ChangeOlogy - Learning Science Through Imagination Essential Questions
Activity #2
Recall one of Einstein’s famous quotes:
• Get students inspired to think outside the box by reading about two of Einstein’s accomplishments and a wacky story about Einstein (see below).
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” What do you think he meant by that? How can you use your imagination to change the world for the better?
Curriculum Connections Science: NS.K-4.3; NS.K-4.4; NS.K-4.6; NS.5-8.3; NS.5-8.4; NS.5-8.6; NS.9-12.3; NS.9-12.4; NS.9-12.6 Geography: NSS-G.K-12.3, NSS-G.K-12.5 English: NL-ENG.K-12.1; NL-ENG.K-12.3; NL-ENG.K-12.4; NL-ENG.K-12.5; NL-ENG.K-12.6; NL-ENG.K-12.7; NL-ENG.K-12.8; NL-ENG.K-12.11; NL-ENG.K-12.12 Art: NA-VA.K-4.2; NA-VA.K-4.3; NA-VA.K-4.5; NA-VA.K-4.6; NA-VA.5-8.2; NA-VA.5-8.3; NAVA.5-8.5; NA-VA.5-8.6; NA-VA.9-12.2; NA-VA.9-12.3; NA-VA.9-12.5; NA-VA.9-12.6 Technology: NT.K-12.1; NT.K-12.2; NT.K-12.3; NT.K-12.4; NT.K-12.5
Activity #1
• Reflecting on how Einstein’s ideas and inventions were radical at the time, and people were often skeptical of what he was doing, encourage students to respectfully stand up for their radical inventions and ideas. • Further thinking: Have students create a solution that doesn’t exist yet for a problem they want to solve. Have them use their imaginations and try traveling roads of thought they haven’t travelled before. • Send all ChangeOlogy Challenge responses, stories, newspaper articles, art and videos to KidzEra for possible publication! Be sure to include a submission form with each entry.
Resources
• Discuss the Essential Questions. • ChangeOlogy Challenge: Einstein invented world-changing theories and technologies. What invention would you like to create for the world and why? What would your invention do? What would it change? • Have students respond to the ChangeOlogy Challenge and submit their answers to KidzEra to become ChangeOlogists!
• ChangeOlogy project videos on YouTube.com/KidzEra • For information about teaching controversial subjects, see: http://www.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=2016 http://www.tolerance.org/handbook/beyond-golden-rule/chapter-4teaching-controversy
ALBERT EINSTEIN
Einstein’s Theories Article submitted by: Ayo S., Age 10, Panther Run Elementary School, Lake Worth, Florida These are just two examples of the accomplishments of Albert Einstein. He was a great inventor and ChangeOlogist.
Light
Albert’s fascination with light began at an early age. When he was 16, he wondered what it would be like to ride on a beam of light. Almost 10 years later, he came up with a special Theory of Relativity, in which he stated that light is a constant, unlike the wave-like picture that scientists of the time had thought it was. Albert found that it was not possible to travel faster than the speed of light: 186,000 miles/second (300,000 km/second).
Time & Space
This is an Albert theory that states that time isn’t constant like light is. The faster one travels, the slower time goes relative to others, even though that person doesn’t feel time as being any different. One practical use for this theory is knowing that there is a time difference when you get closer to light. This is generally not noticeable to people on Earth (walking versus driving a car), but it is of the utmost importance when considering space travel.
Einstein in Seussland
that emerged from a rock. “Would you like green eggs and ham?”
To get back to your world, you must locate the 1-2-3 fish.”
“Yes!” yelled Albert Einstein. “With my crazy new invention, I will create a new food called pizza!” Albert pressed the button — BREW. “What’s happening!?” yelled Albert. Everything went black.
“Ahhhhhh!” screamed Albert and he ran. To his eyes, every step he took looked like the world was going up and down. BUMP! He bumped into a tree. “Hey!” said the tree. “Watch it. I am the one who stole Christmas.” But Albert had already run away.
So Albert was off. Into the forest and out of the swampy lake, into a cave and out of the sky; he wouldn’t stop, even for a pig sty. Finally, he located the fish. “Listen, I need you to take me back to my world,” said Albert. “Help me.” The fish talked to each other and agreed to send him back. A fish wacked Albert with another fish and knocked him out.
Story submitted by: Kyle R., Age 10, Panther Run Elementary School, Lake Worth, Florida
“Ooohhhh. What’s happening?” Albert said two minutes later. He forced his body up. “Where am I?” “SAM I AM!” said a voice. “Who’s there?!” asked Albert, his voice shaking. “I am Sam,” said a creature
Then, a black creature walked up to him. ”Stoooooop!” the creature yelled. Albert stopped, his shoes going eaaaaw. “Who are you?” asked Albert. “Why, I am the Cat in the Hat,” said the cat. “There is no doubt about that. I can see you are not from here.
“Ohhhh,” said Albert. “What happened?” He looked around, back in his lab at last. “Thank you 1-2-3 fish!” hollered Albert.