Educational Media Reviews Online

This exceptional set of videos is a detailed, yet readily understandable, overview of current research, applications, and risks of nanotechnology. An impressive lineup of articulate, top researchers including some Nobel Prize laureates, are interviewed. The production values are very high. The entire approach is reminiscent of a quality PBS Nova program. Like Nova, the videos provide high-level science demystified and explained at a level almost any high school student with a reasonable science foundation could understand.

Each segment and each video transitioned smoothly from one part to the next. Short, but helpful, review sections create a particularly well designed progression throughout the series. There was just the right mix of live shots and graphics/animations. The videos are best watched in sequence, but each video can effectively be used individually.

From Micro to Nano: The Emergence of Nanotechnology introduces the topic and focuses on the history and pioneers of the field starting with the discovery of fullerenes.

Nanos, Nanos, Everywhere: Applications of Nanotechnology provides a look at a suite of fascinating applications: intelligent textiles, self-cleaning glass, electron-spin transistors, flexible OLED displays, and thin, printed, flexible film solar cells. As with the other videos, the camera enters actual world-renown labs and production facilities with the primary researcher as a guide.

Nanos on the Inside: The Promise of Nanomedicine discusses the great potential of using nanoparticles to identify and deliver nanodoses of medications directly to diseased cells in tumors or to regenerate damaged tissue. Nanoscale lab-on-chips could provide both diagnostic and control functions.

Nanoparticles and Mega-fears: Debating the Risks of Nanotechnology successfully delivers on its claim to present a balanced look at the debate over nanotechnology risks including battlefield use, transhumanism, and environmental and human impact. The video points out the large gaps in our current scientific knowledge and past tendencies to underestimate the risk of technological innovations. It is refreshing to have a health and safety video that does not present simplistic and dogmatic answers to a complex problem. Apart from the particular issue, this could well be a teachable moment on the challenges of determining the risks of any new technology in an area that generates passionate public debate.

Each disc has 11 video segment chapters, but no table of contents could be located. The only pedagogical concerns are the length of each video and the clear, but generally fast-paced, narration. Despite the engaging interviews and animations, watching an entire video in a single sitting requires a fair degree of mental focus. Using the entire set would of course mean consuming nearly 4 hours of classroom time. Public performance rights are included.

Highly Recommended.