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Browse results: Physical Science
| RESOURCE | GRADE LEVEL | MEDIA TYPE |
|---|---|---|
100's DayWhat does 100 look like? Sound like? Feel like? In this video from Curious George, explore the many ways to measure 100 things. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-2 |
Video |
3D Space: Illusion or Reality?This video excerpt from NOVA’s "The Fabric of the Cosmos: What Is Space?" reveals new data about black holes that has led to a new idea about the universe: Instead of everything being a three-dimensional object, it’s possible that everything is actually just a hologram. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
9-12 |
Video |
Accidental DiscoveriesThis segment from Swift: Eyes through Time traces the history military officers and engineers discovering a strange phenomenon in the sky that astronomers now know are gamma-ray bursts. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-8 |
Video |
Acids and Bases: Cabbage Juice IndicatorIn this video segment, the ZOOM cast demonstrates how to use cabbage juice to find out if a solution is an acid or a base. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Acids and Bases: Making a Film Canister RocketIn this video segment, ZOOM cast members mix different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see which combination produces the most carbon dioxide for launching a film-canister rocket.
Accessibility features: Caption |
K-5 |
Video |
Acids and Bases: Testing Rocket CarsIn this ZOOM video segment, cast members make bottle rocket cars using lemon juice and baking soda, and experiment with different ways of launching the cars. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Acids and Bases: Testing RocketsWhat happens when you mix baking soda and lemon juice? Watch the ZOOM cast launch a rocket using kitchen chemistry. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Air Power: Experimenting with BalloonsIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members experiment with the amount of air expelled first from a balloon, then through a straw attached to it, and see how both affect a balloon's behavior. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Air Power: Making a HovercraftIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members make their own hovercraft and demonstrate how the air leaking out of a balloon can make a plastic plate hover above a table. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Arch BridgeThis video segment adapted from Building Big illustrates the strength of the arch in bridge design and construction. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Astronomy TheoriesThis video segment from Swift: Eyes through Time deals with the advancement of science through changing existing ideas, refuting outdated theories, and incorporating new findings. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-8 |
Video |
Atomic Arrangements in SolidsThis video/animation asks the question "So if the same molecules are in the solid, liquid, and vapor forms of water, why are their properties so different?" The properties of a material are affected not just by the kinds of atom in it, but also by how they are arranged, and how free they are to move around. Forms of carbon are introduced, from graphite to buckyballs. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Atomic Structure of an AlloyLearn about the atomic structure of bronze, a copper alloy, in this video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements." Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
Atoms: The Space BetweenThis video segment adapted from A Science Odyssey takes a look at the scale of the atom and the tremendous amount of space between the electrons and the nucleus. If all this empty space exists in matter, how can any substance be solid? Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Balloon Brain: Designing a HelmetIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members are challenged to design protective headgear for a water balloon using what they know about the properties of the materials available. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Basketball PhysicsIn this video from DragonflyTV, Jai and Jonathan track, graph, and analyze the motion of basketball shots as they investigate what factors influence the accuracy of their game. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-8 |
Video |
Bend, Twist and Break: Beyond the LaboratoryDr. Chris Muhlstein explains that when scientists study fracture surfaces from controlled experiments to understand the resulting shapes and features, they can use their understanding to deduce what happened when they were not around to see the material fail or break. Further they can predict what will have to a larger or smaller piece of material under stress. This process is how scientists and engineers translate a lab experiment into a design for an airplane, bridge or even a bike frame. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Bend, Twist and Break: Breaking GlassDr. Chris Muhlstein explains that researchers learn about the scientific basis for failure of materials by running experiments in the lab, using a simple shape like a glass rod to calculate the strength of material and predict its failure. The same tests can be done at the micro and nano scale using tiny specimens. Students can run a similar experiment with a bar of chocolate. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Bend, Twist and Break: Fracture SurfacesDr. Chris Muhlstein explains that fracture surfaces can reveal how and why a material has failed. An image of a fracture surface has features or shapes that we can use to understand where a material failed and why. Scientists use an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope to read a fracture surface at high magnifications, much like we read maps to find our way. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Bend, Twist and Break: The BridgeDr. Chris Muhlstein explains that the arrangement of atoms in a material determines the properties. He drops an iPod to illustrate how the arrangement of atoms can protect it from damage; he narrates footage of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the 1940s to show how the deformation of materials can cause the collapse of a structure. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
A Boat That FloatsIn this video from Curious George, children build boats out of everyday materials and then predict and observe whether the boats sink or float. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-2 |
Video |
Booming Sands This video segment, adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, presents basic concepts of physics behind "booming" sand dunes. See how surface tension affects potential and kinetic energy and how it all works together to create sound.
Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Building Simple Machines: A Glass of Milk, PleaseIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast shows how the 34 steps in their Rube Goldberg invention use everything from gravity to carbon dioxide gas in order to accomplish one simple task: pouring a glass of milk. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Building Simple Machines: Plant QuencherIn this video segment from ZOOM, Jillian explains how her simple machine uses marbles, levers, flowing sand, and a spinning wheel to water a plant. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Building the Channel TunnelHow do you build a tunnel 32 miles long -- under water? This video segment adapted from Building Big, follows the construction of the Channel Tunnel (nicknamed "Chunnel"), the engineering wonder that connects England to France. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Capturing CarbonIn this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, a scientist, inspired by his daughter's science fair project, develops a synthetic "tree" to remove excess carbon dioxide from the air. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Carbon-Fiber Car of the FutureIn this video segment adapted from NOVA, find out how cars made of a material stronger than steel and half the weight can help combat climate change. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Carnival Physics: Midway GamesFollow Mary Jane and Eliza as they test and measure the best way to use a moving ball's energy to win at carnival games in this video from DragonflyTV. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-8 |
Video |
Center of Gravity: Pencil BalanceWatch the ZOOM cast learn about center of gravity by trying to balance a pencil on their fingers and noses. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Centripetal Force: Roller Coaster LoopsThis video segment explains centripetal force and illustrates how roller coasters rely on it to give you a thrilling ride. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
The Chemistry of MakeupIn this video from DragonflyTV, join Jazi and Danielle as they experiment with different combinations of everyday ingredients in order to create and test batches of lip gloss. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-8 |
Video |
Citigroup Skyscraper Design ProblemThis video segment adapted from Building Big looks at the challenges faced by structural engineer William LeMessurier in designing a new skyscraper and how he very closely averted disaster. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Clean Coal? Explore the challenges facing the deployment of clean coal technology in this video segment adapted from FRONTLINE: "Heat." Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Clifton Suspension BridgeThis video segment from Building Big illustrates the basic design principles of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Columns: Experimenting with BalloonsWatch the ZOOM cast find out how many balloons filled with air and then with water are required to support the weight of a cast member. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Columns: Experimenting with Paper CupsIn this video segment from ZOOM, the cast experiments to see if a bunch of paper cups covered by a piece of cardboard can support the weight of a cast member. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Columns: Finding the Strongest ShapeIn this video segment, members of the ZOOM cast experiment by bending and folding sheets of paper into various shapes to see which shape will support the weight of a heavy book. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Columns: Hillary's NeighborhoodIn this video segment from ZOOM, Hillary, from Randolph, MA, takes us on a tour of the columns in her neighborhood. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Converting to BiodieselMeet a college student whose class project to turn cooking grease into diesel fuel resulted in converting bus fleets to biodiesel, in this video from Earth Island Institute's New Leaders Initiative. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Cooking Cookies with Solar PowerIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, two solar cookers are tested against a control to see which can cook a "s'more" faster. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-8 |
Video |
Counting Neutrons on the MoonFind out how scientists are using a neutron detector onboard a satellite to try to find water on the Moon in this video adapted from NASA. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Defy Gravity! Balancing Balls on AirIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members use a hair dryer to balance a ball in a stream of air, seemingly defying gravity. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Defy Gravity! Centripetal ForceHow can you keep a ball from falling out of a jar if the jar is upside down? Watch the ZOOM cast use centripetal force to meet this challenge. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Defy Gravity! Upside Down Ping Pong BallIn this video segment, the ZOOM cast is challenged to keep a ping pong ball in a funnel while the funnel is held upside down, seemingly defying gravity. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Density and Buoyancy: Experimenting with Club SodaIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast discovers that gas-filled bubbles act like life jackets for raisins, making them buoyant. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Density and Buoyancy: Making Eggs FloatWhy does an egg float in salt water? Learn about density and buoyancy in this video segment adapted from ZOOM. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-8 |
Video |
Density and Buoyancy: Mixing Hot and Cold WaterWatch warm water float on top of cold water in this video segment adapted from ZOOM. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Density and Buoyancy: Pouring Air into WaterThis video segment adapted from ZOOM offers a clever demonstration of buoyancy by showing how to pour a cup of air into a cup filled with water. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
Density and Buoyancy: Testing LiquidsWill a grape float in oil? Will a metal nut sink in corn syrup? Watch as the ZOOM cast tests the buoyancy of a variety of liquids and objects. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-8 |
Video |
The Deployable Energy AbsorberWatch how engineers stage a crash to test a new helicopter safety design technology in this video from NASA. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Designing a Paper BridgeIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members make a bridge from a single piece of paper. Will it be strong enough to hold a hundred pennies? Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Designing a Puff MobileThe air you exhale can power a puff mobile. Watch as the ZOOM cast races their air-powered designs to see which design features are the most successful. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
K-5 |
Video |
Designing a Roller CoasterThis video adapted from DESIGN SQUAD profiles Chris Gray, a mechanical engineer who uses his knowledge of energy transfer to design roller coasters. Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Designing a Roller CoasterIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast is challenged to design and test a roller coaster with loops, hills, and U-turns. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-5 |
Video |
Designing Balloon CarsCan the air in a balloon power a car? Watch students from Weston, Massachusetts, demonstrate their balloon car designs in this video adapted from ZOOM. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Designing Electric Circuits: Door AlarmIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members design and build door alarms using a variety of materials, including aluminum foil, batteries, and buzzers. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Designing Electric Circuits: Steadiness TesterIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members discover that metal is a good conductor of electricity as they play the steadiness tester game. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-5 |
Video |
Designing Future Cities: Alternative EnergyIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, visit a class as they design a city of the future that will use solar, wind, and water power to fuel its economy. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Designing the Citigroup SkyscraperThis video segment adapted from Thinking Big, Building Small shows how a structural engineer overcame the challenge of building New York's Citigroup skyscraper over a church. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
3-8 |
Video |
Design Squad: Sound In this video segment adapted from Design Squad—a PBS TV series featuring high school contestants tackling engineering challenges—learn about the fundamentals of sound as student teams create percussive and stringed instruments for a local band.
Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Design Squad: Suspension Bridge In this video segment adapted from Design Squad—a PBS TV series featuring high school contestants tackling engineering challenges—students employ the concepts of tension and compression to build a suspension bridge without the aid of power tools.
Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Design Squad: Truss Bridge In this video segment adapted from Design Squad—a PBS TV series featuring high school contestants tackling engineering challenges—students employ the concepts of tension and compression as they build a truss bridge without the aid of power tools.
Accessibility features: Caption |
5-12 |
Video |
Detecting Life on Other PlanetsIn this video from NOVA scienceNOW, learn how scientists detect potential signs of life on distant planets. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Developing the Periodic TableThis video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements" looks at how early chemists developed the periodic table of elements. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
Do Materials Get Tired? CreepThis video explains that materials will deform slowly or “creep” under the right conditions, when constant force is applied. “Strain” is illustrated with rubber bands and we learn that engineers can calculate creep strain as a function of time. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Do Materials Get Tired? FatigueThis video explains how the strength of a material can be measured in the laboratory and used to design structures, like bikes, airplanes, and even chairs. We see a controlled lab experiment that applies precise force to a paperclip until it breaks. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Do Materials Get Tired? IntroThis video explains matter is made up of atoms that dictate the properties of materials. Mechanical engineers measure the stress a material can take until it breaks. Their ultimate goal is to make a material that will repair itself. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Don't Mess with MercuryLearn about the dangers of mercury in this short video from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Down to the Core ChallengeIn this video from Design Squad Nation, kids design and build devices that can extract a core sample from a potato “asteroid.” They also learn how samples give NASA scientists insight into solar system objects. Accessibility features: Caption |
4-8 |
Video |
Einstein's Special Theory of RelativityWhat happens when you approach the speed of light? This video segment adapted from NOVA follows one of Albert Einstein's thought experiments and his quest to find the answer. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Einstein's Thoughts on the EtherDo light waves travel through the ether like waves on a lake travel through water? In this video segment adapted from NOVA, a young Albert Einstein grapples with this question while examining the speed of light. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Electric GirlAnna loves electricity. Watch her construct a homemade flashlight and show off her new, electrifying hairdo in this video segment from ZOOM. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Electricity This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K explains some electrical vocabulary and follows the route of electricity from its generation to the home. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
The Electromagnetic Spectrum: FRONTLINEThis video segment adapted from FRONTLINE introduces the electromagnetic spectrum and explains how the various types of electromagnetic waves are distinguished by the amount of energy each wave carries. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
The Electromagnetic Spectrum: NASAFrom radio waves to gamma rays, this video segment from NASA introduces the seven categories of the electromagnetic spectrum and how each type of radiation is part of our everyday lives. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Electrophoresis and Gel AnalysisIn this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how molecules of DNA are separated using gel electrophoresis, and how this process enables scientists to compare the molecular variations of two or more DNA samples. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
The Elements: Forged in StarsThe story of how elements from lithium to uranium are created by stars is illustrated through animation and a hands-on periodic table in this video segment adapted from NOVA. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Energy SourcesThis video segment illustrates a variety of energy sources used to generate electricity, some of which are in use and some of which are under exploration. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet On NOVA, a team of carpenters, timber framers, engineers, and historians recreate a medieval throwing machine called a trebuchet. This adapted video segment explores how understanding energy transfer informs their design.
Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Engineering BiofuelsIn this video segment adapted from KQED's QUEST, find out how synthetic biologists use the techniques of metabolic engineering and directed evolution to make more effective biofuels. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Ethanol BiofuelIn this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn about one scientist's idea for using biotechnology to make ethanol a more efficient alternative to gasoline.
Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Everyday RadiationHow much radiation are we exposed to every day? Find out in this video segment adapted from FRONTLINE. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Experimenting with a Glass XylophoneIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast investigates how the pitch of sound changes when they strike a variety of glasses filled with different amounts and types of liquids. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Experimenting with a Lemon BatteryCan a fresh lemon power a digital clock? In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, the cast shows you how this can be done and, in the process, discover how kids can be a part of an electric circuit. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Experimenting with a PendulumIn this video segment, members of the ZOOM cast experiment with a pendulum and discover what they need to do to make the pendulum complete one back-and-forth swing in five seconds. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Exploring Conductivity: Kid CircuitsIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members join hands and become electron conductors to complete an electric circuit. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Exploring Windmill DesignIn this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members are challenged to design a windmill that can be powered by a hair dryer. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Extreme SoundsJoin Tarissa and Sabrina as they measure and compare the volume of different sounds across New York City in this video from DragonflyTV. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
Feel the BeatIn this video from Curious George, young children learn about pitch by playing a variety of drums. One hearing-impaired child experiences the different sounds through her hands instead of her ears. Accessibility features: Caption |
K-2 |
Video |
Fireworks! Lifting ChargeIn this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn how pyrotechnicians use common compounds to blast fireworks into the sky and give them shape. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Fireworks! Making ColorWhat gives a fireworks display its brilliant blue, green, and red colors? Learn how pyrotechnicians give fireworks color in this video segment adapted from NOVA. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Firth of Forth Cantilever BridgeThis video segment from Building Big: "Bridges" demonstrates the basic design of a cantilever bridge by looking at Scotland's Firth of Forth Railway Bridge. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-12 |
Video |
A Fission Chain ReactionThis video excerpt from NOVA: "Hunting the Elements” uses ping-pong balls and mousetraps to demonstrate nuclear fission. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
6-12 |
Video |
Flight This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K takes you on a flight with a young student and a pilot as you learn about the 4 aerodynamic forces which are present when air is moving past an object such as an airplane. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
Force and Motion This video segment from IdahoPTV's D4K explains and gives examples of Sir Isaac Newton's 3 Laws of Motion using the rides at an amusement part. Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript |
4-6 |
Video |
FrackingIn this video segment adapted from Need to Know, learn about the controversial method of extracting natural gas known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and how some residents who live near drill sites are concerned that it's polluting their water. Accessibility features: Caption |
9-12 |
Video |
Fracture Surfaces of PaperclipsThis video features a Penn State University professor, Dr. Chris Muhlstein, who explains that the fracture surface of a paper clip is a map of how it failed, to a trained eye. He invites us to view a variety of surfaces with a virtual microscope. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Franklin Chang-Díaz: Rocket ScientistThis video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW profiles Franklin Chang-Díaz, a scientist who is working on plasma-powered rockets and was NASA's first Latin American astronaut. Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Fuel CellsIn this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, hydrogen fuel cell cars promise pollution-free driving, but will we see them anytime soon? Accessibility features: Caption |
6-12 |
Video |
Funny BoatIn this video segment adapted from FETCH!™, contestants are challenged to use materials from a garbage dump to build a boat that floats, can be steered, and is propelled by something other than oars. Accessibility features: Caption |
3-8 |
Video |
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