Harvard Science Center Film Collection

<p>Electrostatics (1933) is an educational short film produced by ERPI Classroom Films, Inc., featuring physicist Harvey B. Lemon and chemist Hermann I. Schlesinger. The film serves as an instructional resource, introducing viewers to the fundamental principles of electrostatics, including the behavior of electric charges at rest and the forces they exert. Utilizing demonstrations and explanatory narration, the film aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>The Solar Family (1936) is an educational short film produced by ERPI Classroom Films, Inc., in collaboration with Encyclop&aelig;dia Britannica Films. The film offers an introductory study of the solar system, exploring the evolution, motions, sizes, and satellites of the planets. Utilizing animated drawings, it aims to make complex astronomical concepts accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>Electrodynamics (1936) is an educational short film produced by ERPI Classroom Films, Inc. The film introduces viewers to the principles of electrodynamics, focusing on the behavior of electric charges in motion and the resulting magnetic fields. Through demonstrations and explanatory narration, the film aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>Electrons (1937) is an educational short film produced by ERPI Classroom Films, Inc., featuring physicist Harvey B. Lemon. The film serves as an instructional resource, introducing viewers to the fundamental principles of electron behavior and their role in atomic structure. Utilizing demonstrations and explanatory narration, the film aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>Thermodynamics (1938) is an educational short film produced by ERPI Classroom Films, Inc., in collaboration with Encyclop&aelig;dia Britannica Films. The film discusses the chemical reactions that create heat and how we harness heat to generate power. It aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>The Earth (circa 1943) is an educational science film produced by the U.S. Navy in collaboration with Springer Pictures. The film explains the arrangement and meaning of geographical concepts such as the poles, great circles, parallels, meridians, longitude, latitude, nautical mile, and departure. It was released for public educational use through the U.S. Office of Education in 1943.</p>

<p>Nautical Astronomy (1943) is an educational film produced by the U.S. Navy in collaboration with Springer Pictures. The film serves as a training resource, introducing naval personnel to the principles of celestial navigation. It covers topics such as the use of sextants, understanding celestial bodies&#39; movements, and calculating positions at sea. This film was part of the U.S. Navy&#39;s efforts during World War II to enhance navigational skills among its sailors.</p>

<p>Optical Craftsmanship: Introduction to Optics (1945) is an educational film produced by Bray Studios, Inc., in collaboration with the United States Navy. The film serves as an introductory resource on the principles of optics, aimed at training optical craftsmen to meet the expanded needs of war and postwar periods. It covers fundamental concepts such as light behavior, lens functions, and the importance of precision in optical manufacturing.</p>

<p>An Introduction (1945) is an educational film produced by Encyclopaedia Britannica Films in collaboration with the University of Chicago&#39;s Physical Sciences Committee. The film, featuring physicist William F. Libby, provides an overview of atomic energy, its scientific principles, and its potential applications. It aims to educate viewers on the fundamentals of atomic energy during a time when nuclear science was rapidly advancing.</p>

<p>Reading Films (1948) is an educational film series developed at Harvard University by William G. Perry Jr. and Charles P. Whitlock. The films were designed to enhance students&#39; reading speed and comprehension by presenting reading material in the form of isolated word groups that flashed across the screen at increasing speeds. This innovative approach aimed to train students to read more efficiently and effectively, particularly in the social sciences.</p>

<p>Sound Waves and Their Sources (1950) is an educational film produced by Encyclopaedia Britannica Films. The film explores the origins of sound through three primary sources: vibrating columns of air, vibrating surfaces, and vibrating strings. It covers the basics of acoustics, including how sound propagates through a medium, pitch, timbre, and loudness.</p>

<p>Khartoum Eclipse is a short documentary science film produced in 1952, capturing the total solar eclipse that occurred over Khartoum, Sudan, on February 25, 1952. The film documents the efforts of astronomers and scientists who traveled to Khartoum to observe and study the eclipse. The footage includes scenes of the desert landscape, the setup of telescopic equipment, and the eclipse itself. Notably, French astronomer Bernard Lyot, known for inventing the coronagraph, participated in the expedition and tragically passed away shortly after due to a heart attack.</p>

<p>Measurement of the Speed of Light (1952) is an educational film produced by Audio Productions, Inc. The film illustrates historical and contemporary methods used to determine the speed of light, including Galileo&#39;s lantern experiment, Ole R&oslash;mer&#39;s astronomical observations, and Fizeau&#39;s toothed wheel apparatus. It serves as a visual aid for physics education, demonstrating the evolution of scientific techniques in measuring this fundamental constant.</p>

<p>Simple Harmonic Motion (1953) is an educational film produced by McGraw-Hill Text-Films as part of their College Physics Series. The film explains the concept of simple harmonic motion and demonstrates the general features of vibrating or periodic motion. It serves as a visual aid for physics education, illustrating the principles of oscillatory motion through examples and animations.</p>

<p>Brownian Motion is an educational film produced by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) between 1955 and 1975. The film illustrates the phenomenon of Brownian motion, which refers to the random movement of particles suspended in a fluid, resulting from their collision with fast-moving molecules in the fluid. This motion provides evidence for the kinetic theory of matter and the existence of atoms and molecules. The film likely includes microscopic footage demonstrating this erratic movement, serving as a visual aid for physics education.</p>

<p>The Pressure of Light (1958) is an educational science film featuring Professor Jerrold R. Zacharias of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Produced by Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, the film demonstrates the concept of light exerting pressure, a phenomenon predicted by Maxwell&#39;s equations and confirmed by experiments. Zacharias employs various demonstrations, including the use of a radiometer pinwheel and a suspended thin foil in a high vacuum, to illustrate how light can impart momentum to objects. The film also addresses common misconceptions, clarifying that the rotation of a Crookes radiometer is due to thermal effects rather than light pressure. This film was part of the Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) initiative aimed at reforming physics education in the United States.</p>

<p>Elliptical Orbits (1959) is an educational science film directed by Norton Bloom and produced by Stephen White under the auspices of The Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC). The film features a lecture by Professor Albert V. Baez, who elucidates the principles of elliptical orbits, drawing upon Kepler&#39;s laws and Newtonian mechanics. Through a combination of theoretical explanations and visual demonstrations, the film aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of planetary motion and the forces governing celestial bodies.</p>

<p>The film was made to be shown in high school physics courses and humor is employed both to hold students&#39; interest and to demonstrate the concepts being discussed. In the film, University of Toronto physics professors Patterson Hume and Donald Ivey explain the distinction between inertial and noninertial frames of reference, while demonstrating these concepts through humorous camera tricks. For example, the film opens with Dr. Hume, who appears to be upside down, accusing Dr. Ivey of being upside down. Only when the pair flip a coin and it floats up does it become obvious that Dr. Ivey &mdash; and the camera &mdash; are indeed inverted.</p>

<p>Bell Labs mathematician Frank W. Sinden translates the equations that define many basic rules of physics into computer graphics, so one can see them play out in real time.</p>

<p>Melrose vs. Newton South is a 1960 black-and-white educational film documenting a high school football game between Melrose High School and Newton South High School in Massachusetts. The film captures the dynamics of high school sports during the era, providing insights into the athletic culture and community engagement of the time.</p>

<p>Ripple Tank Wave Phenomena is a three-part educational science film produced in 1961 by Educational Services, Incorporated, and directed by Quentin Brown. The film utilizes a ripple tank to visually demonstrate various wave phenomena, including reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction, barrier penetration, Bragg reflections, and the Doppler effect. Each part focuses on specific aspects of wave behavior, providing clear and engaging visualizations to aid in the understanding of fundamental physics concepts.</p>

<p>A Million to One is a 1961 educational film produced by Educational Services, Incorporated. While specific details about the film&#39;s content are limited, it is part of a collection of 16mm educational films housed at the Harvard Film Archive. The film likely explores scientific or mathematical concepts, aiming to enhance understanding through visual demonstrations.</p>

<p>Matter Waves is a 1961 educational film produced by Educational Services, Incorporated, in collaboration with Bell Telephone Laboratories and the Physical Science Study Committee. Directed by John R. Friedman and produced by Kevin Smith, the film features physicists Alan Holden and Lester Germer. It explores the wave nature of matter, illustrating concepts such as electron diffraction and the de Broglie hypothesis. The film employs visual demonstrations, including electron diffraction patterns and optical analogs, to convey the principles of wave-particle duality and quantum mechanics.</p>

<p>In 1962 John Hubley came to Harvard University as the first teacher of animation in the new Visual Arts Center. It was his idea to make a film based on Edwin Abbott&#39;s famous novel, Flatland.</p>

<p>A docudrama depicting a hypothetical nuclear attack on Britain.</p>

<p>Surtsey Volcano is a 1965 documentary film that chronicles the formation of Surtsey, a volcanic island that emerged from the sea off the southern coast of Iceland between 1963 and 1967. The film provides a detailed visual account of the island&#39;s birth, capturing explosive eruptions, lava flows, and the initial stages of ecological succession. It features footage of scientists in hard hats studying the island&#39;s development, offering insights into volcanic activity and island formation processes. The film serves as a valuable educational resource for understanding geological phenomena and the dynamic nature of Earth&#39;s surface.</p>

<p>The Radio Sky is a 1966 educational documentary directed by Michael Crosfield and produced by Michael Clarke under Associated Electrical Industries. Narrated by F. Graham Smith, then Professor of Radio Astronomy at Manchester University, the film delves into the field of radio astronomy. It illustrates how radio telescopes operate, showcases various types in action, and discusses the plotting and interpretation of radio sources, revealing a universe beyond the capabilities of optical observation.</p>

<p>This film was produced to make the life of science more appealing to school children in America. It was intended to tell the story of purpose and even drama that scientists experienced in the world of experimental physics. The film recounts the long and complicated life cycle of a high energy physics experiment.</p>

<p>Newton&rsquo;s Equal Areas is a 1967 educational science film produced by Alfred Bork, Bruce Cromwell, and Catherine Cromwell under the International Film Bureau, Inc. The film utilizes animation and elementary geometry to elucidate Newton&#39;s Laws of Motion, particularly focusing on the principle that a line joining a planet and the sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time&mdash;a concept integral to Kepler&#39;s Second Law and Newtonian mechanics. Designed as an instructional tool, the film aims to make complex physical laws accessible to students and educators.</p>

<p>Rutherford Scattering is a 1968 educational science film produced by Project Physics in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada. The film simulates the scattering of alpha particles by a nucleus, replicating Ernest Rutherford&#39;s gold foil experiment. Utilizing a digital computer, the film provides a visual and analytical representation of the experiment, demonstrating how alpha particles interact with atomic nuclei. This simulation aids in understanding the structure of the atom and the discovery of the atomic nucleus.</p>

<p>A 1969 documentary on the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon made by NASA, telling the story of the historic first landing of men on the Moon in July, 1969. It depicts the principal highlight events of the mission from launching through post-recovery activities of Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin &ldquo;Buzz&rdquo; Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Through television, motion picture and still photography, the film provides an &ldquo;eye-witness&rdquo; perspective of the Apollo 11 mission.</p>

<p>San Francisco State: On Strike is a 1969 documentary produced by The Newsreel that chronicles the five-month-long student strike at San Francisco State College during the Fall of 1968. The film captures the efforts of the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) as they mobilized students to demand the establishment of a Black Studies Department and to address systemic racism within the educational system. The documentary provides an in-depth look at the protests, the university&#39;s response, and the broader implications for ethnic studies in American academia.</p>

<p>Reaction Dynamics is a 1970 educational science film produced by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. The film focuses on the collision dynamics of atoms and diatomic molecules, illustrating how chemical reactions occur as outcomes of specific molecular collisions. Utilizing computer-generated specimen trajectories, the film discusses potential-energy profiles along the reaction coordinate, providing insights into the mechanisms of chemical reactions.</p>

<p>A documentary which portrays the life and work of the nearly contemporary physicist, Enrico Fermi, whose work helped to transform not only physics and the style of doing research, but even the course of history itself.</p>

<p>A Relativistic Ride: An Experimental Film is a 1970 educational film produced by the Education Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The film employs experimental computer graphics to simulate the visual experience of traveling at relativistic speeds. Viewers are presented with a road lined with telephone poles as seen from the cockpit of an accelerating vehicle, illustrating phenomena such as time dilation and Penrose-Terrell rotation. This innovative approach provides a visual representation of complex concepts from Einstein&#39;s theory of special relativity.</p>

<p>A Protein Primer: Myoglobin is a 1971 educational science film produced by The Senses Bureau. The film employs early computer graphics to illustrate the structure and function of the myoglobin protein, an essential oxygen-binding molecule in muscle tissue. Accompanied by an electronic score created on a Moog modular synthesizer by Gino Piserchio, the film represents a pioneering effort in the use of multimedia to convey complex biochemical concepts.</p>

<p>Continents Adrift: A Study of the Scientific Method is a 1971 educational science film directed by Lewis Hall and produced by American Educational Films. The film explores the application of the scientific method in developing hypotheses from theoretical models. Through a combination of animation and live-action sequences, it examines concepts such as paleomagnetism, sea-floor spreading, magnetism in rocks, and the drifting magnetic poles to illustrate the theory of continental drift.</p>

<p>The Crab Nebula is a 1972 educational science film produced by Richard L. Berman and published by Harper &amp; Row, Publishers, Inc. The film delves into contemporary theories regarding the origin of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. Through a combination of narration and visual aids, the film explores the characteristics of the nebula&#39;s radiation and discusses the scientific hypothesis that its core contains a neutron star, or pulsar. The narration is provided by Paul Vaughan, known for his work on the BBC&#39;s science documentary series Horizon.</p>

<p>Collision Dynamics of Chemical Reactions is a 1972 educational science film directed by Alec Nisbitt and produced by Time-Life Films. The film employs computer animation to simulate molecular interactions, providing visual explanations of concepts such as scattering angles, impact parameters, potential energy surfaces, and wave barriers. It serves as an instructional resource for understanding the dynamics of chemical reactions at the molecular level.</p>

<p>The Motions of Stars is a 1973 educational science film produced by Houghton Mifflin and devised by Dr. M. L. Meeks of the Haystack Observatory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The film utilizes computer-generated simulations to illustrate the proper motion of stars across various regions of the sky. By accelerating time at a rate of 7,200 years per second, it vividly demonstrates stellar movements. Additionally, the film presents the parallactic motion of Aldebaran and Vega with high magnification at a time rate of 5 years per second. Designed for first-year undergraduate students, this film offers a dynamic visualization of stellar kinematics.</p>

<p>The life and work of the astronomer Nicolas Copernicus are shown by means of images of his writings and drawings and places he was associated with.</p>

<p>The Music of the Spheres is Episode 5 in The Ascent of Man, a 13-part BBC documentary series presented by Dr. Jacob Bronowski. This episode explores the historical evolution of mathematics and its profound relationship with art, music, and science. Bronowski traces Greek mathematical ideas through their refinement in Islamic culture and their revival in Renaissance Europe. He draws connections between mathematics and musical harmony, perspective in painting, early astronomy, and even biology&mdash;culminating in a computer visualization of DNA&#39;s molecular structure as an embodiment of nature&#39;s geometric order.</p>

<p>The universe of Newton, clear, English, stately, like the music and the great buildings of his century ticking away with a fine clockwork mechanism, wisely regulated by laws. Then the quizzical world of Einstein whose direct truth and questions could turn the dignified universe upside-down in the interests of a clearer understanding. We ride with Einstein on his beam of light to end our journey in our own century.</p>

<p>Episode 11 of The Ascent of Man, Knowledge or Certainty, is a profound reflection on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of scientific inquiry. Presented by Dr. Jacob Bronowski and directed by Mick Jackson, the episode explores the limits of what science can know and the dangers of seeking absolute certainty. In a powerful segment filmed at Auschwitz, Bronowski makes a moving statement about the misuse of science and the moral responsibility that comes with knowledge. This episode is widely regarded as one of the most impactful in the series for its blend of science, history, and humanism.</p>

<p>Star Clusters is a 1974 educational science film that delves into the fundamental properties of binary star orbits, utilizing computer animation techniques to enhance understanding. The film discusses the quadruple star system Xi Ursae Majoris, providing historical context and serving as an introduction to prominent stellar objects such as Sirius and white dwarfs. As part of the &quot;Explorations in Space and Time&quot; series, this film aims to make complex astronomical concepts accessible to students and enthusiasts.</p>

<p>The Motions of Attracting Bodies is an 8-minute educational science film from 1974, designed to help students develop an intuitive understanding of the full range of possible orbits of gravitationally attracting bodies. Using computer-generated animations, the film illustrates both bound and unbound motions under various initial conditions, providing a visual exploration of gravitational dynamics.</p>

<p>Anti-Matter is a 1974 educational science film that explores the concept of antimatter, a fundamental aspect of particle physics. The film aims to provide viewers with an understanding of what antimatter is, its properties, and its significance in the field of physics. Through detailed explanations and visual aids, the film serves as an informative resource for students and enthusiasts interested in the subject.</p>

<p>An educational science film that explores the historical contributions of Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787&ndash;1826) to the field of optics, particularly the phenomenon of dispersion. Directed by Alfred Leitner and produced at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the film replicates Fraunhofer&rsquo;s pioneering optical experiments, including his discovery of dark absorption lines (now known as Fraunhofer lines) in the solar spectrum. The film emphasizes both the scientific innovations and the technical craftsmanship involved in Fraunhofer&rsquo;s work, making it valuable for historical and scientific education.</p>

<p>Spaceborne is a 1977 American short documentary film directed and produced by physicist Philip M. Dauber. The film comprises original footage captured by NASA astronauts during their missions, accompanied by a musical score and occasional astronaut communications. It offers a poetic and immersive experience of space exploration, devoid of narration, allowing the visuals and sounds to convey the story.</p>

<p>Beginning with a shot of a couple enjoying a picnic, then zooming out incrementally by powers of ten, the film offers a glimpse of everything from the edge of the known universe to the molecules on a person&#39;s hand.</p>

<p>A Whisper from Space is a 1978 science documentary episode of the NOVA series that chronicles the groundbreaking discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation. While testing the Holmdel Horn Antenna in 1965, scientists Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson detected a persistent signal of 3.5 Kelvin background radiation from every direction in space. Initially suspected to be an equipment fault&mdash;even down to suspected pigeon droppings&mdash;the signal was ultimately identified as the residual radiation from the Big Bang, lending critical support to the Big Bang theory and Einstein&rsquo;s General Theory of Relativity. The film presents the scientific method in action, highlighting how mistakes and persistence can lead to profound discoveries about the universe.</p>

<p>Exploring the Milky Way is an educational science film directed by astronomer Seth Shostak around 1980. The film provides a concise and engaging history of our galaxy&#39;s study, combining scientific insights with animated sequences to elucidate complex astronomical concepts. Designed to be both informative and entertaining, it offers viewers an accessible overview of the Milky Way&#39;s structure and the methods scientists use to explore it.</p>

<p>Scientists and witnesses involved in the creation and testing of the first ever atomic bomb reflect on the Manhattan project and its fascinating leader, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who upon completion of his wonderful and horrible invention became a powerful spokesperson against the nuclear arms race.</p>

<p>The Miracle of Life is a landmark episode from PBS&rsquo;s NOVA science series, first broadcast in 1983, which explores the entire human reproductive process&mdash;from conception to birth. Directed by Bo G. Erikson and Carl O. Lofman and produced by Bebe Nixon, the film is based on the pioneering work of Swedish photographer Lennart Nilsson. Through the use of advanced microscopic and endoscopic photography, it offers a vivid, previously unseen journey into the development of human life inside the womb. This groundbreaking documentary is renowned for its educational and visual impact.</p>

<p>Watcher of the Winter Sun is a 1983 educational science film directed by Michael Bober. The documentary explores the cultural and astronomical significance of the La Rumorosa plateau in northern Baja California, focusing on the Kumeyaay people&#39;s rock art and their alignment with the winter solstice sunrise. Utilizing time-lapse photography, the film captures the illumination of a Kumeyaay rock art site by the winter solstice sunrise, highlighting the indigenous community&#39;s sophisticated understanding of celestial events.</p>

<p>Preview Theater is a compilation of two reels containing movie trailers and television commercials from the early to mid-1990s. Likely produced for television broadcast or internal training purposes, the reels feature trailers for films such as Addams Family Values, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, Look Who&rsquo;s Talking Now, Elizabeth, A Perfect World, American History X, The Three Musketeers, Carlito&rsquo;s Way, and A Night at the Roxbury. Additionally, the collection includes commercials for products like Mentos, Edge Gel, Volkswagen, and 1-800-Collect. The canisters are labeled &quot;For training purposes ONLY,&quot; indicating their use in non-public settings.</p>