School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-This engaging docudrama presents the life and times of Sir Isaac Newton and stars Scott Hardy as the scientist/mathematician. The program reveals the 17th-century scientist's personality, his obsessive work habits, and his groundbreaking discoveries. Newton's three laws of motion, the Universal Law of Gravitation, and more are well explained and often illustrated via animated sequences. In addition, Newton's fascination with searching out hidden meanings in the Bible and his experimentation in alchemy are covered. One of his alchemical experiments is recreated here. There are only a few minor inconsistencies. Newton's documented bout of madness is mildly characterized as a "nervous breakdown," and in one segment Hardy is shown looking through the barrel of a refracting telescope while the narrator describes Newton's invention, the reflecting telescope. Brief interviews with modern scientists and historians, all male except for one, add interesting contemporary comment on Newton's work and contributions to science. The strength of the program is the logical progression of information that brings Newton and his achievements and inventions to life. Science students and the general viewing audience will be fascinated by Newton's unusual personality and find his complex ideas easy to understand.-Joan Karasick, Greenwich High School, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Library Journal Review
Workaholic, recluse, genius: Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was a complicated and brilliant man whose accomplishments ranged widely and, some might say, weirdly. NOVA explores the fascinating world of Newton, his contributions to science, and his secret life as an alchemist. Though Newton's scientific beliefs led him to disagree with the Cartesian model of a clockworks universe and the alternate conceptualization of gravitational force, he also believed that material existence was the product of a divine creator (though his views on the trinity were unorthodox for his time) and practiced alchemy, an outlawed method of experimenting with the secret structures of matter. While revelation of these "dark secrets" adds drama, sufficient attention is paid to Newton's development of calculus and more widely known scientific accomplishments. Actor Scott Handy is very good as Newton, especially when he breaks the frame to address the viewer directly. The DVD includes a six-page PDF of teaching materials, including a hands-on class activity about decoding alchemical symbols. Educators will find this title valuable for its consideration of the relationship between science and religion. Highly recommended for all audiences.-LaRoi Lawton, Library & Learning Resources Dept., Bronx Community Coll., NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
