The Laws of Motion; Motion

Parents try to teach toddlers that there are no exceptions to the laws of motion, but it's something everyone has to learn on their own. For older students, these videos cover the intellectual background of fall-down-go-boom. The first title, Motion, one of a four part series entitled Motion, Energy and Force (the other titles are Force and Newton's Law, Simple Machines and Energy; series price: $299), covers the classic physics formulae ("speed equals distance divided by time," etc.) in a solid, but rather cut and dry fashion, yet features an extensive 30-page teacher's guide. The second tape, The Laws of Motion, imaginatively conjures a visit to Sir Isaac Newton to explain his three Laws, but only offers suggested extension activities on the video jacket as supplementary material. While both titles are suitable to middle school settings, The Laws of Motion has an edge, both price-wise and in the fact that it will also appeal to younger audiences (4th and 5th grades) due to its humor, easier pacing, and bright graphics. Still, both are recommended. Aud: I, J. (R. Reagan)