PBS / Nova Video questions

This two-hour program chronicles Albert Einstein's life and scientific
achievements from his birth in 1879 to his death in 1955. The first
hour follows Einstein in his quest to understand the nature of light.
Graphics depict some of Einstein's famous thought experiments,
including his eventual understanding of the interplay between the
speed of light and time and his development of the special theory of
relativity. The program also goes into great depth about Einstein's
personal life, including his romance with and marriage to fellow
student Mileva Maric and the death of his father.

The second hour unfolds with Einstein preoccupied with finding a
theory that accounts for gravitation and determining what orders the
universe. Einstein addresses gravitation in the universe with his
general theory of relativity. This is confirmed experimentally in 1919
when a solar eclipse reveals stars in positions that could best be
explained by his theory: that gravity causes light to bend.

Einstein spent much of his life thinking about what he couldn't
observe directly, such as the speed of light and how time is
affected by motion.

A. Answer in a paragraph form the following questions

1.Discuss how your perceptions of Einstein as a
scientist and as a person have changed, if at all. What
information most surprised you? What were the advantages
and disadvantages of Einstein's tremendous drive, in terms of
his scientific achievements and personal life?
Discuss any similarities between Einstein and people who
excel in other fields, such as sports or music.

2.Despite being a genius, Einstein was affected by the social
and political climate around him. Refer to the time line and
other reference materials to recall the major historical events
during Einstein's lifetime. Discuss what effect these events
might have had on his career and personal life. In what ways
did he apply his ideas or get involved with issues outside of science?

B. Answer these questions in full sentences, add your own thoughts and ideas.

1. What parts of the video did you find most interesting?

2. What were Einstein's contributions to the field of science? Be specific. What theories did you find to be the most interesting or amazing?

3. What parts of Einstein's life were most like your own?

4. How did Einstein do in school? Do you think that really smart people should have to go to school? why or why not?

5. Were there parts of Einstein's life that were not so successful?

6. Would you recommend this video to other's in your class? Should it be required?

7. Do you agree with Einstein that God does not play dice with the laws of the universe? why or why not?