Why Physics?

"Why this tape?" might be a more appropriate question. Here, students are supposed to learn about key concepts of physics as the program host drives throughout the South. Unfortunately, the information comes across as disjointed factoids which jump from one concept to another with no overall cohesiveness. While it is always valuable to show students real-world applications of physics (why bridges stand, how friction effects everything on earth, etc.), having no rhyme or reason in topic arrangement can lead to more confusion than understanding. Showing parachuters jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge, he says "These people would end up dead splat on the ground if they didn't know what they were doing--but they--or someone--found a way to resist the force of gravity. Resistance--that's it--air resistance." I would suggest that even a brief elaboration of that concept might have been appropriate here. Students will probably be impressed by the visit to Richard Petty's NASCAR Driving Experience, where the physics of race car design is discussed, but other potentially student-friendly concepts--baseballs being thrown and basketballs being shot--are drably presented. In addition, the camerawork is frequently sloppy, with occasional focus and lighting problems. And let's not even discuss the weird ending, where our host rents an Elvis costume, walks around a historic Atlanta cemetery, and says "Study physics man, it's good for you. Physics loves you and it loves me." Can't say I loved this tape. Optional. Aud: J, H. (R. Reagan)