These clips from The Simpsons cartoons are intended for use by science teachers. They should be previewed before showing to ensure they are appropriate for the intended student audience. It is recommended that you download and archive each clip that you would like to use. To do this, right click on the clip and select “Save Video As…”. On a Mac, try control-click. They are a great way to liven up a slide presentation and should import into PowerPoint etc.. The posting and use of theses clips for educational purposes conforms with the fair use provisions of the copyright act.
Body Fat (0:30) – The nuclear plant uses Archimedes Principle to measure Homer’s body fat percentage.
2nd Law of Thermo (0:39) – Lisa inadvertently breaks a Simpsons family rule with her perpetual motion machine.
Dipping Bird (1:36) – Homer leaves the dipping bird in charge of the nuclear plant with predictable results. See http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/dipping-bird for how to use in class.
Faster than Sound (1:21) – Homer lands on Bart after crashing into Springfield’s tallest building while in his flying suit. He falls so fast his screams land after he does.
Doppler Shift (0:06) – Bart and Homer go so fast you can hear the Doppler Effect as they run by. This is the shortest clip on the website but may get the most use.
Photon Pressure (0:19) – Mr. Burns is knocked over by a stream of water and then a stream of photons.
Static Generator (0:55) – Bart discovers how important electricity is on a snow day at home. His ingenuity to create his own is not sufficient to keep him entertained.
Bart’s Comet (3:59) – This clip is rich in science and humor. It includes a bicycle light generator hampering Bart’s progress, Principal Skinner explains why “science has it all”, and a brief lesson on constellations. I show it when doing a lesson on constellations and learning the night sky.
Magnets (0:17) – Bart makes Principal Skinner dance with the help of some powerful magnets. It is doubtful that Bart is this powerful.