HowStuffWorks: How Special Relativity Works - 1 views
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anonymous on 25 Apr 14Summary: 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.