The mystery of matter : search for the elements
An exciting PBS series about one of the great adventures in the history of science: the long (and continuing) quest to understand what the world is made of--to identify, understand and organize the basic building blocks of matter.
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- ISBN: 9781627894340
- Physical Description 1 videodisc (180 minutes) : sound, colour ; 4 3/4 inches
- Publisher Arlington, VA : PBS Distribution, [2015]
- Copyright ©2015
Content descriptions
General Note: | Title from container. GMD: videodisc. |
Formatted Contents Note: | Episode 1. Out of thin air (1750-1806) -- Episode 2. Unruly elements (1859-1902) -- Episode 3. Into the atom (1910-1960). |
Creation/Production Credits Note: | Editor, Raoul Rosenberg ; cinematography, Gary Henoch ; composer, Tom Phillips. |
Participant or Performer Note: | Host, Michael Emerson. |
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note: | Premiered in Oregon on October 20, 2014; premiered nationwide on August 19, 2015. |
Target Audience Note: | E. |
System Details Note: | DVD, NTSC, widescreen presentation; Stereo; region 1. |
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction Note: | Limited public performance rights. |
Language Note: | English dialogue; English subtitles. |
Additional Information
School Library Journal Review
The Mystery of Matter : Search for the Elements
School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Gr 5-7-This miniseries dramatizes the work of seven researchers who played significant roles in the discovery and study of selected elements, from the 18th century (Joseph Priestley) to the late 20th century (Glenn T. Seaborg), through the use of actors and historical images. Though the dialogue in the brief but lavishly produced historical segments is largely confined to sound bites, it's all billed as direct quotes, and along with actor Michael Emerson's continuous voice-over, modern scientists and experts frequently chime in with historical overviews and clear explanations of experiments and discoveries. Packaged in a single DVD, the series comprises three hour-long episodes, plus seven extras of five or so minutes. Each reworks footage to focus on special topics, such as an admiring, if condescendingly titled tribute to Antoine Lavoisier's brilliant translator, illustrator, collaborator, and wife Marie-Anne-"Lavoisier's Better Half (Antoine Lavoisier)." Altogether, these stories commemorate some of modern chemistry's greatest achievements, and they will leave viewers with a greater understanding of the structure and significance of the periodic table of elements and an appreciation for how experimental science is done. VERDICT A vivid and absorbing overview that covers the history of chemistry, from the search for the philosopher's stone to the discovery of the transuranic elements.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York City © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.