In this fascinating biography David Bodanis tells the story of one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history. Generations have grown up knowing that equation changed the shape of our world, but without understanding what it really means and why it is so significant. One of those papers introduced the theory of special relativity and his legendary equation, E=mc2. I didn't know I could know so much.' Fay Weldon, Books of the Year, Washington Post In 1905, Albert Einstein produced five historic papers that shattered many cherished scientific beliefs. It's a lucid, even thrilling study: the very best kind of science journalism. Thanks to his clarity, wit and enthusiasm, he succeeds.' Simon Singh, Daily Telegraphīy the end of the astonishing E=mc2, a dedicated reader will have achieved, if only by osmosis, an understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity and feel quite at ease dining with Nobel Prize winners. Key Project Personnel: Director of the WGBH Science Unit and Senior Executive Producer of NOVA: Paula S.David Bodanis attempts to expalin the meaning, beauty and implications of the most famous equation in physics.

A formative evaluation of the program and a summative evaluation of the program and outreach materials will ensure that 'E=mc2' achieves its ultimate purpose: to enhance public understanding of science and promote scientific careers. Notification of educational resources will be sent to all 14,000 high school physics teachers around the country. Outreach kits will be made available for free to 16,000 public libraries and 1,000 after-school programs. 'E=mc2' is intended for prime-time broadcast on PBS in the fall of 2005, to coincide with the centennial of Einstein's 'Miracle Year,' and should reach an initial audience of seven million viewers. A media initiative, an interactive Web site, and an outreach campaign broaden the program's impact beyond the television broadcast.

WGBH's Science Unit is requesting funds to produce for NOVA a two-hour television special based on David Bodanis' book 'E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation.' Combining dramatic and documentary techniques, the program uses Einstein's iconic equation to explore the physics behind the equation and the nature of the scientific process.

E=mc² by David Bodanis