Closed Captioned
Grades 9-12, College, Adults
DVD Purchase $495, Rent $195
US Release Date: 2013
Copyright Date: 2011
DVD ISBN: 1-93777-279-9
Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Engineering
Environment
Ethics
Future Studies
Health
Humanities
Medicine
Philosophy
Physical Science
Science
Technology
Society
Sociology
The Nano Revolution
3-part series explores the promises and potential perils of a new technological frontier -- nanotechnology and the world of the infinitesimally small.
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"This inspirational and clever series should be used in every introductory chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science class." Michael Hochella, Director of Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
It's a universe where scientists explore matter on a scale 80,000 times smaller than a human hair. It's a gigantic global laboratory where scientists converge from all disciplines, and dedicate themselves to observing and manipulating the smallest particles in the natural world.
Thirty years ago, new microscopes first opened the doors to this new dimension and allowed scientists to begin moving individual atoms and molecules. This science of the miniscule is already opening up a new world of possibilities.
Nanotechnology has been called "the next technological revolution". It is said to provide groundbreaking solutions to the most serious problems that threaten our future-it promises faster computers, improved security, longer healthier lives and a cleaner earth.
In a series of short dramas that are interspersed with the documentary content THE NANO REVOLUTION also speculates about the philosophical, political and ethical complexities that might arise as the science continues to evolve. How will the new science impact people's lives 30 or 40 years from now?
The series consists of 3 programs:
1. Welcome to Nano City - See how the invisible nano revolution is already at work in our lives-from photocatalytic window coatings that clean themselves to manmade fiber stronger yet lighter than steel.
2. More than Human - With nanotechnology medicine could evolve from treating disease to a practice that is predictive, personalized and preemptive.
3. Will Nano Save the Planet? - Environmental problems might be solved by nano solar cells, clean fuel additives, contaminant remediation, but are we creating pollutants more dangerous than the ones we already have?
Reviews
"This inspirational and clever series should be used in every introductory chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science class at the college level, not to mention a wide range of classes in various engineering disciplines. In addition, they are wonderfully appropriate for social science classes that look at the interaction of society and technology...Exceptionally well done. Bravo!"
"Very well put together and would make excellent resources in both educational settings and beyond...This resource is ideal for educators, particularly in its accessibility and lucidity."
"Nanotechnology has become one of the most exciting areas of research today, attracting many of our most creative scientists and engineers...Yet as with any new technology, there will be trade-offs and unanticipated hazards. As this imaginative and informative film series makes clear, society must grapple with the potential risks as well as the rewards to come from this burgeoning field."
"Each video highlights career choices in the currently numerous, wide-open fields within the broad scope of nanotechnology and also points out some of the possible dangers and other issues in using nanotechnology. For teachers looking to excite students about the possibilities of science, the series either individually or collectively is a winner...A great addition to the classroom tool box...With the provocative ideas in each video, they have good springboard ideas for discussions or writing prompts...The series demonstrates a great way to integrate science with life. There are no easy answers in the videos, but a weighing of options is suggested."
"The Nano Revolution does an excellent job of explaining nanotechnology, as it applies to specific topics, through interviewing nano-scientists working on the cutting edge inventions...Each chapter concludes with a dramatization on how a future society that uses the applications of nanotechnology might look. This does not detract from the scientific research discussed-rather it allows the viewer to imagine the many possible ways that the nanotechnology can be used and think about the potential risks. The Nano Revolution is highly recommended for anyone interested in nanotechnology. It will work very well as an introduction to nanotechnology in senior high school to college level science or engineering courses."
"The Nano Revolution captivatingly explores the impact of nanotechnology on urban living...Despite the context of a very subjective future reality, attempts to evenly present both positive and negative potentials are clear. This title is particularly recommended for high school, technical school, and community college collections."