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Re: [Phys-l] Intelligent designists fight back



----- Original Message ----- From: "Monsieur et Madame Vieuxbouc" <martweiss@earthlink.net>


Yes. That is a good explanation of the problems we have in
communicating the concept to the public, and even to students.
The video "Powers of Ten" works well to show from the very small to the
very large. Maybe someone could make a similar video about powers of
ten in time. (or if there already is such a video please let me know.)

Marty

The film COSMIC VOYAGE (an IMAX film originally) both updates the powers of ten presentation and talks about the creation of the universe (first 4 minutes type of thing). I don't know of anything that does an analogy for time that is striking. In fact, while we (scientists) get into 'Powers of Ten' already having an advanced concept (I'll stop short of understanding) of large/small distances, I really don't think the films (any of the versions) really does a whole lot for intro students. Maybe if you could get them to watch it dozens of times and discuss it all in between viewings, but as a one or two time shot, it is not likely to fix any conceptual/understanding problems with large/small distances. That doesn't me I don't use the film--I do--but I don't expect (or see) a lot coming from it.

Rick (who really doesn't conceptualize a light-year or 'deep-time' well)

***************************
Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN
rtarara@saintmarys.edu
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Free Physics Software
PC & Mac
www.saintmarys.edu/~rtarara/software.html
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