Just a quick post to put up the new icon as demanded by iTunes... has to be larger so I made a new one and hosted it here...
Just remember, most updates go to YouTube.com/ScienceTheater first!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
New iTunes Icon
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/23/2013 04:20:00 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Gone to YouTube!
My deepest apologies for letting this languish, but for those seeking more information about the current developments of Science Theater... there really haven't been any. However, what there has been, has been put up on YouTube.
Consider this blog no longer in service. The "official" Dr. Carlson's Science Theater site is still around, just visit:
www.ScienceTheater.net
For the most current/recent/updated videos and other comments, visit my YouTube channel:www.YouTube.com/ScienceTheater
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/06/2013 09:35:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, November 16, 2009
Entropy - Episode 39
Entropy. It's why everything seems to break down and get messy. It is something that comes about when you have lots and lots of little things (like atoms) that can be in several possible "states" (no, not Florida). The more things or more states you have, the more entropy you're going to have. Dr. Carlson has entirely too much fun playing with coins and blocks while he tries to explain how Chemists think of Entropy. (Stay to the end and you'll even see a rubber band, whee!)
Science Theater Episode 39: Entropy
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/16/2009 03:13:00 PM 13 comments
Labels: blocks, chemistry, demonstration, energy, entropy, k12, mechanics, particle, phase change, physics, quantum, science, scientist, states
Friday, January 16, 2009
Walking on Water - Episode 38
Winter is in the air, and it's cold out on the lake making it pretty easy to walk on water. Dr. Carlson visits his parents and takes time out to explain some cool science concepts that can occur when your lake freezes over. That's right, Dr. Carlson freezes his tooshie, just so you can expand your mind!
Science Theater Episode 38: Walking on Water
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 1/16/2009 04:24:00 PM 3 comments
Labels: chemistry, cold, expansion, freezing, ice, liquid, phase change, physics, science, scientist, snow angel, winter
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle - Episode 37
Physics tells us that you can't know exactly where you are and where you are going at the same time! Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle explains that you can't measure a particle's exact velocity and location, Dr. Carlson takes on the challenge of explaining it all in this special, third anniversary, episode of...
Science Theater Episode 37:Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 12/21/2008 08:24:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Heisenberg, momentum, particle, physics, quantum, schroedinger, science, scientist, uncertainty, waves
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A Particle Experiment - Episode 36
Pity the poor high energy particle physicists. In order to perform an experiment, they have to destroy whatever they're looking at. Dr. Carlson explains how experiments on tiny particles are tricky. It's not easy to run experiments on things that are smaller than your tools.
Science Theater Episode 36:A Particle Experiment
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 10/19/2008 09:48:00 PM 2 comments
Labels: electrons, high energy, mechanics, particle, particle accelerator, physics, quantum, science, scientist
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Quantum Mechanics - Episode 35
Can you change reality just by looking at it? Dr. Carlson says no! Watch on to see just what we mean when scientists talk about observers determining reality in this down-to-earth explanation of Quantum Mechanics.
Science Theater Episode 35: Quantum Mechanics
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 5/07/2008 06:56:00 PM 2 comments
Labels: cat, mechanics, particle accelerator, physics, quantum, schroedinger, science
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Brainteaser 02 - A Straight Line
Is the best path between two points a straight line? The second video in our brainteaser series challenges the viewer (you) to predict and explain any differences in the path of two rolling balls. Can you figure it out before the episode is over?
Science Theater Brainteaser 02: A Straight Line
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/03/2008 07:31:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: acceleration, brainteaser, gravity, momentum, physics, science, velocity
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Brainteaser 01 - Rolling Uphill
Do you have what it takes to explain science? Try to explain how this object actually rolls uphill in this episode. This video is the first of several Brainteaser episodes where you, the viewer, are presented with a problem and are challenged to explain the science behind the solution by the end of the episode.
Science Theater Brainteaser 01: Rolling Uphill
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/19/2008 11:12:00 PM 2 comments
Labels: brainteaser, center of mass, gravity, physics, problem, science
Sunday, March 02, 2008
The Sweat Episode - Episode 34
Yes, he's done freezing by boiling before, but this time Dr. Carlson uses liquid nitrogen, a special tube, and a little water to demonstrate the power of sweat!
Science Theater Episode 34: The Sweat Episode
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/02/2008 10:41:00 PM 4 comments
Labels: chemistry, cold, liquid, nitrogen, phase change, physics, science
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Making Clouds - Episode 33
How to make a cloud in a bottle in four easy steps. Dr. Carlson takes on a giant glass ball of green liquid in an attempt to eplain how clouds are formed. In a never-before seen feature, this episode even includes Director's Commentary for the first segment. Yes, it's a feature, not a bug.
Science Theater Episode 33: Making Clouds
Feel free to drop by our home page at www.ScienceTheater.net!
Note, technically this episode is 33b, as it takes the place of The Sweet Spot - Episode 33, removed due to a few mistakes in the science of hitting balls with bats.
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 2/03/2008 11:18:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: cloud formation, cold, expansion, gas, liquid, phase change, physics, science, scientist
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Fluorescence - Episode 32
Fluorescence, it's almost as hard to explain as it is to spell. Dr. Carlson explains how his favorite color (neon) is such a shiny glowy thing and how detergents can get your clothes "whiter than white!"
Science Theater Episode 32: Fluorescence
Feel free to drop by our home page at www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/27/2007 09:57:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: color, energy, fluorescence, light, physics, science
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Liquid Air - Episode 31
Liquid air? Once Nitrogen gas becomes really, really cold it becomes a liquid. Once you have really, a really cold liquid, you can use it to make other things cold. Really, really cold things behave differently. Join Dr. Carlson to find out how cold things behave in...
Science Theater Episode 31: Liquid Air
Feel free to drop by our home page at www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/07/2007 10:43:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: cold, gas, liquid, nitrogen, phase change, physics, science
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
States of Matter - Episode 30
Sure, gas-liquid-solid... you've seen it all before, but have you seen air as a gas, air as a liquid, and air as a solid? Dr. Carlson explains the three most common states of matter and shows off how to make a snowcone out of Nitrogen gas.
Science Theater Episode 30: States of Matter
Feel free to drop by our home page at www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 10/23/2007 10:42:00 PM 2 comments
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Interview with a Scientist - Marc Caffee (Part 2)
We're back at PRIME lab to take a look at the giant particle accelerator. Learn the process of taking a glacier rock, pounding it to smithereens, and then shooting it down a beam at hundreds of miles an hour, just to count how many atoms of Beryllium are inside the rock! A little bit of science for everyone: Chemistry, Physics, and Geology!
Science Theater Interview 06: Marc Caffee (Part 2)
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 10/03/2007 04:37:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Interview with a Scientist - Marc Caffee
There's nothing like taking tiny little bits of rock and smashing them with Cesium to send them on an electrical journey at ultra high speeds. That's just what happens in the particle accelerator at Purdue's PRIME Lab. In our most recent Interview with a Scientist episode, Prof. Marc Caffee explains how he can find the age of asteroid rocks from outer space or determine how long ago rocks were exposed from glacier movement.
Science Theater Interview 05: Marc Caffee (Part 1)
Science Theater Interviews: Real Scientists, Real Science
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 9/19/2007 11:11:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: interview, particle accelerator, physics, PRIME Lab, scientist
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Center of Mass - Episode 29
When does a tower tip and fall? When its center of mass is no longer over its base. Dr. Carlson plays with blocks and walks the plank in order to illustrate the power of center of mass.
Science Theater Episode 29: Center of Mass
If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to visit my new home page at: www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 9/06/2007 11:16:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: center of mass, physics, science, scientist
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Interview with a Scientist - Ken Ritchie
Lasers and bacterial cells - they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Prof. Ken Ritchie, Professor of Physics at Purdue uses lasers to "light up" individual molecules on the surface of cells. By taking pictures and videos of these cells he can study cellular processes that help single cell organisms build their membranes and orient themselves in their environment.
Science Theater Interview 04: Ken Ritchie
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 8/22/2007 09:57:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Mirrors and Images - Episode 28
Mirrors don't let you see things that aren't there, they let you see things from an entirely different position! Your image in a mirror is what someone else would see if they were standing behind the mirror. It's all a matter of tracing the path of light from your eye to an object, or from the object to your eye.
Science Theater Episode 28:Mirrors and Images
If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to visit my new home page at: www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 8/08/2007 02:16:00 PM 2 comments
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Doppler Effect - Episode 27
When cars go screeching by your ear, their pitch changes due to the Doppler Effect. See and hear the Doppler Effect explained before your very eyes! Learn how the Doppler Effect even helps astronomers look at stars.
Science Theater Episode 27:Doppler Effect
Also, check out our new home page at: www.ScienceTheater.net!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 7/22/2007 10:42:00 PM 3 comments
Labels: doppler effect, physics, science, sound, waves
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Waves - Episode 26
Waves of light, waves of sound, waves of water, waves of fire. Wait, waves of FIRE? Check out the three main categories of waves, and try to guess where waves of fire fit into the mix...
Science Theater Episode 26: Waves
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 7/05/2007 12:15:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Interview with a Scientist - Erica Carlson
What does a condensed matter physicist study? Floating magnets for one. In our second interview segment, Dr. Carlson meets Professor Carlson to discuss her research. Prof. Erica Carlson discusses her research on one-dimensional electron gasses (and how it applies to superconductivity!)
Science Theater Interview 03: Erica Carlson
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 6/20/2007 11:41:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: electrons, interview, magnet, physics, science, scientist, superconductivity
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Electricity - Episode 25
Electrons and protons are tiny, but they can move large objects! Watch several demonstrations showing the power and behavior of electrons, electricity, and their response to electromagnetic waves.
Science Theater Episode 25: Electricity
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 6/13/2007 09:51:00 PM 2 comments
Labels: electricity, electromagnetic, electrons, physics, science
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Angular Momentum - Episode 24
Ice skaters spin faster by hugging themselves tight, but what does that have to do with riding a bicycle? In both cases, the law of conservation of angular momentum is in effect. Watch a few more angular momentum examples!
Science Theater Episode 24: Angular Momentum
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 5/31/2007 02:17:00 AM 3 comments
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Eddy Currents - Episode 23
Sure, Spiderman can stop a block of falling metal, but so can science! Find out how magnets force electrons to move around in little circles, which can cause a falling piece of metal to slow down and nearly stop. Magnetic brakes on your roller-coaster, anyone?
Science Theater Episode 23: Eddy Currents
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 5/16/2007 04:36:00 PM 2 comments
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Interview Special Part 2 - Daniela Bortoletto
Prof. Bortoletto gives us a tour of her lab where they construct tiny chips used in particle accelerators to detect high energy particles. You've heard the theory, now see the hardware!
Science Theater Interview 02: Daniela Bortoletto (part 2)
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/25/2007 10:26:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: high energy, physics, scientist
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Special! - Interview with a Scientist - Daniela Bortoletto
Tune in to hear an interview with a real, live high energy physicist! In the first of an occasional series, Dr. Carlson sits down with an actual Physics professor to discuss her research. This week, we meet Prof. Daniela Bortoletto and discuss her search for heavy particles (including the Higgs particle and heavy Quarks).
Science Theater Interview 01: Daniela Bortoletto (part 1)
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/18/2007 03:34:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: high energy, physics, scientist
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Shoot the Monkey - Episode 22
Dr. Carlson shoots a monkey in this classic demonstration of two dimensional motion. If you want to hit an object that is about to be dropped, do you aim above, at, or below it? The answer is a few short minutes away.
Science Theater Episode 22: Shoot the Monkey
(No animals were harmed in the making of this film...)
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/04/2007 09:16:00 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Motion in Two Dimensions - Episode 21
If you can drop it, you can throw it. Dr. Carlson throws stuff around to show how projectiles fall. (Also known as 2-dimensional motion)
Science Theater Episode 21: Motion in Two Dimensions
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/21/2007 12:13:00 PM 2 comments
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Pendulums - Episode 20
Dr. Carlson faces down fear and speeding bowling balls in an effort to demonstrate his faith in Physics and Pendulums.
Science Theater Episode 20: Pendulums
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 2/14/2007 01:37:00 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Thermal Conduction - Episode 19
Ever boil water in a paper cup? The power of fire and flames is harnessed to explain how heat can move around in:
Science Theater Episode 19: Thermal Conduction
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 12/19/2006 10:42:00 AM 4 comments
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Buoyancy - Episode 18
Why do you feel "lighter" when you are floating around in a tub of water? What does that have to do with bringing home balloons in your car? Find out the answers in:
Science Theater Episode 18: Buoyancy
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/21/2006 04:28:00 AM 1 comments
Monday, November 13, 2006
Can't see the videos?
If you are having problems viewing the videos, be sure to have the newest version of Quicktime installed. The videos are all in the MPEG4 format, which should be viewable with the freely available Quicktime player.
Thanks for watching!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/13/2006 09:38:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Bernoulli Effect - Episode 17
Want the fastest way to redecorate a tree using toilet paper? Use Science! Specifically, use the Bernoulli Effect - one of the principles involved in helping airplanes fly!
Science Theater Episode 17: The Bernoulli Effect
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 11/02/2006 03:27:00 AM 1 comments
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Circular Motion - Episode 16
What do merry-go-rounds have to do with artificial gravity? Lean about the science of spinning when Dr. Carlson talks about circular motion and the centripetal force.
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 10/11/2006 05:48:00 PM 7 comments
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Fun with a Vacuum - Episode 15
If you have an empty jar, is it really empty? Take all the air out of it and you have a vacuum. When the pressure drops due to a vacuum, everything begins to behave in strange ways. Watch and see!
Science Theater Episode 15: Fun with a Vacuum
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 9/27/2006 12:45:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Inertia, Newton's First Law - Episode 14
If you want to move it, you have to push it! Things don't change their movement on their own, and scientists often call this the Law of Inertia. Watch as Dr. Carlson shows off an amazing series of demonstrations where things don't move!
Science Theater Episode 14: Inertia - Newton's 1st Law
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 9/12/2006 04:00:00 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Return of Density - Episode 13
Some things float in water and others sink, but can the same thing both float and sink? Better yet, Dr. Carlson demonstrates water that sinks in water.
Science Theater Episode 13: Density Changes
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 8/30/2006 06:51:00 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Density - Episode 12
Long-time viewers realize that Dr. Carlson is dense. In this episode, dignity is again laid on the line as we find out exactly how dense is... Dr. Carlson.
Science Theater Episode 12: Density
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 8/15/2006 11:34:00 PM 6 comments
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Thermodynamics and Temperature - Episode 11
Is nothing as thrilling as watching ice melt? Why do metals feel cold, while wood feels warm to the touch? All this and more in...
Science Theater Episode 11: Thermodynamics and Temperature
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 8/01/2006 01:47:00 PM 2 comments
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Welcome to 2006 AAPT visitors
I recently travelled to Syracuse, NY to present a short paper on podcasting science content at the AAPT (American Association of Physics Teachers).
For those who attended my talk (and any other curious folks), you may download the powerpoint file, which contains all the links necessary to set up your own (free) podcast...
Thanks for visiting, feel free to browse past videos or subscribe (to the RSS feed through iTunes or some other reader) to be alterted to future ones!
-Dr. Matt J. Carlson
Here is the powerpoint of my talk: 2006_AAPT_Podcasting_Summary.ppt
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 7/26/2006 09:59:00 AM 0 comments
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Concentration and Reaction Rates - Episode 10
Making Elephant Toothpaste is as simple as mixing two chemicals - causing an explosion of foamy science goodness. We take a look at two reactions with hydrogen peroxide to see how the concentration of H2O2 affects the rate of the reaction.
Science Theater Episode 10: Chemical Reaction Rates
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 7/22/2006 11:56:00 PM 2 comments
Friday, July 07, 2006
Newton's Third Law - Episode 9
How can a rocket engine lift itself off the ground? Push a wall and you will be pushed back. Newton's Third Law of Motion states that every force has an equal force applied in the opposite direction. If air, trapped in a fire extinguisher, is "thrown" backwards by releasing it, Dr. Carlson can be pushed forward by the blast - his very own jet-car!
Science Theater Episode 9: Equal and Opposite Force
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 7/07/2006 02:44:00 PM 1 comments
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Special Edition - Orange Crush Chemistry
Who doesn't like a student pep rally? See the amazing blue colors turn orange! Marvel at the amazing orange colors turning blue! In this film, recently recovered from the archive, we see how science can have just as much orange and blue school spirit as the next subject!
Science Theater Special Edition: Orange Crush Spirit Chemistry
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 5/27/2006 11:50:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Packing Peanuts - Episode 8
The mystery of styrofoam packing peanuts is revealed in this shocking episode demonstrating.... hmm, well it demonstrates cool stuff. After all, if you can't dissolve packing peanuts when you feel like it, what's the point of science anyway?
Science Theater Episode 8: Packing Peanuts
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/26/2006 09:45:00 PM 2 comments
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Free Fall - Episode 7
What does it feel like to float in outer space? How do satellites orbit the Earth? These mysteries, and more, are explained in this short video about gravity, orbits, and free fall.
Science Theater Episode 7: Free Fall
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 4/16/2006 12:45:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Freezing by Boiling - Episode 6
It seems unnatural, but the laws of physics don't lie. Liquids require heat to boil, and if the conditions are right one liquid can be boiled in order to freeze a second. Under a vacuum, the water in an acetone/water mixure can freeze while the acetone boils.
Science Theater Episode 6: Freezing by Boiling
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 3/22/2006 12:45:00 AM 5 comments
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Temperature - Episode 5
Hot stuff and cold science explain temperature and its affect on chemical reactions. Crowd-pleasing lightsticks make their return in this episode focusing on temperature.
Science Theater Episode 5: Temperature
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 2/22/2006 05:12:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Air Pressure - Episode 4
Can-crushing, balloon-inflating, juice-box-drinking action in this study of air pressure: how it happens, what it is, and why.
Science Theater Episode 4: Air Pressure
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 1/31/2006 07:04:00 PM 1 comments
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Protein Folding - Episode 3
Eggs turn white when fried because their protiens are unfolded by the heat. Much of your body is made of large molecules called proteins that can perform chemical reactions. Proteins are like long strands of pearls that can fold up into balls in order to their job. Changes in the environment (like heat) can change whether proteins fold.
Science Theater Episode 3: Protein Folding
*As an aside, my PhD thesis research focused on this very topic.
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 1/14/2006 10:47:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Photons of Light - Episode 2
LEDs and photosensitive paper show light be a particle in this demonstration explaining how light comes in little "packets" that we call photons. Colored LEDs make phosphorescent paper glow only if their color (frequency) of light is high enough in energy.
Science Theater Episode 002: Photons of Light
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 1/05/2006 08:53:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Welcome
Welcome to this Blog. It is intended to be used to propagate my biweekly science tidbits entitled:
Dr. Carlson's Science Theater
If you're curious, I am a High School Chemistry and Physics teacher in the Lafayette, IN area. The "Dr" in my title is not a medical doctor, but I did receive a Ph.D. in Computational Biochemistry at Caltech in Pasadena, California.
I hope you enjoy the videos and maybe even learn something in the process!
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 12/21/2005 11:55:00 PM 6 comments
Episode 1 - Mixing Light
Liquid light can be mixed to create pure white light. In the premiere episode, "lightstick juice" is used to demonstrate how red, green, and blue light can be mixed to create white light. All it takes is a few colored light sticks, a knife, and a paper towel...
Episode 1
Posted by Dr. Matt J. Carlson on 12/21/2005 11:55:00 PM 5 comments