14 Courses
Radioactivity
Does radioactivity involve playing with your radio? Not exactly! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby discuss what it means when something is radioactive. Find out why some atoms are unstable and how they can turn into completely different atoms with different properties. You’ll discover the way in which some radioactive elements can change or decay, and find out how many billion years that change can take. Plus, you’ll see what kinds of dangerous rays or particles radioactive decay can create. In addition, you will learn about how radioactivity can be both helpful and harmful to humans!
Nuclear Energy
Ka-Blam! What is nuclear energy? In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby will tell you how energy can be taken out of an atom’s nucleus to create nuclear energy. You’ll find about the process that splits atoms to create energy, and about which element power plants use to make fuel to power our homes. Discover the pros and cons of using nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. You’ll also learn how scientists are trying to harness safe and renewable energy from other sources. This is some powerful information!
Dams (hydropower)
How can we harness the power of water? Use a dam! For thousands of years, people around the world have used dams to bring water to dry farmland through irrigation. Today, dams are still used for this purpose, as well as to generate electricity, control flooding, and so much more. You’ll learn about reservoirs, aqueducts, hydroelectricity, and turbines. You’ll also learn about some of the downsides of dams, and how innovations including fish ladders can help to address these issues. Click "play" to get into the flow of recognizing what dams can do!
Biofuels
There’s no doubt about it: Burning fossil fuels is bad for the planet. They emit gases that lead to pollution and global climate change, and our supply of them is guaranteed to run out. But scientists and engineers are developing new fuels that are completely renewable, and much healthier for the environment. They’re called biofuels, and in this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby will tell you all about them! You’ll learn how organic materials like plants, vegetable oils, and even animal fat and waste grease can be converted into fuel, and how they may someday allow nations to become energy-independent. You’ll also hear about the benefits and drawbacks of two popular biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel. Finally, you’ll discover cutting-edge projects to make fuels out of things like non-edible plant parts and algae. How is all of this being accomplished? Click on the movie and find out!
Fuel Cells
You’ve probably heard of fuel cell cars — but how do they work? Let Tim and Moby explain it all to you in this BrainPOP movie on fuel cells! Learn why fuel cells are an important innovation that you’ll definitely be hearing more about in the future. Discover how these electrochemical devices give off water instead of carbon dioxide, why they are (relatively) nonpolluting, and how they operate really efficiently! You’ll also learn about the most common fuel cell, which is powered by hydrogen gas, as well as how it fulfills its function. We’re sure this movie will fuel your interest in fuel cells!
Wind Energy
What’s that blowin’ in the wind? It’s the power of wind energy, Tim and Moby will tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about wind power. First, you’ll learn a few of the ways in which humans have harnessed wind throughout history. Next up, you’ll find out about wind technology today and how devices called wind turbines can turn the energy in the air into electricity you can use. Finally, you’ll discover what’s so special about wind power, and why it’s considered a great way to make energy! So throw caution to the wind and click on the link to learn more!
Photosynthesis
It’s not easy being green! Tim and Moby discuss the process of photosynthesis! You’ll find out how plants are helpful to humans, what makes plants green, and how plants make their own food. Learn what an important role the sun plays in photosynthesis; how solar energy is turned into chemical energy; and how plants create glucose, their main source of fuel. You’ll also discover some important parts of a plant, including those that help make plant food. You know, not all plants say, "Feed me, Seymour!"
Solar energy
The sun has some serious rays! So do we turn them into electricity?Tim and Moby explain all about solar energy! You’ll learn about the pros and cons of solar power as compared to fossil fuels, and also some of the different ways in which solar power is used today — and how it might be used in the future. You'll also find out about photovoltaic (solar) cells, those dark-paneled devices you see on things like calculators, rooftops, and satellites. So put on your sunglasses and check out this movie!
Batteries
Ever wonder why some batteries keep going and going and going… while others seem to die out in no time flat? Join Cassie and Moby as they unravel this mystery and break down how chemical reactions can generate electrical power. Batteries transform potential energy into kinetic energy through a series of electrochemical events. Electrons break free from their nuclei in the anode, creating positive ions. The electrons leave the battery through the collector and travel along a circuit, powering a device. Finally, they reach the cathode, where they trigger a series of chemical reactions between materials there and positive ions from the anode. If you're energized to learn more, play this movie!
Conserving Energy
Did you know that energy-efficient light bulbs use a quarter of the energy that regular light bulbs do? And that recycling an aluminum can saves 95 percent of the energy used to make a new one? It’s true! And in this BrainPOP movie, you can find out many more simple, inexpensive ways to conserve energy. Tim and Moby explain why Earth’s dwindling supply of non-renewable resources--along with the harmful gases they produce--makes conservation so important. You’ll also learn why insulating and weatherizing your home can save you money and protect the environment, and how simple things like air-drying laundry on a clothesline can really make a difference. So lower your thermostat, check the filters on your heating ducts, and then check this movie out!
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Somewhere, over the...electromagnetic spectrum? That’s right! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to the electromagnetic spectrum and radiation. Among other things, you’ll find out where these things come from and how they are organized. Discover the different ways energy can move through space, and meet the seven types of electromagnetic radiation. Plus, you’ll learn what radio waves are used for (hint: it’s not just radios!) as well as the difference between infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and x-rays. You’ll definitely look at your own x-rays in a new light!
Electromagnetic Induction
Is there a physics hall of fame? If not, then what the heck is electromagnetic induction? Find out in this BrainPOP movie, in which Tim and Moby teach you all about this phunky physical phenomenon! You’ll learn how magnetic fields can create — or induce — an electric current in a wire, and how current running through wires can also create a magnetic field. The discovery of electromagnetic induction was one of the most important advances in the history of science, and Tim and Moby will also tell you how it’s responsible for the widespread use of electricity in the world today. Maybe induction does deserve an award!
Electromagnets
Put electricity and magnets together and what do you get? Electromagnets! In this movie, Nat and Moby tell us all about how electromagnets work. Spoiler: They’re very different from regular magnets. You’ll find out how scientists discovered electromagnets and how they’ve become so important in our daily lives. Simply running electricity through a wire creates a magnetic field, and this phenomenon is key to making electric motors turn. It may feel like magic, but it’s science!
Electric circuits
Electrical circuits are mighty important — but how do they work? In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to the basics of what electrical circuits are all about! First you’ll get a working knowledge of the components of a circuit, including the power source, terminals, and switch. You’ll also learn what a current is, what a load is, and how batteries and wall outlets supply electricity to your house. Tim and Moby will also teach you why we use insulated copper wires to conduct electricity, and the difference between static electricity and the electrical currents in our homes. Don’t get shocked if you become an electrical circuit genius after watching this movie!
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