Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101436 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-04-10
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Animated, Color, DVD, Live, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

Amazon.com
Only the most intense science geeks have ever considered physics entertaining, but the Standard Deviants, undaunted as ever, do their best to make serious science fun to watch, and therefore memorable, in this two-hour presentation. Utilizing flashy graphics that make the perennial example of Newton being struck with an apple appear positively quaint, the troupe of exuberant young performers starts off by quickly providing the obligatory "what is physics" intro, and then moves into a fast tutorial on scientific notation. With the basics out of the way, it's time for segments illustrating scalars and vectors, which, in the format followed throughout the DVD, are followed by a review section and a quiz, which the student can either take or skip. More advanced concepts, including one-dimensional kinematics, two-dimensional kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, and friction all follow. Physics may not lend itself to the kind of madcap delivery the Standard Deviants have brought to other subjects, but the graphics employed are often brilliant, and the individual lessons are concise and easy to understand. The material has all been approved by an academic panel, and while this presentation is not intended to be a substitute for a course in physics, as a review guide this stands as a solid treatment of a serious subject, made as entertaining as possible. --Robert J. McNamara

Additional Features
The Standard Deviants DVD contains the entire two-hour intensive physics tutorial from the award-winning VHS version of the same name. In addition, this DVD features new footage not included in the VHS version, as well as an interactive component unparalleled in the DVD world. From a main menu, viewers can select which lesson they want to view. Retention is increased through four interactive drill-style quizzes on scalars and vectors, one-dimensional kinematics, two-dimensional kinematics, and Newton's Laws of Motion. After mastering the quizzes, viewers can tackle The Physics Finale, a comprehensive final exam. This multiple-choice test covers all the major concepts in the tutorial, and informs viewers of right and wrong responses. Viewers also have the option to select "Quick Review," which gives a complete review of the entire program in less than 10 minutes--perfect for last-minute studying. The "Helpful Info" section lists key notations and equations taught in the program. And finally, viewers can get a behind-the-scenes tour of Cerebellum's studios and preview other products, including the popular No-Brainers series of lifestyle videos. All this with the improved digital image and sound quality of DVD.

Customer Reviews

Standard Deviants Physics
There may be some confusion about the purpose of Standard Deviant videos. The stated goal of this series is "enhancing the academic SUCCESS of students everywhere". Each video is designed with the college student in mind, for review in preparation for exams, or as an introduction to a tough subject of study, and they accomplish that purpose AMAZINGLY well!

These excellent overviews present important concepts in a memorable way. Yes, they can be silly and irreverent (hence the series title, a delightful play on words) but it's all to make your retention stronger during those stressful testing moments. Videos cover lots of crucial material fast, with the idea that you can replay any section as often as you need to, until you "get it". All videos contain study techniques and reference cards to make test prep easier.

These videos are NOT designed to be used by an instructor as "additional support material" to be shown to their students, either in the classroom or out. Nor are they a replacement for a good teacher/textbook. You will not find collections of demonstrations or experiments here, we are moving too fast for that. Nor will you find any examples or explanations a good teacher wouldn't have given already. These are a STUDY TOOL, not a TEACHING TOOL. Rating these useful and effective videos as a poor teaching tool is like rating an orange badly because it doesn't taste like an apple. It's unfair and misleading.

Extremely dissapointing!
I expected demonstrations, experiments, animations. And what did I get? People sitting and talking! What's the point in making a video, if you don't use the capabilities of this medium? If I want equations and problems, I take a textbook. This video is nothing more than a (very superficial) textbook which is read aloud. And that goes for both parts.

For Dummies Style Genius
This is a great tool for those who would like an introduction to a tough subject. The pace is faster than I might have liked, but hey thats why I bought the DVD player. I learned at my pace and look forward to buying more. This program is perfect for the beginner or as a review for a college class.