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My goal is to see these different demos, construct the equipment, and
then
perform the demos in the classroom.
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I hesitate to spend $3000 on video demos. As I recall (from seeing
portions of the $3k video set quite a while ago) the Video Encyclopedia
uses some high speed photography and some other items that would be
tough for us to do 3-5 times a day. I think the Hewitt video demos
would be easier to reconstruct.
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I don't know if our school would purchase these, but it would be great
to
know if one set is better.
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I would default to others with more experience with these two options.
As you investigate options for demonstrations, I would read the two
articles below.
Classroom demonstrations: Learning tools or entertainment?
Pg 835 Am. J. Phys. 72 (6), June 2004 http://aapt.org/ajp
Using Interactive Lecture Demonstrations to Create an Active Learning
Environment
The Physics Teacher Vol 35, pg 340 has an article on interactive lecture
demonstrations.
It appears that a simple viewing & discussion of a demo doesn't
necessarily increase student understanding of the concepts involved in
the demonstration. The second article recommends some steps to improve
the effect of demonstrations. I believe (no data) that following the
steps recommended in the second article has helped my students.
If you are going to try a video recorded demonstration- I believe the
authors of Interactive Lecture Demonstrations are working toward
producing an internet-based video version. I am not aware of what costs
would be associated.