This fast-paced program shows how Newton’s three laws of motion can be used to explain and predict the motion of everyday objects. The effect of friction, including air resistance, is highlighted and the concept of inertia is illustrated with classic demonstrations. The program features worked examples, questions for class discussion, as well as the remarkable Rocketman who provides a dramatic example of the third law in action.
Subjects: Physical Science
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Gravitation
With the help of demonstrations, animated graphics and worked examples, this program demystifies: Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation; How to enter very large and small numbers into a calculator; The physics involved in apparent weightlessness, satellites, including geostationary satellites; Gravitational field Strength; The inverse square nature of the law of gravitation.
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Energy Rules!: The Conservation of Energy and Momentum
Underpinning the whole of physics are the twin laws of conservation of energy and momentum. This program examines the many forms of energy, momentum and how they are related. The nature of action reaction is demonstrated by two students on skateboards pushing each other apart. The idea of a “closed system” is investigated with the example of sprinters pushing off starting blocks and collision between cars and stationary fixed walls. Students are taken through appropriate calculations and introduced to the various concepts relating to the conservation of energy and momentum.
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Corrosion Chemistry
This program is designed to help students understand the chemistry in corrosion. The enigmatic presenter takes the viewer on an informative journey examining such issues as what causes corrosion, necessary conditions for corrosion to occur, which metals corrode, oxidization, electricity and redox and corrosion minimization. Enhanced by animated graphics and laboratory experiments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of this chemical process.
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DC Electricity: Discovery and Developments
This program looks at the origins of electricity through the first uses of static electricity by the Greeks, Gilbert and onto other popular displays by scientists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Viewers will gain an understanding of the chemical battery, the ‘complete’ circuit, electrolysis, electroplating and negatively charged electrons. Resistance to flow is introduced and the use of both ammeters and voltmeters to monitor flow and potential. Highly effective animations will engage students, while clearly demonstrating processes.
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Light and Vision
The following program covers two components. Firstly the scientific concept of light; how it travels in a straight line and its importance and varying uses is carefully explained through discussion and a variety of activities. Secondly, the program carefully explains the steps required to undertake a science experiment and the therefore the expectations of what the students will be required to do when they undertake their own experiments.
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Methods of Heat Transfer
Using numerous examples of how heat transfer is used in everyday life, this fascinating program takes students on a lively journey through the mechanisms and practicalities of heat transfer, clearly explaining the mechanisms of conduction, convection and radiation and introducing the concept of thermal capacity of an object.
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DC Motors
DC Motors starts by clearly and concisely introducing students to the link between electricity and magnetism and how the two can combine to produce movement. The principles of the electric motor, how useful motion can be achieved, leading to the design for a basic DC motor are carefully explained, followed by improvements to the design that lead to the production of a practical working motor. Key 3D animations provide clear, visual explanations of the inner workings of DC motors and add to the outstanding clarity and understanding that this program brings to the topic.
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Ultralight
Ultralight aircraft have come a long way from the early days when people were strapping lawn mower engines to their hang gliders to today’s machines that are basically small aircraft. The sport is now recognized as a less expensive, yet still safe alternative to conventional flying. This program follows the progression from powered hang glider to current ultralights that travel at over 200 kilometres/hour. One of the big advances in the sport was the development of the two seat machines allowing for in-flight instruction. We follow a student through his training, from first fun flight to solo. Filmed in and around British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, the program has some beautiful scenery, a cross country trip to an alpine lake, wave hopping and formation flying at sunset and more: all of it shot from the front seat of an ultralight.
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Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Cytoplasmic Division
Prepared slides, graphics and simulations examine the various stages of mitosis. Explores the changes in cell division during aging and compares a typical cell cycle to that of a cancer cell. Discusses the detection and various treatments for cancer.