Movies that feature physics concepts

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on educational movies that illustrate physics concepts, particularly fluid dynamics and magnetism. Key resources include the MIT fluid dynamics movie series, Richard Leacock's documentary on magnets, and PSSC films. Participants also highlight the iBiology YouTube channel, Carl Sagan's "Cosmos," and PBS's "Nova" series as valuable educational content. The conversation emphasizes the importance of visual media in understanding complex scientific principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with magnetism concepts
  • Knowledge of educational media formats
  • Awareness of notable science communicators like Carl Sagan
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the MIT fluid dynamics movie series
  • Watch Richard Leacock's documentary on magnets
  • Research PSSC films and their educational impact
  • Investigate the iBiology YouTube channel for relevant content
USEFUL FOR

Educators, students, and science enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of physics concepts through visual media and documentaries.

Frabjous
Gold Member
Messages
1,962
Reaction score
2,405
I was reading Shape and Flow: The Fluid Dynamics of Drag by Shapiro and wanted to see the movies described by the book.

There is a whole series of fluid dynamics movies at
http://web.mit.edu/hml/ncfmf.html

Of course, they pale in comparison to my favorite educational movie which is about magnets
https://archive.org/details/magnet_laboratory_1959
It was directed by a famous documentarian
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Leacock

More info on PSSC films
http://www.afana.org/psscfilms.htm

Does anyone else have a favorite educational movie?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BvU
Physics news on Phys.org
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Frabjous
At the risk of dating myself, my favorite science series include "Cosmos" written and presented by the late Carl Sagan and certain episodes of "Nova" created by WGBH Boston; both broadcast via Public Broadcasting System (PBS) in the USA.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Frabjous and berkeman
How about biographies of great scientists?
There most be a lot of them, some probably explain concepts as well as doing the human interest angle.
I can't remember any off the top of my head, but when I was a kid I read a lot of books like that.
I particularly remember reading about Pasture. It was informative and inspirational.
PBS probably has a lot of Nova shows like this.
 

Similar threads

Graduate On The Ether Concept In Physics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 248)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 225)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K