History

Students will investigate four historical case studies of physicists who some historians and physicists have argued should have won a Nobel Prize: Arnold Sommerfeld, Lise Meitner, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Satyendra Nath Bose. With each Case Study, students examine the historical context surrounding the prize that year (if applicable) as well as potential biases inherent in the structure of the Nobel Prize committee and its selection process. Students will summarize arguments for why these four physicists should have been awarded a Nobel Prize in physics, as well as potential explanations for why they were not awarded the honor.

Students will learn about the incredible life and accomplishments of Lise Meitner, one of the most important physicists during the 20th century, by reading about her critical role in the discovery of nuclear fission and contributions to the science of atomic and nuclear physics.

In this lesson, students will learn about Nobel Laureate, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (known as Chandra), his influence in astrophysics, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and the history of black holes.

Students will learn about the institutionalized discrimination of women scientists and their struggles for employment.

Students will learn about the significance of scientific writing, the significance of two writers from the early eighteen hundreds, and will practice writing themselves. 

Students will learn about the significance of scientific writing, the significance of two writers from the early eighteen hundreds, and will practice writing themselves. 

Students will learn about Leona Woods Marshall Libby, who worked on the Manhattan Project and afterward had a successful and diverse career as a research physicist, while also discussing the value of interdisciplinary research.

Students will learn about how women in physics were affected by World War II, and how a few women forged successful scientific careers despite marginalization.

Students will learn about Maria Mitchell and her work in observational astronomy.