Metalloids
Sometimes acting as metals and sometimes as nonmetals, the metalloids may be the strangest and most useful group of elements on the periodic table. Segments in this program include Exploring Metalloids (properties of the metalloids); Boron: Pyrotech...
Culture and Math: The Renaissance
Painting and sculpture dominate most discussions of the Renaissance—but European artistic advances would never have occurred without an infusion of mathematical knowledge. This program explores the numerical and geometrical investigations on which...
A comparison of religious thought
Are there more similarities than differences between the five major religions of the world? Where do interfaith comparisons lead? Should students concentrate instead on the unique aspects of each religion? This program features interviews with clerg...
The lanthanide series
Formerly called rare-earth elements, the lanthanides are neither rare in abundance nor, strictly speaking, are they "earth." Segments in this program include Exploring the Lanthanide Series (properties of the lanthanides); Lanthanum: Movie Magic (ho...
The halogens
The halogens is the only group that contains elements representing all three familiar states of matter at standard temperature and pressure. Segments in this program include Exploring the Halogens (properties of the halogens); Fluorine: The Painless...
The actinide series
Most elements in the actinide series were created artificially; only thorium and uranium are found in nature. Segments in this program include "Exploring the Actinide Series" (properties of the actinides); "Uranium: Stealth Boomer" (the use of urani...
Transition metals
Transition metals are the largest group of elements on the periodic table. Segments in this program include Exploring Transition Metals (properties of the transition metals); Manganese: Strengthening Steel (why manganese is so useful in making steel...
Alkaline earth metals
Almost as unstable as alkali metals, soft and silvery alkaline earth metals react easily with water. Segments in this program include Exploring Alkaline Earth Metals (properties of the alkaline earth metals); Calcium: Building Bones (the relationshi...
Alkali metals
Much less dense than most other metals, alkali metals are also extremely chemically reactive. Segments in this program include Exploring Alkali Metals (properties of the alkali metals); Lithium: Aircraft Alloys (why lithium is an ideal partner for a...
Culture and math: the Arabs
The Arabian peninsula produced one of history's greatest empires - and many of the calculation methods used today. This program illustrates the origins and evolution of the Islamic world through the fascinating lens of mathematics. Outlining the bir...