Physics: Electricity and Magnetism

The Physics: series is a collection of physics documentaries I found compelling enough to incorporate into my high school physics curriculum when circumstances allowed. Many were episodes of PBS's NOVA. Others came from BBC, NASA, or were produced for theatrical release.

These documentaries relate to electricity and magnetism.

Physics: Electricity and Magnetism on Teachers Pay Teachers

P R O G R A M S

1. LIGHTNING!

Armed with the latest high-tech mobile radar and computer technology and large amounts of courage, the world's top scientists and meteorologists take part in some of the most dangerous work imaginable. A high-voltage trip into the most electrically charged weather in the world, culminating in a dazzling lightning show set to music. The program also visits with some of lightning's tragic victims who thought they were out of harm's way. Lightning's fleeting rivers of electricity strike Earth 6,000 times a minute; jolt every commercial airplane one or two times a year; wipe out power to entire cities, hit 1,000 people annually; and account on average for more deaths than hurricanes and tornadoes put together.

2. SEARCH FOR THE SUPER BATTERY

We live in an age when technological innovation seems to be limitlessly soaring. But for all the satisfying speed with which our gadgets have improved, many of them share a frustrating weakness: the batteries. Even though there have been some improvements in last century, batteries remain finicky, bulky, expensive, toxic and maddeningly short-lived. The quest is on for a "super battery," and the stakes in this hunt are much higher than the phone in your pocket. With climate change looming, electric cars and renewable energy sources like wind and solar power could hold keys to a greener future... if we can engineer the perfect battery. In Search for the Super Battery, renowned gadget geek and host David Pogue explores the hidden world of energy storage, from the power--and danger--of the lithium-ion batteries we use today, to the bold innovations that could one day charge our world. He wants to uncover what the future of batteries has in store for our gadgets, our lives - and even our planet. Might the lowly battery be the breakthrough technology that changes everything?

3. MAGNETIC STORM

In this PBS "Nova" documentary, scientists discuss the bewildering causes and effects of the Earth's magnetic field, including the fact that the field appears to have weakened during the last few decades. A group of experts, including physicists and geologists, examine the individual elements that make up the field - from the molten core to the far reaches of space - in search of answers to these perplexing questions.

4. AURORA: FIRE IN THE SKY

The aurora - It's always struck people in the polar regions with awe. This is a visual journey around the globe. A journey departing from ancient myths and legends about the aurora, to scientific explorations of this natural spectacle. When the sun's activity is increasing, the results are more intensive and more frequent northern lights. Even seasoned researchers never fail to be overwhelmed. The film investigates the causes of the aurora while highlighting the scientific background and scientific aspects. In addition, the inhabitants of the polar regions give their say, as they have their own historically passed down explanations regarding this fascinating natural spectacle.

Question sets are available for individual episodes. The complete series bundle is available at a discounted price. Student documents and answer keys are provided as Google Docs on Google Drive.