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The Elegant Universe

Maple Leaf This item is only available for Canadian orders.

Catalogue Number:  WG0014
ISBN Number:  1-593750-06-4
Producer:  WGBH
Subject:  Science
Language:  English
Grade Level:  9 - 12, Post Secondary
Country Of Origin:  United States
Copyright Year:  2003
Closed Captions:  Yes


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One of the most ambitious and exciting scientific theories ever posed -- one that may be the long-sought "Theory of Everything" -- gets a masterful and lavishly animated explanation that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. Beginning with simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics, including gravity, electromagnetism, and relativity, The Elegant Universe illuminates one of the most revolutionary theories in physics today.

Known as string theory or superstring theory, this startling idea proposes that the fundamental ingredients of nature are inconceivably tiny strands of energy, whose different modes of vibration underlie everything that happens in the universe. The theory attempts to unite the laws of the large -- general relativity -- and the laws of the small -- quantum mechanics -- breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated scientists for nearly a century.

If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined-a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes.

Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for this exciting and in-depth exploration of this groundbreaking new theory.

Special DVD features include: bonus video-how the animation was created; Multidimensional Math activity; The Making of The Elegant Universe activity; printable materials and activities for educators; link to The Elegant Universe Web site; excerpt from the best-selling book The Elegant Universe; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.
"The elusive quest for "unification" . . . is fascinatingly explored in this three-part program from PBS's excellent, long-standing NOVA series . . . this provocative and thoroughly engaging study of "string theory" finds Columbia physics professor and author Brian Greene playing jovial host to a splendid survey of scientific history, startling revelations, and cutting-edge speculation . . . Highly recommended. Editor's Choice." — Video Librarian

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