WGBY Intern and UMASS Senior, Jonathan Daly, writes:
This week we lost one of the most brilliant minds of our time. Stephen Hawking passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76. He contributed much to the scientific community through his work on fields such as black holes, the big bang, Hawking radiation. His contributions have allowed students across the globe to study new subjects that were previously unavailable to them.
Hawking’s life was riddled with adventure, hardship, and groundbreaking achievements. A PBS documentary entitled Hawking details the events of his life from early childhood to adulthood. There is also a PBS LearningMedia interactive lesson, The Life and Research of Stephen Hawking, that includes lesson plans, an essay, and other in-class activities regarding Hawking’s life as well as an excerpt from the film. A variety of other resources regarding Hawking’s work can also be found when search “Stephen Hawking” on PBS LearningMedia.
Thank you, Professor Hawking, for the countless hours that you dedicated to the field of science and all that you have contributed to our society.