Be Smart
Attack of the Cosmic Space Junk!
Even lands and planets far, far away feel the impact of humans! A video explains how space exploration leads to space litter. The lesson considers different events over time that led to space debris dangerous to satellites and even...
Be Smart
Asteroids, Meteors, Comets… and the End of the World?
Dinosaurs owe their destiny to an asteroid. What are the chances humans will meet the same fate? A fascinating video lesson considers the probability of an asteroid colliding with the earth while taking into account variations in...
Be Smart
Is Space a Thing?
Travel through time to learn from some of the world's greatest scientists. The narrator of a thought-provoking video investigates the theories of Newton, Mach, and Einstein among others to determine if space itself is a thing. Viewers...
Be Smart
When Is It Winter On Other Planets?
Bundle up for a trip through the climates of the solar system. An informative video explains the seasons of each planet. The presenter demonstrates how the location and tilt of each planet determine the climate patterns.
Be Smart
Why Is The Universe So Empty? (ft. PHD Comics!)
Explore the structure of the universe! An educational video demonstrates the gravitational consequences of different astronomical structures. The presenter starts with the creation of the universe and explains how energy and forces...
Be Smart
Asteroid Mining: Our Ticket To Living Off Earth?
It turns out asteroids could be a gold mine—literally! An It's Ok To Be Smart video lesson describes the untapped resources orbiting our solar system. The presenter considers the possibilities of space colonies using these resources as...
Socratica
What Is Earthshine?
Light travels in interesting ways through the solar system. A video episode from a longer series highlights how the sun's rays travel to the earth and moon and sometimes in between. Scholars learn about reflection properties on a very...
Socratica
Kepler's Second Law of Motion
Orbital velocity of planets change. Kepler's Second Law of Motion attempts to explain and predict the change in velocity. Scholars learn how to apply this law as they watch the video lesson.
Socratica
The Discovery of Uranus
Take a trip back in time to the Age of Enlightenment. A video lesson describes the sequence of events leading to the discovery of the planet Uranus. Previously, Uranus was considered a faint star, then a comet, and finally correctly...
Socratica
Let's Go to Mars
Put on your space boots as you take a trip through space to the fourth planet in our solar system. An informative video investigates the composition of Mars in relation to Earth. It considers the likelihood of life surviving on the...
Socratica
What Is a Black Hole? Black Holes Explained
Black holes are not just events in sci-fi movies—they're part of real life! Learners experience the creation of a black hole as they watch an episode of the Socratica playlist. The presenter explains the creation and composition of...
Socratica
What Are White Dwarfs?
White dwarfs are stars that refuse to die. A video begins with an explanation of the three fates of dying stars. The presentation explains the composition and life expectancy of a typical white dwarf.
Socratica
What Are Eclipses? Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse
Take a tour of one of the most dramatic astronomical events! The Socratica Astronomy series presents a lesson on the similarities and differences of solar and lunar eclipses. The narrator shows the physical arrangement that...
Socratica
What Are Neutron Stars?
What happens at the end of the life cycle of a star? A lesson in the Socratica Astronomy playlist shows three ways a star dies: white dwarf, black hole, and neutron star. Each ending depends on the mass of the original star.
TED-Ed
How Your Muscular System Works
Get ready for some heavy lifting! A detailed video lesson explains the different muscle groups and their functions. The presenter compares and contrasts different types of muscle compositions related to their purposes.
TED-Ed
The First Asteroid Ever Discovered
Flash back to 1801 to meet Ceres, the first asteroid discovery! Use a video lesson to learn how careful plotting and measuring led to the discovery of Ceres. Once lost, mapping the orbit led to new astronomy and new mathematics to...
Be Smart
Doomsday Machines
Nuclear weapons changed war forever. Scientists now know that a few of these weapons have the ability to change the climate and cause a mass extinction. Watch a video that details the ways these machines work—and the implications that...
Be Smart
How An Igloo Keeps You Warm
The idea of staying warm by surrounding yourself with ice confuses many—but it works! An informative video explains the science behind this as part of a larger playlist. It details the inspiration from animal shelters and how people make...
Be Smart
The Cheerios Effect
Why does cereal clump together in milk? Scientists answered this question in 2005 with the help of physics and math. A video explains the relationship between buoyancy, surface tension, and the meniscus. It teaches how to attract or...
Be Smart
Engines of Destruction: The Science of Hurricanes!
A typical tropical cyclone consumes the same amount of power as the entire United States. Scientists understand hurricanes and predict their sizes and paths. The video explains the relationship between hurricanes and ideal engines. It...
Be Smart
What’s Really Warming the Earth?
More carbon dioxide exists in the atmosphere than ever in human history. An informative video introduces the topic of global warming as part of a larger playlist. It looks at possible causes such as Earth's orbit, Earth's moving axis,...
PBS
The Trouble With Trilobites
Trilobites survived on Earth for longer than mammals have, so what was their secret? From their evolution to diversity, they survived multiple large changes in the environment—and even flourished. Then, in the matter of less than a...
PBS
When Did the First Flower Bloom?
Were the first flowers made in China? The first evidence of a flower, discovered in current-day China, changes the story of life on Earth. A short video details the evolution of flowers. It highlights the co-evolution of animals and...
PBS
What Colors Were Dinosaurs?
Beauty has no color, so why do scientists care about the color of dinosaurs? New evidence turned the world of dinosaurs colors upside down! From adorable red, fluffy dinosaurs to sharply contrasting black and white, these colors inform...