Video summary
Dick, Dom and Fran Scott from 'Absolute Genius' look at the scientific work of Wernher von Braun.
Wernher von Braun designed the rocket that sent Apollo 11 to the moon, and was described by NASA as 鈥渢he greatest rocket scientist in history鈥.
However, as a member of the Nazi party during World War Two, and having worked to develop the V2 missile, he is a controversial figure.
The V2 was constructed at the Mittelwerk site by prisoners from Mittelbau-Dora, a concentration camp where an estimated 20,000 prisoners died during the war.
After 1945, despite his involvement with the Nazis, he was secretly hired by the US to work in their space program.
This short film is from the C91热爆 series, Absolute Genius with Dick & Dom.
Teacher Notes
This short film could inspire pupils to write and present a spoof news report on von Braun's work and the launch of Apollo 11.
They could conduct further research into the life and work of Wernher von Braun and consider if he deserves the title 'absolute genius', taking into consideration his involvement with the Nazi party.
As a fun activity, students could investigate water rockets. They could change variables such as the amount of water and the shape and size of the rocket to discover how these factors effect how far the water rocket travels.
Pupils could then design blueprints for their own space rockets, labelling the key elements.
This short film is suitable for teaching science at Key Stage 2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Second Level in Scotland.
Discovering the work of Archimedes. video
Dick and Dom describe the major scientific achievements of 'Absolute Genius', Archimedes, who is best known for his work on floating and sinking.
Discovering the work of Delia Derbyshire. video
Dick and Dom describe the major scientific achievements of 'Absolute Genius', Delia Derbyshire, including creating electronic music.
Discovering the work of Elsie Widdowson. video
Dick and Dom describe the scientific achievements of 'Absolute Genius', Elsie Widdowson, who was the first to discover the nutrional values of many foods.
Discovering the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. video
Dick and Dom describe the achievements of 'Absolute Genuis', Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed famous bridges.
Discovering the work of James Watt. video
Dick and Dom describe the major scientific achievements of 'Absolute Genius', James Watt, who made steam engines much more efficient.
Discovering the work of Joseph Bazalgette. video
Dick and Dom describe the major scientific achievements of Joseph Bazalgette, who designed one of the first ever sewers.
Discovering the work of Leonardo da Vinci. video
Dick and Dom describe the scientific achievements of 'Absolute Genius', Leonardo da Vinci, who is famous for his painting of the Mona Lisa.
Discovering the work of Michael Faraday. video
Dick and Dom describe the major scientific achievements of Michael Faraday, who is most remembered for his work on electrical energy.
Discovering the work of Sir Isaac Newton. video
Dick and Dom describe the scientific achievements of Isaac Newton, who is best known for discovering gravity.
