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Dear Pam,
Particularly since we are approaching the "Centennial of Physics," I feel compelled to comment on the web site recommended by your contacts in the note you posted below.
The "Alice Law" site proposes an alternative to Einstein's theory of relativity, in which the velocity of light is not a constant, independent of reference frame.
Few theories have recieved as much confirmation as Einstein's theory of special relativity, and the experimental evidence for the constancy of the speed of light is overwhelming.
Although the graphics and cartoons are entertaining, the message of this site is apparently to suggest an alternative to Einstein's theory, which is not accepted in the scientific community. The later material on forces and general relativity are.....well, odd.
At the risk of allowing an entry for psuedoscience, some of the most recent theories of the structure of the universe incorporate a speed of light that varies with energy. In this sense, the speed of light is not "constant." However, it is still independent of relative motion of the reference frames.
I would not encourage the use of this material in any educational context.
Happy "Einstein Centennial"!
-Brian Tonner
Orlando Science Center and
Dept. of Physics, University of Central Florida
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of M. Pamela Bumsted
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 2:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: A Surprisingly Easy Way to Become an Einstein
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
This is a neat little program, referred by a wonderful computer
newslist--LangaList. The program is in non-native English, but the meaning
is clear.
I haven't tried it on-line, yet, just the local (downloaded) version.
Figuring out what makes it start is fun, or skip to the help menu.
I wouldn't call it "cute" but I don't think the Alice Liddell books are for
kids, either. This is nifty keen!
Pam
===========================================
10) Just For Grins
Reader Richard Satterfield sends in this info about "Einstein
Simplified:"
Following is from Gizmo Richards' TechSupportAlert Newsletter-
Supporter's Edition.
---------------------
A Surprisingly Easy Way to Become an Einstein
The Theory of Relativity is about a hundred years old yet
most folks still can't get their head around it. This cute
site explains it simply and light heartedly with animated
panels and even a few games. If you ever wanted to understand
relativity, this is your big chance. All the material is
freeware and can be downloaded for offline use.
http://www.aliceinphysics.com/
----------------------
Spiffy stuff. Thought you might enjoy it.
Thanks, Richard!
A formatted HTML version of this newsletter is available
http://www.langalist.com/plus/newsletters/2004/2004-09-09plus.asp
The LangaList Plus! TEXT Edition 2004-09-09
An Email Newsletter from Fred Langa That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware,
Software, and Time Online
=============================================================
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
M. Pamela Bumsted, Ph.D., Dip. Oxon.
PO Box 1951, Bethel, Alaska 99559 USA
hlthenvt at oddpost dot com
===> Capacity-building among tribal governments, indigenous, and rural
communities in environment, health, information technology, natural
resources, and science * Community-based research, development, &
management * Organizational culture of nuclear weapons laboratories *
Complex systems * Cultural resources **
Waqaa? Just as people must share seal meat and oil to maintain physical and
social well-being, so, too, must they share knowledge--so that their minds
will not rot.
Teachers, et al. http://www.quicktopic.com/26/H/7sSUC5pTZDRNV
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