Physics: Waves and Light

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 waves and light.

Physics: Waves and Light on Teachers Pay Teachers

P R O G R A M S

1. THE SECRET LIFE OF WAVES 

Documentary maker David Malone delves into the secrets of ocean waves. In an elegant and original film, he finds that waves are not made of water, that some waves travel sideways, and that the sound of the ocean comes not from water but from bubbles. Waves are not only beautiful but also profoundly important, and there is a surprising connection between the life cycle of waves and the life of human beings.

2. TOUR OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
This one is encyclopedic. An overview is followed by descriptions of radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays.

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.