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Podcast of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity: Summary: This podcast with Fraser Cain, publisher of Universe Today, and Astronomer, Dr. Pamela Gay, discusses examples of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity to help us understand the concepts. The illustrations contained within depict the relationship between time and the speed of light or better yet, how time is affected by travelling at the speed of light. A little bit of a history lesson is included to share the evolution of these types of theories. Quality: The quality of this resource is at a high level. Dr. Gay is a credible, well-known Astronomer from the University of Southern Illinois Edwardsville. She has participated in panel discussions with the likes of Astrophysicist, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Theoretical Physicist, Lawrence Krauss. A transcript of this podcast is included making it easy to follow along, which can bring greater understanding of the subject matter as well.

Summary: University of New South Wales presents a series of flash animations and lectures to explain Einstein's theory of special relativity and how it determines our understanding of time and space. The first animation is a demonstration of Galileo's observations about relativity is using the person on the train and the person on the platform scenario we saw in Colin Stuart's TED-Ed animation. This animation was made the difference clearer for me. Next the idea of how electromagnetism varies with movement and relativity is animated and explained. Then, it is shown how Einstein built on Galileo and Maxwell's work applying it to the speed of light. The final flash animations show how this theory leads to time dilation, how relativity manifests in the physical world, and the continue efforts to prove or disprove the theories of gravity and relativity, though Einstein's definition of both remain the standard in use. Evaluation: A more complex text than the others, the flash movies provide useful visuals for teaching these scientific concepts that are the fundamental theories behind time travel. The vocabulary of the narration presupposes some familiarity with scientists such as Galileo, Maxwell, and Newton and concepts such as gravity and electromagnetism. The videos also move quickly through each concept, but at the end of each there is an option to replay just the animation, which could be useful for a teacher to re-explain each theory in more comprehensible langauge for students. Since it is freely available, students may review each module on their own. Finally, the site contains links and resources for further study of the content presented. Since this comes from a university, the information is accurate and reliable.

Summary: This article breaks down basic scientific ideas and properties that we encounter in fiction about time travel, particularly the space-time continuum, relativity, and special relativity. However, it starts with the fundamental properties of the universe: space, time, matter, and motion. Next, the text defines the physical properties and characteristics of mass, energy and light. Finally, it explains the Special Theory of Relativity and its various postulate leading to time dilation. This theory is then applied and explored through the example of the Twin Paradox. Through the use of videos and everyday examples, this article makes these terms accessible for a wide audience while going into great depth on the subject matter. Evaluation: HowStuffWorks is a credible site founded by a scientist and supported by Discovery Communications to provide accurate and accessible explanations of science, technology, and nature. Though the Destiny catalog search engine categorizes this as being in the 6-8th grade reading range, the complexity of the vocabulary and the concepts make it more appropriate for high school students. Nonetheless, because these concepts are so abstract, even with the lower reading-level the text remains challenging. Thus, it is an excellent source to put these concepts into understandable terms and give students in-depth explanations of how time travel is/may be possible. This source provides a written version of what the other sources, such as the flash animations and the TED video, offer visually. Thus, using this in conjunction would give students both audio, graphic, and written explanations of the theories that support the possibility/reality of time travel.

Summary: This is an animation of a lesson narrated by Colin Stuart, educator. Stuart asks the question, "is time travel really possible," and give an example of actual time travel (albeit only .02 seconds) by Sergei Kirkalev. He then goes back to the discovery of the constancy of the speed of light and Einstein's theory of relativity. The animation show how the point of perception changes the experience of time and how we experience this time dilation with trains and planes in miniscule amounts. Thus, the perception that time is universally constant is an illusion. Thus, the closer we can get to the speed of light, the further we could travel into the future. Stuart closes with why this is so difficult to achieve. In addition to the video, this site contains a comprehension quiz, links for further investigation, and discussion questions. Evaluation: As the TED brand is know for, this talk is visually engaging, accessible to a wide audience, and entertaining while also being informative. Thus, it would be a good lesson to use to introduce the idea that time travel into the future is possible (this site, unlike others, does not address travel to the past). The lesson starts off with a real examples of small steps into the future and builds the concept in a way that is easy to follow. The section about special relativity offers animations from the two perspectives and visuals of the equations. Since it is a video, students, like me, may go back and re-watch if the content was not grasped on a first viewing. The comprehension and discussion questions also provide students a chance to review the material and refer back to the video if needed to be sure that all concepts were learned as well to hear the ideas of others through discussion and application.

Summary: Put out by NASA's Glenn Research Center, this website discusses what we know and don't know about science as it relates to the implications of time travel. What we know at this point in time (no pun intended), is that faster than light travel is not possible. The site also mentions other theories such as wormholes and quantum paradoxes, which have not been proven yet as viable options. The site adds that time travel is considered far more impossible than light travel. Quality: Having been complied by scientists at NASA's Glenn Research Center, this website is thorough and credible in its discussion of the possibility of time travel and the applicable Rules of Special Relativity. The site also includes some graphics to aid in understanding the basics of Special Relativity and links to other NASA related topics for further study.