The history of our world in 18 minutes

David Christian: The history of our world in 18 minutes | Video on TED.com

along with http://www.ted.com/talks/david_christian_big_history.html

makes the whole thing clear for all to learn at whatever speed!

If you need it you could add http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_thermodynamics
or for kids http://www.kids.esdb.bg/basic_principles.html theres plenty like this if you search google!