It is important to understand the three basic "ranges" of a typical zoom lens.

1) Telephoto: This is the term for zooming a lens all the way in--that is, maximizing  magnification. Binoculars, for example have a telephoto setting (but it's fixed, not a zoom).

2) Normal: this is the amount of magnification that approximates what your eyes see.

3) Wide angle. This is the term for zooming all the way out. Magnification is minimized, creating a wider field of view. That is, more stuff is visible, but it all seems further away.

Play the clip at the right and the words "telephoto" and "wide angle" will pop up at the appropriate times.