Practicing Democracy in the Classroom

Describes contributions of early scientists in the study of vacuums and atmospheric pressure which lead to the invention of the air pump and the barometer. Uses a reenactment of Otto von Guericke's Magdeburg hemisphere experiment of 1654 to explain that the atmosphere exerts external pressure. Describes the action of an air pump and discusses the properties of a vacuum. Includes scene of a modern laboratory experiment demonstrating that air has weight. Shows practical applications of knowledge about air pressure and vacuums. Production supervisor, Robert Longini; collaborator, Harvey B. Lemon., Shows how a high school teacher employs a democratic method of teaching American history in order to promote good citizenship among his students. Points out that democratic techniques are more effective in teaching than laissez-faire and authoritarian methods.