Teacher Resource
Einstein's Big Idea
Course, Subject
Physics, Math, Science & Technology, Science (NYS P-12)
Grade Levels
Intermediate, Commencement, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Content Provider
PBS - NOVA
Description
This webpage has many articles and interactives that tell the story behind the world's most famous equation, E = mc2. The articles include:
"The Legacy of E = mc"- Einstein's big idea has been enormously influential, in ways that reach far beyond the purely scientific.
"The Equation Today" - Three young physicists contemplate how a 100 year old equation figures into their careers.
"Einstein the Nobody" - The patent clerk's career prospects looked bleak just before his "miracle year" of 1905.
"The Theory Behind the Equation" - Explore the eureka moment when Einstein came up with special relativity, the theory that spawned E = mc2.
"Genius Among Geniuses" - To rank with Newton or Einstein, you have to reinvent the way we see the world.
"Relativity and the Cosmos" - Examine what many consider Einstein's greatest achievement- general relativity.
There are also many interactives that allow students to explore Einstein's ideas more fully. Lastly, this website has printable material for distribution within your class.
Website(s)
NOVA - Einstein's Big Idea
