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We are proud to present in collaboration with TED a curated series of talks plus specially commissioned educational support materials.

TED Studies: Physics - The Edge of Knowledge

Teachers and students can use TED Studies: Physics to enhance existing curricula in undergraduate education courses. Educators and students will find activities and multimedia resources which link the study of Physics to the real world, plus expanded academic content such as key terms, related journal articles and major debates in this highly topical area.  For an abridged, interactive version of this content, subscribe to the TED Studies: Physics course via the iTunesU course app for iPad by clicking here.

Overview

Introductory Essay

Professor Jeff Forshaw and Dr Peter Millington explore some of science's most perplexing theories: quantum mechanics, general relativity and attempts to unify them. Learn how scientists combine sophisticated mathematics and ambitious experimentation like CERN's Large Hadron Collider to advance our understanding of the universe.

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Module 1

To unify and conform: Beauty and truth in physics

Watch the 2007 TEDTalk “Murray Gell-Mann on beauty and truth in physics”. Nobel Prize winner and CalTech professor Murray Gell-Mann introduces the elementary particles and fundamental forces accounted for in the Standard Model and explains how the fundamental unified theory, when it’s  figured out, will rely upon strikingly familiar mathematics. Gell-Mann also explains why this fundamental law won’t be a ‘Theory of Everything.’

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

Module 2

Extra dimensions and vibrating energy: Making sense of string theory

Watch the 2005 TEDTalk “Brian Greene: Making sense of string theory”. Greene introduces string theory in this TEDTalk that goes beyond quarks to suggest that miniscule strands of energy vibrating in 11 dimensions produce every particle and force in the universe.  Greene believes that vibrational patterns within these extra dimensions may hold the answer to the deepest questions in theoretical science.

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

Module 3

Cosmic geometry:  An 8-dimensional model of the universe

Watch the 2008 TEDTalk “Garrett Lisi: An 8-dimensional model of the universe”.  From his home office — a van he lives and works in on the island of Maui —Lisi is developing a new unified theory based on differential geometry. Lisi’s expansion of known patterns into eight-dimensional forms (the E8 geometrical structure), coupled with quantum mechanics, might just solve the universe’s greatest mysteries. Lisi suggests that the Large Hadron Collider could support his theory if it detects new particles that fit this pattern.

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

Module 4

Where theory meets experiment: CERN’s supercollider

Watch the 2008 TEDTalk “Brian Cox: CERN’s supercollider”.  Cox gives this fascinating talk about the Large Hadron Collider, which recreates the conditions that were present in the early universe. By colliding two beams of protons at almost the speed of light, scientists may be able to prove the existence of the Higgs particle, a predicted and essential component of the Standard Model, and detect other new subatomic particles.

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

Module 5

Cutting-edge cosmology: Shedding light on dark matter

Watch the 2008 TEDTalk “Patricia Burchat: Shedding light on dark matter”.  The Stanford physicist makes the connection between particle physics and astrophysics as she explains the phenomena of dark matter and dark energy, outlining the existing evidence for dark matter and describing efforts to create new, extremely sensitive detectors, including one that’s operating deep in a Minnesota iron mine.

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

Module 6

Classical and quantum mechanics meet up: Making sense of a visible

Watch the 2011 TEDTalk “Aaron O’Connell: Making sense of a visible quantum object”.  In a landmark experiment, O’Connell set out to show that everyday objects also follow quantum mechanics.  He created a device visible to the naked eye that has the ability to be in a quantum superposition — in two places at the same time. O’Connell believes the results show that quantum mechanics goes beyond the interconnectedness of all things:  “Your connections literally define who you are.”

For transcripts, downloads, and other video options visit TED.com.

To flip this video, visit TED-Ed.

 


Putting It Together: Summary Essay and Activities

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