Watch Physical Science in Action

2000
1 Season

Physical Science in Action is a fascinating educational series produced by Schlessinger Media that provides students with an interactive and comprehensive overview of various scientific concepts that govern the world around us. The show consists of 13 episodes, each running for around 23 minutes, and has been designed specifically for students in grades 5-8.

The show is presented in an engaging format that combines live-action footage with computer animations, diagrams, and visual representations to explain complex scientific concepts. Throughout the series, students are introduced to a wide range of topics, including energy, motion, forces, heat transfer, and chemistry, among others.

The first few episodes cover key scientific principles such as the laws of motion and energy, which provide a foundation for the more advanced concepts that are introduced later. The episodes are structured around a series of real-world examples and experiments that illustrate the application of scientific principles in everyday life.

One of the standout features of Physical Science in Action is the way it takes students through the scientific method. Each episode presents a hypothesis or question, and then walks through the process of designing an experiment to test that hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions from the results. This approach not only helps students understand key scientific concepts but also teaches them valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Another highlight of the series is the way it incorporates technology and engineering into the curriculum. Several episodes focus on topics such as circuitry and design, and even include demonstrations of how to build simple electronic devices. These lessons help students understand how science and engineering work together to create many of the technologies we rely on every day.

Throughout the series, the show's hosts also emphasize the importance of safety in scientific experimentation, and provide clear instructions on how to handle materials and equipment correctly. This focus on safety provides a model for safe experimentation and encourages students to take responsibility for their own safety when conducting experiments.

Overall, Physical Science in Action is an excellent resource for middle school students who are interested in science and want to learn more about key scientific concepts. The show's engaging format and real-world examples make complex concepts easier to understand, while its focus on the scientific method and safety encourages students to think critically and take a responsible approach to scientific exploration. Whether used as part of a classroom curriculum or as a supplementary resource for at-home learning, Physical Science in Action is a valuable tool for any student looking to deepen their understanding of the physical world.

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Seasons

16. Sound

April 20, 2000

A door closes. A horn beeps. A crowd roars. Sound waves travel outward in all directions from the source. They can all be heard, but how? Did they travel directly to the ears? Perhaps they bounced off another object first or traveled through a different medium, changing speed along the way. Students learn how sound waves travel and about their properties, frequency, wavelength, amplitude and pitch. With a fun hands-on activity, this program illustrates the key concepts of sound and its properties. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

15. Simple Machines

April 20, 2000

In today's world, kids are aware that there are machines all around them. What they may not realize is that the function of all machines is to make work easier in some way. Simple Machines uses engaging visuals and colorful graphics to explain the concept of work and how humans use certain basic tools to help get work done. Students will learn that work happens when a force is used to move an object over a distance. Simple machines are used to either reduce the force or increase the distance over which the force is exerted. Six simple machines are explained: the lever, the wheel & axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the screw and the wedge. Real-life demonstrations are used to teach concepts such as effort force, resistance force and mechanical advantage. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

14. Properties of Matter

April 20, 2000

Everything in the universe consists of matter. So how can the differences between various types of matter be distinguished? Besides color, shape and size, there are more detailed properties that are used to define matter. The interrelationhips between mass, weight, volume and density can reveal a great deal about an object or substance. Students will learn about these properties and how scientists use them to describe the world around us. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

13. The Periodic Table

April 20, 2000

Kids know that when they are lost, they look at a map to find their way. It's no different in the world of science, as they'll learn in The Periodic Table -- a fun and engaging look at the road map of the elements. Young students will learn about key information included on the table, including atomic number, atomic mass and chemical symbol. They'll learn about the creator of the original periodic table, Dimitri Mendeleev, and discover how he grouped elements together based on their similar properties. The arrangement of the modern table is covered in depth, including a look at the periods, groups and the various families of elements. Kids are introduced to the concept of electron shells and how they are involved in the bonding of atoms, and why some elements are highly reactive while others are very stable. Includes fun visuals, colorful graphics and a hands-on activity, which demonstrates that different elements have different chemical properties. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

12. Motion & Balance

April 20, 2000

Motion allows things to get done, to communicate and to travel. But is motion controlled? Students will learn about the universal laws that apply to motion, the forces that cause it and how it is related to balance. They will also discover why motion occurs when forces are out of control and learn more about this interesting concept by viewing real-life demonstrations and participating in a hands-on activity. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

11. Magnetism

April 20, 2000

Most people know what magnets do. Sometimes they stick together, sometimes they push apart and sometimes they don't do anything at all. But why do magnets act the way they do? Students will learn about the role of atoms in magnetism and why certain substances are magnetic while others are not. They will also discover some of the many ways that magnetism is used in our world and learn how to create an electromagnet. Includes lots of real-life examples and demonstrations. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

10. Light

July 10, 2000

Why does light behave the way it does? How does it travel from its source to the objects it illuminates and then to human eyes? Students will learn about waves, including the concepts of reflection, absorption, refraction and how light is related to the colors that can be seen. With a hands-on activity and real-life examples, these concepts are clearly demonstrated. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

9. Gravity

April 20, 2000

All kids are familiar with the basic idea of gravity -- it's why things fall to the ground. Gravity uses exciting visuals and clear, colorful graphics to take students beyond the basics to explain that gravity is really a force of attraction between objects. They'll discover that all objects -- no matter how large or small -- have gravitational force, and that the amount of that force depends on the mass of the distance between them. The contributions of Newton and Galileo are discussed, and gravity's connection with weight, orbits, acceleration and terminal velocity is explored. Includes lots of real-life demonstrations and a fun, hands-on activity that re-creates Galileo's famous experiment, which proved that all objects fall to the ground at the same rate, regardless of their mass. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

8. Friction

July 10, 2000

Most people think friction is what happens when two things are rubbed together. But there's so much more! Friction is a force that resists motion. Yet, without friction, motion would be impossible. Students will learn more about this natural force and the attempts made at controlling it in the world. Includes a hands-on activity and graphic demonstrations. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

7. Forces

July 10, 2000

Forces are all around. Without them, there would be no movement. In fact, Sir Isaac Newton theorized that a force called inertia actually works to keep things exactly as they are at any given moment! Students will learn about Newton's laws and about how forces affect many aspects of life. With clear demonstrations and a unique hands-on activity, these key concepts are illustrated in this interesting program. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

6. Flight

April 20, 2000

For thousands of years, humans dreamed of flying -- but it isn't as easy as birds make it look. Students will learn about lift, gravity, thrust and drag -- the forces that are used to get tons of steel off the ground and carry people thousands of miles before landing safely. They will also discover the role atoms and air pressure play in this amazing task, as well as in other forms of flight. An interesting hands-on activity is included, along with fun, real-life demonstrations to further illustrate these concepts. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

5. Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

July 10, 2000

The world contains a limited number of elements -- the purest form of matter. But when these elements are combined, the possibilities are limitless! Water, carbon dioxide and salt are just a few examples of how elements can be combined to form entirely new substances. Many of these combinations occur naturally, while others are man-made. Students will learn the difference between compounds and mixtures, and see how scientists are able to combine Earth's elements to our benefit. An interesting hands-on activity is included. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

4. Electricity

July 10, 2000

Most people know that the flip of a switch will power up toys, appliances and lights with electricity and enable them to work. But why? What is it about electricity that makes it so powerful and so dangerous? Students will learn the basic concepts of positive and negative charges, current flow and open/closed circuits, and discover why getting a shock from the carpet is like being zapped by a mini lightning bolt! Includes fun demonstrations and a hands-on activity. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

3. Characteristics of Waves

April 20, 2000

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy from place to place. All waves have amplitude, wavelength and frequency, regardless of whether they are mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves or waves in the ocean! Students will learn more about the role waves play in everyday life and why understanding them is so important. With fun demonstrations and a hands-on activity, these concepts are more easily understood. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

2. Changes in Properties of Matter

April 20, 2000

All matter possesses certain properties -- mass, weight, volume and density. But what happens to these properties when the matter changes form? How does wood become ash when it burns? And how does ice cream change when it melts? Students will learn the difference between chemical and physical changes in this excellent introduction to the changes of matter. Fun, real-life demonstrations and a hands-on activity will help explain these concepts. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

1. Atoms & Molecules

April 20, 2000

There are more than 20 million known substances in the universe, and they are all made of the same basic ingredients -- atoms and molecules. In this fun and engaging program, kids will learn about the three main subatomic particles -- protons, neutrons and electrons -- as well as the forces that keep atoms and molecules together. They'll discover how atoms bond to one another to form compounds. Ionic bonds are formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, while covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons. Includes a fun, hands-on activity that allows kids to simulate the movement of atoms and molecules in different phases of matter. One of 16 volumes in the Physical Science in Action Video Series. Grades 5-8.

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