Blast!
RSS-- School Library Journal, 05/25/2010
From the May issue
Blast! (Educational Edition).2 DVDs. 74 min (56/53 min. classroom versions). Prod. by Paul Devlin Prods. Dist. by blastthemovie.com. 2008, 2009 release. $249.99.
Gr 6 Up–Space exploration continues to capture our imagination, and the technological revolution of the last century has provided the means to answer some questions and to investigate others. This documentary follows an attempt to further study how our universe evolved with the use of a sensitive telescope dubbed BLAST (the Balloon-borne, Large Aperture, Sub-millimeter Telescope) to measure the tiniest of light particles emitted by other galaxies. The filmmaker’s brother is the U.S. astrophysicist who leads the team as it utilizes a high-altitude balloon to lift the scope into the top of the atmosphere for several days of observation. The team’s initial attempt in Sweden proves unsuccessful, but a riveting second effort in Antarctica is the focal point of the saga. Distinctive to this beautifully photographed and well-paced program is the human connection, allowing viewers to feel the participants’ emotions. Crisp footage and clear graphics complement a distinctive background score as the project unfolds. A secondary, subtle thread running through the film is the relationship between religion and science—a natural side topic when considering the project’s goal of understanding how the universe was created. There are two classroom versions: one omits religious references, making it applicable for school settings. There is also a third rendering of the program, which is a bit longer and more detailed, and features chapter selection and eight bonus segments. A comprehensive teacher’s guide is available online. This award-winning documentary will be useful in classroom settings as well as for individual research and personal enjoyment for those interested in scientific pursuit and the challenge of discovery.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL
