Physicist Roger Rassool finds out who does what at a Synchrotron, and why they love their jobs. He discovers that many of them are young, and that you don’t necessarily need a PhD to work at this highly specialised facility. In fact, not everyone working there is even a scientist. The people he meets are: KYLIE ROGAN, Admin Officer/Project Support; Dr MARK BOLAND, Accelerator Physicist ; TRENT SMITH, Technician; SAM MICKLE, Accelerator Operator; Dr KIA WALLWORK, Beamline Scientist; Alan JACKSON, Technical Director. Along the way, Roger discovers the basics of how a synchrotron works, and some of its uses. This program will be of interest to both science and careers teachers. Its style is informal and very user-friendly. Which is probably why reaction to it has been so positive.
Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)
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Measurement and Uncertainty
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.
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The Periodic Table
Reviews Mendeleev’s periodic table and the theory of the nuclear structure of the atom. An examination of Bohr’s model of the atom explains how this theory led to the organization of the modern periodic table. Students use the periodic table to make predictions about the chemical properties and reactions of representative elements.
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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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Reaction Equations
Discusses formation and decomposition reactions: how to predict and test compound classification as ionic, molecular, acid or base; how to name the compounds involved; the law of conservation of mass; and how to balance equations.
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Nuclear Energy: The Issues
Nuclear power produces almost a fifth of the world’s electricity. Supporters say it’s safe, cheap and – best of all – the answer to global warming. Critics say it’s not safe, or cheap. And it won’t really help with the global warming problem. So who’s right? This program presents the arguments for and against, with relevant background information. Issues covered in this program include: radioactive waste: how hazardous is it?; Can it be safely stored?; How likely is an accident at a nuclear power plant?; What could the consequences be?; Are nuclear power stations terrorist targets?; Does nuclear power encourage the development of nuclear weapons?; Is nuclear energy ‘carbon-free’?; Is it the solution to global warming? NB: The science behind nuclear power – what nuclear fission is, how a nuclear power plant works and the ‘nuclear fuel cycle’ – is explained in more detail in a companion program: Nuclear Energy
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Combustion and Replacement Reactions
Compares combustion reactions to respiration, explores solubility, explains polyatomic ions and multi-valent metals, and investigates single and double replacement reactions.
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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. -
Matter and Energy on the Move
Examines the movement of matter into and out of living cells across a semipermeable membrane and the role energy plays. The concepts of diffusion, osmosis, concentration gradients, and active and passive transport are explained and demonstrated.
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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.