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Einstein's Big Idea
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Classroom Activities
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Albert Einstein's famous equation,
E = mc2, is known to many people but understood by few. This
guide—which includes five lesson plans and a time
line—is designed to help you and your students learn more
about the stories and science behind this renowned formula. Intended
for middle and high school students, the lessons look into the lives
of the innovative thinkers who contributed to the equation,
investigate the science behind each part of the equation, and
explore what the equation really means.
Each activity includes a teacher activity setup page with background
information, an activity objective, a materials list, a procedure,
and concluding remarks. Reproducible student pages are also
provided. Most activities align with the National Science Education
Standards' Physical Science standard, Structure of Atoms and
Structure and Properties of Matter sections.
The Building of Ideas
Create a time line of scientists involved with
E = mc2.
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Energy's Invisible World
Explore the meaning of E in
E = mc2 by investigating the nature of
fields and forces at different stations in the classroom.
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PDF version
Messing With Mass
Conduct an inquiry into the meaning of m in
E = mc2 by measuring mass before and
after chemicals react in a plastic bag.
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Squaring Off With Velocity
Investigate the meaning of c2 in
E = mc2 by measuring the energy
delivered to a cup of flour by a marble falling at different
velocities.
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A Trip to Pluto
Consider the meaning of E = mc2 by
examining how much of different kinds of fuel would be required to
make an imaginary trip to Pluto.
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Who Did What When? A Time Line of
E = mc2
Science is a human endeavor that builds on the contributions and
efforts of many people. This time line highlights some of the key
scientists who helped lay the groundwork for Einstein's insight into
the equivalence of energy and mass.
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Credits
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