Slow motion video
posted by Jodie
Link to the video: Slowed down camera!
Amazing things happen in a blink of an eye and thanks to technology we can capture all the minute details that happen, slow them down and take an instant-by-instant look. Talking points: how fast do you think a balloon actually pops? If you had a slow-motion camera, what would you take video of to see slowed down?
Length: 1:34
Possible concerns: These videos are on YouTube, so please refer to the Light Painting post on how to make it “safer” for your child. Might be scary for younger children because it’d be strange to see someone moving so slowly – blinking so slowly and all of a sudden (or not…) the water doesn’t fall like it usually does. Water falls on a man’s head (from popped balloon) so if they have issues with water in their eyes, it could seem scary.
Would I let my own son watch? Yes!
Other videos along the same lines that may or may not be suitable:
The Ultra Slow Show. Another YouTube video. To be honest, I found this video to be fascinating. It’s a compilation of various “happenings” – both normal life and manufactured – slowed down so that we can see every single movement and reaction. However, some of the subject matter because of the mediums they use, you may find quite objectionable. The opening scene shows the lighting of a lighter – nothing huge in and of itself, but because it’s so linked with the practice of smoking, it might be too much. The second scene shows a man looking straight into the camera, then he is slapped. Third scene shows a water balloon breaking over someone’s head. Fourth scene is a hanging water balloon being punched and subsequently popping. Fifth scene is a small “rocket” being shot out of a cannon, then pieces flying off of it (no explosions or anything getting blown up). From 1:50 there is a montage showing various things (apple, banana, playing card, can of pop, egg and a water bottle) being hit by a bullet. The very last scene shows a pidgeon taking off from a fence.
When I was typing the above, my thoughts were “Oh my… this sounds really violent! In a way, it is, since most of the video centres around forces being applied and the outward effects and ripples they cause. I would say that this particular video would be suitable for older children with whom you can discuss destructive forces and spin it into a “Physics is cool!” talk. As with all the videos, watch them first, then decide.
Length: 3:08
Would I let my own son watch? Now that he is getting older, yes.
Red Drop of Water. This one is pretty neat. The videographer set up the camera so that when he/she dropped a single drop of coloured water into clear water, the splash and ripples were caught on film. Concerns are that the drop is red and could look like blood – in fact, in the description, they use “blood red” – so careful if there are issues there and/or your child can read. (YouTube)
Length: 0:31
Would I let my own son watch? You bet!
One more for now!
Ladybug at 7000 frames per second. Very cool – really interesting how the wings fold out. Now, if you have a child who is afraid of bugs, this wouldn’t be good to show them because this is an up-close shot of a ladybug and you can see everything in all its glory. Great topic starter about how the wings’ motion carries it up – and in only 3 strokes! (YouTube)
Length: 1:45
Would I let my own son watch? Yup!