Peer Review

Vega Science Trust - Royal Institution Discource Videos

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 20, 2015 by Chemistry

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This is a collection of science video lectures given by eminent scientists from around the world. The lectures were meant to appeal to the general public. Video lectures include Harry Kroto (60 Buckminsterfullerene), Sumio Iijima (carbon nanotubes) and Laurie Hall (NMR) among many others. The website was maintained by the Vega Science Trust which closed in March 2012. The website and videos are still available (as of 2/20/2015) for reference purposes.
Type of Material:: Video-recordings of seminars presented by world famous scientists. Some of the seminars include excellent demonstrations and use humor.
Recommended Uses:: Teachers can use the videos of this site in a variety of ways: during lecture, individual study, history of science assignment, homework assignment.
Technical Requirements:: Media player required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The presentations are all aimed at the general public and, as such, discuss the intellectual, social, and ethical aspects of science. These recordings are an excellent resource for science teachers who can use them to introduce their students to famous scientists of our time.
Target Student Population:: Advanced high school chemistry or physics, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, college general chemistry or college general physics.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Although the lectures are intended for the general public, a basic understanding of the material being discussed will help. Physical science, high school biology, high school chemistry, and high school physics are immensely useful and go a long way in helping the listener get the most out of the seminar.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: If as a teachers you are interested in supplementing your curriculum with some advanced science topics via university level seminar style presentations, this is a good resource. Many of the lectures are enhanced by humor.
Concerns:: Some of the lectures were recorded some 15 years ago hence the audiovisual equipment used is dated.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: These videos can be used in a variety of ways to add some "color/interest" and a glimpse at famous scientists exhibiting scientific communication in their native habitat.
Concerns:: The Royal Institution Videos are meant to inform the general public. They are not intended for in depth learning.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Clear instructions. Easy to use. Consistent layout. All links worked.
Concerns:: The quality of some videos is not up to professional standards. The Vega Science Trust closed in March 2012, but the site has been left active for reference purposes.

Other Issues and Comments:: The Vega Science Trust closed in March 2012. The site is in working order but it is not actively updated. It was left open for reference purposes.
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