Films of Science experiments
How we teach Science is sometimes limited by the practical resources we have available to us. In the case of experimental work, these restrictions are sometimes due to safety, cost, space, time or expertise.
Is there an experiment or some practical work that you wish you could show your pupils but, for whatever reason, can't? Or perhaps you can, but you would then like to show a repeat of, perhaps in higher resolution or slow motion?
If there is, please add them to the wish list below.
You Tube!
Loads of amazing science stuff amidst the dross. A bit of patience in searching can unearth some real “wow factor” material.
Water in zero-g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3drcpE-0Inc
Inhaling helium followed by sulphur hexafluoride for the reverse effect http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XbjFn3aqE&feature=fvw
Boat floating on gas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PJTq2xQiQ0&feature=related
Time lapse, high speed photography, explosions, rockets taking off, lasers, superconductors, gallium teaspoons, maglev, caesium, duck billed platypus, lightning, giant centipedes, meteors – its all there if you can search it out.
Our school has YouTube blocked for understandable reasons, but with the help of a downloader (eg http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-YouTube-Download.htm ) we can download the clips (which play back in Windows Media Player) at home, put them on a stick and dump them on the school network for use in lessons.
Two more great clip sites: http://www.periodicvideos.com/ - a clip on every element (Nottingham Uni). We put this on the VLE and set the kids to write a mini essay for hwk.
Also http://www.cassiopeiaproject.com/videos2.php - high quality downloadable animation clips (some v large) on all sciences and astronomy that really concentrate on the “big picture”. The background to the site is a bit peculiar but the clips are brilliant.
Andrew Urwin is Head of Science and Technology College Manager at a large state comprehensive in Devon. Prior to that he was Head of Physics at comprehensives in Sussex and Northumberland. He has been teaching for 20 years.
Aerial shot of some kind of toy platform going round a curve, with a ball or car or something that's sitting on it carrying on in a straight line. Same contraption could show linear acceleration from rest, with the cargo staying in the same place. Could overlay with some graphics and explanation?
Stuart Billington is a Head of Science in an 11-18 new Academy in the North West of England. He has 11 years of teaching experience.
Existing videos seem to be low-resolution? Or am I just not looking well enough?
Stuart Billington is a Head of Science in an 11-18 new Academy in the North West of England. He has 11 years of teaching experience.
Would be very useful for the teaching of Impulse in Y11 Physics.
Stuart Billington is a Head of Science in an 11-18 new Academy in the North West of England. He has 11 years of teaching experience.