Re: [Phys-l] Precession

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@saintmarys.edu>]

My all-time favorite was James Burke's "After the Warming" but that one is 
too old to be totally relevant--however, the first half of the two hour film 
does do an interesting historical study of past climate changes.

The already mentioned Nova/Frontline "What's Up with the Weather" is circa 
2000 and has the advantage of at least giving some voice to a few 'doubters' 
although the bulk of the participants are 'believers'.  It does work well in 
the classroom because the science is not overwhelming and there are 
political and 'common man' voices in there as well.   It also puts 
renewables in perspective with one expert who actually understands the 
magnitude of the task of switching over from fossil fuels to anything else. 
Students recognize that neither the coal-industry spokesman or the 
Greenpeace spokesperson make much sense.  So, IMO, still a good teaching 
tool.

I've also bought and reviewed a more recent PBS film  "Global 
Warming--Science and Solutions" from Ambrose Video and wasn't pleased.  It 
is very one-sided (ala Gore), with the science presented at a bit higher 
level--perhaps too high for a gen-ed class. The Greenhouse Effect itself is 
not well presented but other contributing effects are.  The 'solutions' part 
is more interesting as it presents some less publicized projects working 
towards ways to wean us off of fossil fuels.  I wouldn't necessarily 
recommend this set, but it is cheap enough to have in your library and 
perhaps use some pieces.

Rick

***************************
Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN
rtarara@saintmarys.edu
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Free Physics Software
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mary Hing-Hickman" <physicsphun@cox.net>
To: "Forum for Physics Educators" <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 10:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Precession


> I've noticed several movies mentioned.  Does anyone have any other
> suggestions for movies on global warming?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mary E Hing-Hickman
>
> *********************************************************************
>
> Teaching  should be such that what is offered is perceived
> as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.
>
> Albert Einstein
>
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