1. A political animal (29:27)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Portrays an imaginative situation in which an individual is confronted by two "salesmen"--representative of democratic government and a representative of totalitarian government. Presents their arguments which are supported by animated sequences and extensive use of newsreel footage.

2. A universe of numbers (28:55)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Traces the history of computer development from the first mechanical calculators to ENIAC, the first electronic computer. Explains in lay terms how a modern digital computer stores both data and instructions in number form.

3. A World to Perceive (1:01:59)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Demonstrates the role of perception in handling the processing information from the environment and the way in which our personalities affect our perception. Reviews the research of Dr. Herman Witkin of the State University of New York Medical Center, Dr. Eleanor Gibson of Cornell University, and Dr. Richard D. Walk of George Washington University.

4. Agriculture (29:38)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Special Guest: Dr. Caldecott is a geneticist with the cereal crops brand of the United States Department of Agriculture and an associate professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota.There is an area of scientific endeavor that will serve to illustrate one important method in which atomic energy is being utilized by agriculture scientist. This area envelopes the science of genetics. Dr. Warren F. Witzig and Dr. Caldecott discuss this science and the use of atomic energy in this area to provide basic information of life and life processes for the use of the applied agriculturalist. Many examples of how radioactivity has helped the agriculturalist are demonstrated in this program.

5. Atomic furnaces (29:19)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Describes the operation, principles, and scientific use of reactors. Shows types of research reactors make possible. Describes the Gamma Ray Spectrometer, the Neutron Chopper, and the new Janus reactor which is designed specifically for high and low level radiation experiments in biology.

6. Challenge of change : the case for counseling (29:02)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Presents a view of the guidance process and indicates the great number of individuals involved. urges efforts to estimate the potential of each individual, to interpret to him and his parents the opportunities available to him, and to provide him with educational experiences which will assures his best development.

7. Christian Huyghens (1629 to 1695) (29:25)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Huyghens (HY-gunz) discovery that Saturn is surrounded by rings which look different on earth at different times led to considerable speculation as to the nature of the rings. Some scientists believed they were solid, others maintained they were made up of particles of matter, as is actually the case. Among Huyghens’ other discoveries was the triangular expanse on Mars (“Syrtis Major”), which may be an expanse of vegetation. He also invented a very fine eyepiece, still used by physicists, which overcomes color spread. And “Huyghens Principle” regarding light spread is also constantly in use. Despite early illness and his resulting weak constitution, Huyghens was able to make discoveries that have been inestimable use to scientists who came after him.

8. Computers and Human Behavior (29:13)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Discusses research being conducted at the Carnegie Institute of Technology to evolve new theories about mental processes. Shows Dr. Bert Green demonstrating his computer experiments with the perception of motion and depth, Dr. Herbert Simon using the computer to present his theory of how human beings memorize, and Dr. Allan Newall showing how the computer was responsible for creating a new theory about human problem solving.

9. Copernicus (1473-1543) (29:28)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Indicates that the problem of getting to Mars of Venus, heretofore a concern only to science fiction writers and afficionados, has now become an international obsession. Shows that the strides being made in the space race would not be possible were it not for the work of Copernicus and other scientists of his stature. States that it was Copernicus who realized that the earth is not the center of the universe but merely one of many heavenly bodies, all moving according to a definite system.

10. Engine at the door (29:31)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Considers the question, "Will machines ever run man?" Concludes that although the computer is the machine most like man himself, it is not the machine but man who determines what is to be done.