Teaching Guide: Fred Begay: Physicist by Three Names
In this lesson students will be learning about the life and work of Fred Begay, also known as Fred Young and Clever Hunter, the first Native American to earn a PhD in physics.
begay_frederick_b1
Fred was the first Native American to receive a PhD in physics. He focused on nuclear physics and spent a majority of his career working extensively in nuclear fusion research and development. Begay had much difficulty in this cultural path to becoming a scientist, a predominantly white field. Students in this lesson will work to understand the struggle of being torn between two widely different cultures, feeling outcast in both, as well as the nuances of nuclear fusion, and the advances needed to make it a viable energy source. Students will learn about Fusion both through a video and science news article and compare how the two represent information.
Grade level(s): 9-12
Guide subjects: Physics
Minority Group(s): Native American
In-class time: 50 min
Prep time: 30 min
Technology Requirements: Student web access not required
Common Core Standards: Reading: Informational Text, History/Social Studies
Next Generation Science Standards: Physical sciences, Energy
