Are There Any Other Educational Video Series Like 'The Mechanical Universe'?

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    Mechanical Universe
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the educational video series "The Mechanical Universe," featuring Dr. David Goodstein from Caltech, which is highly regarded for its engaging presentation of physics concepts. Participants recommend exploring additional resources available on the Physics Forums, specifically in the introductory physics section, which offers valuable lectures that emphasize key concepts and mathematical treatments. The series is noted for its lasting significance, particularly in its treatment of special relativity, and is best used as a recap tool rather than an introductory resource.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical treatments in physics
  • Knowledge of special relativity
  • Access to online educational resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the Physics Forums introductory physics section for additional lectures
  • Watch the series "The Mechanical Universe - and Beyond" for historical context
  • Research the significance of special relativity in physics education
  • Investigate other educational video series similar to "The Mechanical Universe"
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of physics through engaging video content and historical context.

kraphysics
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"The Mechanical Universe"?

Have you heard of this series called "The Mechanical Universe"? Dr. David Goodstein from Caltech is in the videos and they are really good. We watch them in our physics class before beginning each unit. What are some other video series like this?
 
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kraphysics said:
Have you heard of this series called "The Mechanical Universe"? Dr. David Goodstein from Caltech is in the videos and they are really good. We watch them in our physics class before beginning each unit. What are some other video series like this?
I recorded all of The Mechanical Universe and The Mechanical Universe - and Beyond back in the early 90's when The Learning Channel had stuff worth watching. :wink: I really enjoyed the series.

There are a lot of other online lectures that have been posted on the forum. The https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=151" section is a good place to start.
 
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Those are very good introductory videos, because they highlight important concepts and histories of physics throughout the material of basic level college physics and are not afraid to show mathematical treatments to what they are talking about (which are fundamental to understanding). The best videos I had seen on introductory physics, they gave me a different take on much of that material when I was studying it for the first time.

For those that are interested, the videos can be found here:http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html
 


For videos created in the 80s, they have tremendously long-lasting significance. Their treatment of special relativity is absolutely marvelous. I don't use them as a substitute for teaching. I found they work best as a "recap" rather than intro.
 


Apart from their value as a learning tool, I think "the Mechanical Universe" also provides historical context and makes me feel excitement and awe for physics. maybe i am weird.. but i never found any other series like that.
 
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