cavity. Moving cores allow undercuts. Hot and cold sprues; ROTATIONAL MOULDING – For production of large and hollow items in thermoplastic. A large box and a canoe; VACUUM AND PRESSURE FORMING – The process and design considerations. Twin sheet process. Financial factors in choice of process.
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Planers
The surface planer, or jointer, is the first machine tool demonstrated, in this informative and entertaining video. The honing and changing of the cutter blades is shown as well as proper and safe operating procedure. More challenging cuts are demonstrated, such as the planing of thin, cupped or warped stock, as well as square planing and end planing. Special joinery requirements are shown in detail: rebating, chamfers, and bevels. “Dropping on”, using a template, is clearly illustrated. The program also focuses on the thicknesser, or planing machine. Planing to thickness and planing to width are both demonstrated on the thicknesser, as is the use of jigs.
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Plastics: Properties and Uses
A comprehensive introduction to thermoplastics and their uses: what are plastics; raw materials: main sources world-wide; primary production: converting raw materials into useful materials; classification of plastics; physical and chemical properties; methods of testing properties;selecting of materials: importance of matching end-use requirements with material properties.
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Oedipus the King
Of interest to students of drama, ancient history and the Classics, this video recreates the ethos of Greek life and religion. Traditional elements of Greek theatre are effectively used to present this archetypal tale of familial and divine jealousies and rivalries.
A booklet containing a very detailed introduction and text accompanies the video. The introductions are aimed at the teacher and provide an analysis of tragedy itself as well as this play in particular. -
Ozone
A look at the Ozone including its molecular structure, physical properties, practical uses and the importance of the Ozone as a filter of UV A look at the Ozone including its molecular structure, physical properties, practical uses and the importance of the Ozone as a filter of UV radiation. Includes test methods for detecting the presence of ozone and the atmospheric processes that create and destroy it.
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Becoming Parents – Adoption
Local adoptions are down, intercountry adoptions are on the rise. After IVF failed, Birthe and Guy adopted 2 Korean children through DOCS inter-country adoption program. They strive to maintain cultural links between their children and Korea. They are supported through ASIAC, a support network of other adoptive parents. Gwenda, a social worker who interviews prospective parents for DOCS over the 2 years it takes to be assessed, stresses the special needs of overseas born adoptees and the adoptive family’s ability to empathise. Lynelle, a Vietnamese adult adoptee, and founder of ICASN, a support group for adoptees, stresses the adoptee’s confusion in identity and their need for cultural links with their country of origin.
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Nuclear Physics
Topics include nucleus: models, density, atomic mass unit; isotopes caused by neutron numbers; nuclear stability, nuclear force, mass defect; radioactivity, alpha, beta, gamma radiation; beta decay – neutron turning into a proton; alpha decay, gamma decay; half life, transmutation; nucleons made of quarks; uranium decay series.
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Nuclear Power
This video looks at the practical application of nuclear energy, using footage from nuclear power stations and fusion laboratories. Topics include FISSION: – thermal and fast breeder reactors; FUSION: – Coulomb repulsion; plasmas; magnetic “bottle”; internal confinement – laser bombardment; REPROCESSING; DISPOSAL.